Ode to a Rock Star
Christopher Park, M.D., Ph.D.
Palo Alto, California
Over the years, I have attended my share of celebrations in honor of Dr. Hesung Chun Koh, and I have had the opportunity to observe reactions to her on both sides of the Pacific. Dr. Koh has been alternatingly referred to as a model mother and wife, trailblazer, scholar, feminist, visionary, mentor, and leader. I do not think I would disagree with any one of these descriptions, which is why I often think of Dr. Koh as a “rock-star,” considering her broad “fan base” in Korea, the U.S., and abroad. I suppose it is Dr. Koh’s unique combination of personality and clarity of vision that has allowed her to attract so many people over the years, and this, I believe, is why she has been able to successfully usher East Rock Institute into its 53rd amazing year.
It may be a surprise to some that despite all the accolades, Dr. Koh is also a bit of an outsider. Because of her unconventional approach to communicating the essence of Korean culture to others, as well as her encouragement of academics and non-academics alike to join in the conversation, Dr. Koh has not always endeared herself to the establishment. But as a member of the Korean American diaspora, Dr. Koh always is keenly aware of the importance of answering the question that Koreans worldwide ask themselves, “What does it mean to be Korean, and what does that mean for my life? In facing some of the toughest early challenges as a student, then immigrant, new wife and mother in 1950s America, Dr. Koh began to formulate the seed ideas that would continue to inspire us all 60 years later. This is precisely the reason why ERI is such an important institution for Koreans everywhere.
I have volunteered in numerous capacities at ERI for more than two decades, first as a student, then professional, and now as a board member. It is remarkable to see how much ERI has changed dramatically over the years, continuing to reinvent itself while staying true to its motto, “To search, to learn, and to serve.” Whether through the Korean and Korean American Students conferences, the Korean and Korean American Studies Bulletin, East Rock Press, leadership training retreats, teachers’ curricula development, Teach Korea Corps, CultureWear, or other ERI-sponsored activities, Dr. Koh has guided the Korean and Korean American communities through uncharted territories with great skill, while ensuring that her proverbial “skill” has never surpassed her virtue.
On this occasion of Dr. Koh’s 80th birthday, I am deeply honored and humbled to be able to share my recollections here. In addition to recognizing all of her amazing accomplishments, I would also like to personally thank Dr. Koh for helping me to find my voice and identity as a Korean American. I was a young, star-struck freshman at Yale when I first met the “rock-star” Dr. Koh. Now more than 20 years later, she still inspires awe in me on a regular basis. However, unlike the college freshman who first knew Dr. Koh as the “chairwoman and co-founder of ERI,” I am now happy to consider her as one of my long-time friends with broad influence in my life.
You are an amazing person and someone for all to emulate, Dr. Koh. Happy 80th Birthday!
