Alumni & Parents in Seoul, South Korea. |
Parents of several current Caldwell College students and recent alumni welcomed Dr. Paul Douillard, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Joseph Posillico, Vice President for Enrollment and Dr. Sook Choi, Professor of Biology to Seoul, South Korea.
The group was able to spend 8 days in Korea. Time was spent hosting a reception for the Korean Parents Association and alumni, visiting with our two sister colleges and meeting with prospective students at the American International Education Foundation (AIEF) college fair.
The reception was held to thank our parents and alumni for their past, current and future contributions to Caldwell College, including recruiting students and contributions to various fundraising efforts. Dr. Douillard announced the plans for a new student residence hall to open in fall of 2007 and our intention to increase our recruiting efforts in South Korea. Mrs. Sang-Sin Kang, the President of the Parent’s Association provided us with a warm welcome and provided us with great assistance throughout our trip.
Our parents and alumni worked with Mr. Posillico and Dr. Choi at the two-day student recruitment fair held at the COEX Convention Center sponsored by the American International Education Foundation (AIEF). Caldwell alumni, Seung O Kang, ’98, provided a great deal of leadership throughout the event, working long hours and meeting with many students. We are grateful to all of our parents, alumni and friends who assisted at the fair.
More good news from Seoul resulted from visits to our two sister colleges, Catholic University and DukSung Women’s University. Prior to the visit to Seoul, Catholic University was pleased to offer five Caldwell students the opportunity to attend a 2-week Korean culture program this summer. Caldwell College had eight students interested in the program leaving three students on a waiting list. After meeting with Catholic University President, Reverend Lim, he personally invited all eight students to attend the program this summer. Our students will spend time in an English-language classroom as well as being exposed to the Korean language and experiencing Korean culture. Catholic University will provide apartment style housing for our students and provide them with opportunities to explore Seoul and the surrounding areas.
At DukSung Women’s University, Dr. Eun Hee Chi, President, was excited to meet with representatives from Caldwell College. Dr. Chi had been President for only three weeks prior to our visit. Dr. Chi was very supportive of our relationship with and wished to strengthen and increase the students involved in our student exchange program. The administration at DukSung was also very agreeable to providing faculty exchange opportunities and, this summer, Professor Madonna Adams was approved to teach at their University.
On our final evening, we were able to dine with Board of Trustee member, Mr. Kyung Jae Lee and his wife. Mr. Lee is an integral member of our Board of Trustees and continues to spend time in both the United States and South Korea, conducting business and finding time to attend board meetings at Caldwell College. We are most appreciative of his fine work and contributions to Caldwell College.
Overall the visit was extremely successful and should strengthen our relationships with our parents association, alumni and our sister colleges.