Young Sam Kim Korean Student Center dedicated
Following a celebratory performance outside of Old Champlain by the traditional, percussion student group Sul Poong, the Young Sam Kim Korean Student Center, now housed in Old Champlain, was officially dedicated Saturday, Nov. 11.
“That percussion instrumental dance was outstanding and I’m amazed that our students have that kind of talent,” said Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger, thanking Charles Kim ’98; his wife, Jean Su Maeng-Kim; and his brother, James W. Kim ’99 for their donations that made the center possible.
“Our students work tremendously hard but they also need time to connect and relax with friends and that’s what this center will do,” Stenger said. “This space will be available to students of Korean descent and others as well, and provide a place where students will burn a lot of energy.”
Kim’s vision for the center is that students will bounce ideas off of each other and learn that even failures are opportunities for learning and growing. “Utilize this center as an intellectual and creative garden,” Charles Kim said. “Like a garden, you are all seeds and won’t grow by yourselves. It’s an honor for me to open this garden today.”
“What we have here is a real moment together in this shared space,” said April Thompson, associate vice president and dean of students. “I see the gift of inspiration where our students can learn what is possible for them now and in the future. Our hope is that students will engage here; come together; communicate; work; play; meet faculty, students and staff; and become the future leaders of Binghamton University and of our planet.
“Take notice of the carefully thought-out and planned details,” Thompson added. “And take the time to enjoy it. We hope students will make connections here while we show a prominent, clear symbol of belonging and place for our Korean American students here at Binghamton University. The gift you have shared with us will impact generations of students to come.”