On June 17th, 2016 Arirang Institute held its Spring 2016 Farewell Gathering at the Capital Hotel in Seoul, Korea. The event sponsors were as follows; The Asia Institute, Kid's English Co., Shuvra Mondal Photography, and of course Arirang Institute. The night celebrated, in true Arirang Institute fashion, the importance of human relationships in our pursuit and sustainment of a peaceful and prosperous Korean peninsula. Master of Ceremonies, Assistant Professor Earl J. Noble, of Kyonggi University, started the night off with a series of roasts and toasts for our guest of honor for the evening, Mr. Michael Lammbrau.
MC, Professor Earl J. Noble of Kyonggi University.
Professor Matthew Fennell of Hanyang University.
Professor Mark Sample of Foreign Studies University.
Up first was Assistant Professor Matthew Fennell of Hanyang University, followed by Assistant Professor Mark Sample of Foreign Studies University, concluding with Professor Emanuel Pastreich of Kyunghee University. In following with the tradition inspired by the New York Friars Club, the 'roast' is understood as:
"This type of event was created as a mock counter to a toast. Such events are intended to honor a specific individual in a unique way. The implication is that the roastee is able to take the jokes in good humor and not as serious criticism or insult, and it is seen by some as a great honor to be roasted. The individual is surrounded by friends and well-wishers, who can receive some of the same treatment as well during the course of the evening. The party and presentation itself are both referred to as a "roast". Anyone who is honored in such a way is said to have been "roasted"."
Professor Emanuel Pastreich; Mrs. 기미양
Mrs. Conny Cho; Mr. Michael Lammbrau
Professor Emanuel Pastreich; Mr. Tom Norris
The night also witnessed another first in Arirang Institute's short history, the creation and awarding of the "홍익인간" "Humanitarian Excellence Award." The recipients were honored for their dedication, commitment, and charity. Mr. Michael Lammbrau stated,
"Arirang Institute would not exist if it were not for the help, support, and charity of these wonderful individuals."
For more information regarding our 2016 "홍익인간" "Humanitarian Excellence Award" awardees please click here to travel to our "Humanitarian Excellence Award" page.
Humanitarian Excellence Awardees
Ms. Stacey Trimble
Mr. TOM Norris
Mrs. Conny Cho
Mrs. 기미양
Deacon Joseph Pak
Mr. Andy Kim, Professor Emanuel Pastreich, Mr. Michael Lammbrau, on the screen (Deacon Joseph Pak)
The night continued with the exciting announcement of the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Arirang Institute and The Asia Institute.
“Arirang Institute and The Asia Institute agree to cooperate in their research and outreach concerning peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, affirming our commitment to continue close cooperation.”
With the departure of Mr. Michael Lammbrau for the United States, as an Assistant Professor of Intelligence Studies at Mercyhurst University, Dr. Emanuel Pastreich will act as an interim "Korea Representative" for the near future. Mr. Lammbrau will be the "US Representative" from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Michael Lammbrau, 남은혜 명창, From the band, "A Couple Cents Flat," Mr Ryan Ritter and Mr. Yvon Malenfant.
The night ended with a performance of the famed Korean Peoples' "National Anthem" "Arirang" followed by a performance of, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," by Mr. Michael Lammbrau, 남은혜 명창, and from the band, "A Couple Cents Flat," Mr. Ryan Ritter and Mr. Yvon Malenfant.