홍익인간 - 弘益人間 - Humanitarian Excellence

The following section seeks to honor the tremendous support, inspiration, and charity of the individuals, who made Arirang Institute possible, and whom without we would not exist today.  We wish to honor them as a "Hongik" Person, or 홍익인간, in Korean, or 弘益人間 in Chinese. 

널리 인간세계를 이롭게 한다는 뜻으로 <<삼국유사>>의 단군 신화에 나오는 말이다. 우리세계 정치 - 경제 - 문화의 최고 이념으로, 윤리 의식과 사상적 전통의 바탕을 이루고 있다.

    Deacon Joseph Pak

    Deacon Joseph Pak, retired US Army Officer of 25+ years, was the catalyst for the creation and implementation of Arirang Institute. Without the charity, service, and good will of Deacon Joseph Pak Arirang Institute would not exist and for that reason among many others, we are truly grateful to Deacon Joseph Pak and wished to recognize his service to the community and to the peace and security of the Korean peninsula with the "Humanitarian Excellence Award." Thanks again St. Joe for all you do, we wish you all the best to you and your family.

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    Mrs. Kee me yang

    Arirang expert and Director of the Arirang Community Association, Mrs. Kee Me Yang, was one our first and still continues to be our biggest supporter.  Her great spirit and positive energy were key to the establishment of Arirang Institute.  Her cultural expertise and passion for "all things Korea" including the peaceful unification of the Korean peninsula, serve as an example for us all on what is possible if we only act in the present to make it happen.  We are truly grateful for the opportunity to work with her and continue our collaboration with Arirang in the United States as well as Korea.  

    Professor Conny cho

    Professor Conny Cho, a great friend, leader, and mentor began her journey with Arirang Institute last Fall 2015, in the creation of the "Arirang Readers" initiative. As the President of Kid's English, Professor Cho provided a digital library of 200,000+ English books and coursework, free of cost, for our North Korean refugee friends across the Korean peninsula. Her support and the support of individuals of Professor Cho's calibre make Arirang Institute possible. We truly do rely on the love, trust, and charity of the community, thanks again Professor Cho for all you do! There is much yet to be done!

    MS. STACEY TRIMBLE

    Ms. Stacey Trimble, a Spring 2016 Arirang Institute Fellow and Reporter for Geoje News, was instrumental to the Spring 2016 Talk Series, "Inspired by Courage: Talks on Leadership."  She produced and developed the podcast series in order for the "Leadership Talks," to reach a broader audience in hopes of inspiring others to get involved.  A truly impressive and inspirational Professional, we were luck to work with her for the short duration of the Spring 2016 semester. Good luck Stacey! We wish you and yours all the best and look forward each week to the next issue of Geoje News.  

    MR. TOM Norris

    Mr. Tom Norris, is currently finishing his year long Korean Language study program with NIEED and is planning to attend Seoul National University, Korea's top university, for his graduate work. We are proud and blessed to be able to work with such an outstanding young professional. Tom is not only our, Director of International Cooperation, with his focus on our Arirang Diplomacy Football Club, but his drive, passion, and energy were key ingredients to the growth and influence of Arirang Institute. It is an honor to have you on our team.