On December 1st, the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association’s North Carolina Chapter (KSEA NC Chapter) hosted a memorable KSEA NC Chapter Faculty Network Dinner and Fundraising Gala Dinner event at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course Clubhouse at North Carolina State University, signifying a substantial accomplishment in community engagement and support. The NC Chapter’s first fundraising event witnessed a total of 49 attendees, encompassing 26 KSEA regular members, 12 graduate student members, and 11 special guests.
The KSEA NC Chapter prepared various segments to enrich the Gala dinner. Opening remarks were followed by a captivating string performance from the Eins Chamber Ensemble, whose melodious harmonies enchanted the attendees. Comprising a dedicated group of high school students from North Carolina,the Ensemble commits to performing voluntarily at a variety of locations, including foster homes and hospitals, aiming to deliver a positive influence through their music. The group showcased the musical prowess of Kelly Kim, Kevin Nam, Minchae Joo, Aiden Han, and Sunny Shin on the violin, with Brian Ahn and Chloe Kim on the cello. Their performance not only added elegance to the evening but also warmth, setting a festive tone akin to an early Christmas celebration. Their performance at the event was not only elegant but also heartwarming, infusing the night with an atmosphere reminiscent of an early Christmas celebration.
The KSEA NC Chapter has reached a notable milestone in its history with the launch of its very first official homepage (www.kseancchapter.org). This digital platform represents a significant leap forward in the NC Chapter’s ability to communicate its mission, share its initiatives, and connect with supporters. The creation of the homepage is a reflection of the organization’s dedication to transparency and outreach, offering a centralized location for information on programs, events, and opportunities for engagement. At the event, President Dr. Kim shared this remarkable progress and celebrated the grand opening of its homepage in the presence of core members and staunch supporters, marking a significant digital advancement for the chapter.
The NC Chapter is currently focusing on uniting and collaborating with members majoring in both STEM and non-STEM fields. As a first step towards creating a mutually supportive community, NC Chapter hosted “3-Minute Lightning Talk” contest. Student members at the NC Chapter student members recorded to present their research and interests within a three-minutes window. At the Gala Dinner, videos of the four finalists who had progressed beyond the preliminary rounds were displayed, with winners being determined through live voting by the event’s attendees. The finalists were Seongeun Kim from UNC Greensboro, Migon Choi from Duke University, Jaesung Yoo from UNC Chapel Hill, and Jee Won Paek from Duke University. Jaesung Yoo took first place, with Migon Choi and Jee Won Paek securing second and third places, respectively.
The highlight of the Gala dinner was the live auction, Auction items donated by local businesses and individuals up for bids among the attendees. The proceeds from this auction were dedicated to support the activates of the KSEA CN Chapter and its members. Notably, the NC Chapter has established a new “Emergency Relief Fund” to aid student members who encounter urgent situations, such as medical emergencies or accidents. The enthusiastic participation in the authoc created a vibrant and lively atmosphere, infusing the gala dinner with an added layer of excitement and camaraderie.
Furthermore, the gala reached its zenith with the conferment of the ‘Outstanding Leadership Award’ to Dr. Sunkyu Park from North Carolina State University (NCSU). This accolade acknowledged Dr. Park’s substantial contributions and exceptional leadership within the KSEA NC Chapter. Serving as the chapter president from 2022 to 2023, Dr. Park’s tenure was marked by significant achievements, most notably leading the NC Chapter to achieve the highest membership enrollment for the year among all local chapters within KSEA.
The KSEA NC Chapter’s Gala Dinner was more than just an end-of-the-year event; it celebrated the chapter’s progressiveness and the spirited community within the NC Chapter, along with collective triumphs. The fundraising campaign at the event was successfully executed. Concluding with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for future initiatives, the event established the NC Chapter as a leader in hosting impactful and innovative events.
KSEA e-Letters 