KSEA Central Florida Chapter Fall picnic took place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Blanchard Park in Orlando, from 10:30am to 2pm. The main goals of this event were to support networking among Korean American scientists and engineers, faculty, postdocs, and students in Central Florida and to promote the KSEA membership drive. Over 65 attendees including existing chapter members, newcomers, and visiting faculty members as well as their families gathered to enjoy the cheerful day.
After an hour of settling in and some icebreaker time, the Chapter President Dr. Jae Um extended a cordial welcome, and then each attendee gave a brief self-introduction. This year’s picnic felt even more special, thanks to Dr. Um’s efforts, as we had faculty members and students from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University join the gathering, in addition to members in the Orlando area including University of Central Florida (UCF). In addition, Prof. Yongho Sohn at UCF, the 52nd KSEA President, delivered remarks on the mission and vision of the KSEA, and encouraged attendees, especially young members, to join KSEA as future leaders.
Lunch full of delicious Korean dishes provided a great opportunity of getting to know each other and feeling connected. Before and during the lunch time, UCF student chapter members offered help with membership drive. We were able to successfully increase the numbers of membership renewal and new membership. Following lunch, everyone including children participated in a fun, engaging game led by Prof. Hae-Bum (Andrew) Yun at UCF. The picnic came to an end around 2pm when the afternoon rain shower began. Overall, we are grateful this networking event went very well, nourishing connections that made a positive influence on all the participants within the community.
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