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On June 18th, The Gunnery hosted the Korean Gunnery Alumni Party at The Shilla Hotel in Seoul. Organized by Korean Alumni Association President, Younsung (Andy) Lee ‘95 and past parent, Mrs. Young Hee Park PP ’04, ’09, close to 40 people attended the festive reception and dinner. Head of School, Susan Graham and her husband, Jim, traveled to Seoul for the event. Also making a special appearance was Board of Trustees member, Dr. David Albala, who had been invited to Seoul by the South Asian Urology Conference to lecture on the latest techniques in robotic and laparoscopic surgery. David spoke eloquently, reinforcing his theme of “the importance of giving back,” a theme which created the framework for his 2009 commencement address. Mrs. Graham gave a state-of-the school address, translated effectively by Jin Young (Clifford) Yang ’98, as the colorful school slide show played. The highlight of the evening, though, occurred when Andy and Clifford asked all the young alumni, current students and even an incoming student, to come, introduce themselves and explain what they are now doing and why The Gunnery is so important to them. After getting the green light to speak in Korean, each was articulate, impressive, and funny for the parents and guests, who occasionally do not speak English as well as their children. There was appreciation, laughter, and great pride as each student spoke. The banquet was elegant and the evening’s mood was ebullient as we celebrated The Gunnery’s historic partnership with Korean families. The sign in the lobby of The Shilla Hotel directing everyone to the event said it all: “The Gunnery Family Reception. “ Indeed, it felt like a family reunion.
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