The Korean American Students Association, celebrating 10 years of its existence at the College this weekend, has come a long way since its inception in 1989.
KASA was founded 10 years ago by two students who perceived a lack of Korean Studies courses offered by the College. The current president of KASA, James Yu '99, said the association was founded because there was a "need for a social and cultural outlet for Korean students on campus."
Korean-Americans, despite being the largest ethnic group on campus, had no organization fulfilling the needs of their community, Yu said.
Yu explained KASA became an outlet for the rich heritage, culture and language of Koreans. Korean-Americans are not only celebrating 10 years of KASA but also half a century of Korean students at the College.
Yu said before KASA was formed many Korean-American students had a very hard time adjusting to life on campus.
Joan Hwang '92, president of the organization in 1991, said she was satisfied with the progress the association has made over the years. She said it has improved a lot, organized itself and accomplished a great deal.
KASA faculty advisor David Kang said, "I think [KASA] has matured a lot as an organization."
Referring to members in the recent years, Hwang said, "They have taken up from the roots of what we started and are carrying on the mission."
Recently KASA has had success with its Korean Studies intiative. A Korean Visiting Scholar Program has been started. James Thomas, a specialist in Korean history, is visiting campus and a Korean film studies professor will be visiting campus next Winter, Yu said.
Yu attributed KASA's recent success to the efforts of Kang, who has helped the association discuss issues with the administration.
Yu called lobbying for a studies program a "fairly uphill battle" and explained KASA students in the past were not very successful because of inadequate funds and insufficient adminstrative support, but the association is doing better now.
Kang called the association's success "moderate," adding it is making "wonderful steps" in the right direction.
KASA also operates a student-led Korean Language Program open to all interested students and sponsors a KASA Big Sib/Little Sib Program which pairs Dartmouth students with Korean children in the Upper Valley.
Tomorrow KASA celebrates its 10 years with a Korean Culture Night in Collis Commonground. The association's alumni are also coming up to Hanover this weekend to join the Korean-Americans on campus in their celebration.
Monica Cha '99, co-chair of the Culture Night, explained instead of having a Master of Ceremony for the night, KASA is having a slide show of KASA pictures from the past 10 years.
KASA has also organized "Kosa," a Korean cultural ceremony which means an "invocation of the gods" for the Night, Cha said.
The Korean Little Sibs prepared the kite decorations for Collis Commonground and are also doing a dance for the Night, Cha said.
Cha said "KASA has done very well," adding, "Tomorrow is going to be a fantastic show."
