South Korean President Lee Myung-bak congratulated Dartmouth President Jim Yong Kim on his inauguration as the College's 17th president in a letter to Kim and the Dartmouth community dated Sept. 17.
The letter, which was read publicly by Provost Barry Scherr at Kim's inauguration Tuesday morning, was provided to The Dartmouth by the College's Office of Public Affairs.
Kim, who is the first Asian American to lead an Ivy League institution, was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1959. His parents met and married in New York City, where Kim's older brother was born. Kim and his younger sister were born after their parents returned to South Korea.
Kim's family moved to Dallas, Texas, when he was five years old, and later relocated to Muscatine, Iowa.
Kim's appointment as College president has received widespread attention in the Korean media.
President Lee Myung-bak's letter is below:
Dear Dr. Kim, esteemed faculty members and students of Dartmouth College,
Dartmouth College was founded in 1769 and has become one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world. Today, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, a proud son of Korea, is being sworn in as the next president of this distinguished institution, the first Asian to assume this noble task. I, on behalf of the Korean people and my government, extend our heartfelt congratulations.
Korean history is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of humankind, a spirit that has endured all forms of hardships and challenges. Throughout history, Koreans have demonstrated, time and again, their commitment to upholding freedom, liberty and love for humanity. Such is the legacy that has been given to us by our forefathers and now it is the key to our creative pragmatism that helps us uphold universal values of justice, peace and freedom.
We live in a world where we can no longer be indifferent to what is happening to others. Dr. Kim has devoted his life to helping others live a more decent, healthier life by providing love and care to those in desperate need. His dedicated service has been an inspiration and a beacon of hope to millions around the world. By having Dr. Kim as its next president, I am confident that Dartmouth College will continue to be what it has always been, a true and compassionate leader.
As President of the Republic of Korea and as a fellow Korean, today is a wonderful day. As Dr. Kim assumes his new responsibilities, I am confident that Dartmouth College, under his vision and leadership, will continue to succeed. I wish the entire Dartmouth College the best of luck. May God bless you all.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed)
Lee Myung-bak
