California State University, San Bernardino
One of Korea’s most impactful philanthropists and foundation leaders, Sang-Kyun Lee’s generosity has made a profound impact on the faculty and students of California State University, San Bernardino, especially in the high-impact practice of study abroad.
In the arena of higher education, Dr. Lee has been instrumental in increasing the philanthropy of Shin-Il Educational Foundation through significant grants to universities in different parts of the world, supporting both students and faculty. These grants have also promoted student exchanges and faculty visitation programs. In addition, the foundation has made significant donations to the International Association of University Presidents, which has members around the globe.
Dr. Lee was key to the approval of a grant of $400,000 to promote student exchanges between CSU San Bernardino American and Korean students, as well as faculty visitation programs. The gift became one of the university’s largest single endowment funds dedicated exclusively to study abroad.
The Shin-Il Educational Foundation and the Korea Foundation collaborated in spring 2017, on a second gift of nearly $100,000 to expand studies of Korean culture. Thanks to the support of Dr. Lee, CSU San Bernardino has received a third gift of $80,000, which will allow the 50-member CSU San Bernardino Chamber Orchestra to perform at the renowned Seoul Arts Center, the country’s premier performing arts venue. The concert is scheduled for October 2019.
Regarding his contributions to Korean society, Dr. Lee is vice chairman of the Seoul Metropolitan City chapter of the Korean National Red Cross. Additionally, he is a standing committee member of The National Peaceful Unification Advisory Board of Korea and a board member of the International Vaccine Institute.
Dr. Lee’s achievements demonstrate many of the core values of the CSU San Bernardino community and he will represent the California State University system and CSU San Bernardino with distinction. In recognition of his many accomplishments and extensive contributions to the university and the community, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University, San Bernardino are proud to confer upon Dr. Sang-Kyun Lee the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.