Commencement & Asia Society

[성김 대사]

I recently visited my hometown Los Angeles for two special reasons: delivering a commencement address at Loyola Law School’s graduation ceremony and receiving an award from Asia Society Southern California. 

It was a great honor to address the graduating class of 2014 at Loyola Law School and a very large audience (over 5,000 people) of their families and friends.  I was in the class of 1985 at Loyola and it was very special to be back at the school after 29 years, especially since I missed my own graduation ceremony.  Past keynote speakers have included U.S. Supreme Court Justices, highly successful lawyers, and prominent politicians.  In fact, Secretary of State Kerry and Vice President Biden spoke at Loyola graduations when they were still in the U.S. Senate.  

Delivering a commencement address at Loyola Law School

When I was in law school, I never imagined that I would be back almost 30 years later to give the commencement speech.  It was a very special experience for me and my family.  This experience definitely made me feel old but I very much appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to share my thoughts on life changes, law and public service with the new graduates.    

The second event in Los Angeles was Asia Society Southern California’s annual award dinner.  I was honored to be in the company of a very successful and generous Chinese-American businessman, Mr. Ming Hsieh, who received the Philanthropist of the Year Award, and Madame Sylvia Wu, a 99-year-old Chinese restaurant owner, who received the Culinary Legacy Award.  The Asia Society graciously selected me as its 2014 Diplomat of the Year Award winner.  

With fellow awardees Madame Wu and Mr. Hsieh

The event had a great turnout, including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, community leaders, prominent businesspeople and lawyers, and even some former ambassadors.  It was a terrific opportunity to reconnect with a diverse group of Angelenos.  And the weather in Los Angeles during my brief stay was absolutely fabulous.  As you know, I have loved my diplomatic career and the many exciting experiences in different countries, but I have to confess sometimes when I go back to California and feel the beautiful weather and see the sun-tanned healthy glow of my friends, I wonder why I ever left...

With Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti and Asia Society Southern California Chairman McLain