At K-State throwback: K-State grad celebrates International connections
For 150 years, the K-State Alumni Association has been connecting alumni and sharing
their stories, helping Wildcats feel just a little closer to their alma mater, regardless
how far away they may live from the spot that we love full well.
For a number of years, the Alumni Association’s At K-State newsletter has been helping to share these alumni stories. In honor of our 150th
celebration in 2024, we’re resharing this story pulled from the At K-State archive a decade ago, in 2014.
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When Kyung-Goo Doh ’92, Ansan, Korea, graduated from K-State with a doctorate in computer
science, he said he knew he would be coming back every year. His connection and international
experience with K-State was that strong.
Like many alumni, Doh, professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering
at Hanyang University ERICA campus, stayed connected with K-State faculty members
David Schmidt ’77, professor of computer science, and Masaaki Mizuno, professor of
computing and information sciences. The close connection he felt with faculty and
fellow K-Staters inspired him to lead the K-State Alumni Association group in Korea
during the early-2000s.
Even with nearly 6,500 miles separating Anson, Korea, and Manhattan, Kansas, Doh returned
to K-State in 2001. Over the years Doh and Mizuno developed the South Korean Summer
Institute (SKSI), funded by a grant from the Korean government and Hanyang University.
The program allowed Doh to give back to Korean students the same international and
intellectual experience he had, and the chance to return to K-State.
This summer SKSI is in its second year. Doh invited 24 Korean juniors to K-State,
based on criteria such as their proficiency in English, GPA and knowledge of software
concepts. During its first summer, the English language barrier was a challenge for
the students. To better prepare this summer’s students, they spent one year prior
to SKSI focused on learning English.
SKSI students are enrolled in two computer science classes not available in Korea:
Real-time Embedded Systems designed by professor Mizuno and, new this summer, the
Cyber Defense course designed by Professor Simon Ou, K-State department of computing
and information sciences professor. Doh said K-State is a leader in the field of cyber
security, and they are excited to offer the class to students this summer.
Students are also enrolled in a technical communications class designed by K-State’s
English Language Program. Giving the students the opportunity to take these classes
in the United States pushes them to learn and explore in a new culture, said Doh.
During their 40-day visit, the students also experienced American culture. Activities
outside of class include seeing the Fourth of July fireworks display in Wamego, Kansas;
attending a Kansas City Royals baseball game; and taking a trip to the Riley County
Fair and Rodeo.
It’s Doh’s wish that the students can make the same connection with the K-State family
that he made during his time here more than 20 years ago.
Doh recalls his years at K-State fondly. He and his fellow colleagues met weekly in
Aggieville to reconnect after long work weeks. He also enjoyed watching K-State basketball
and saw coach Lon Kruger take the team to finish second in the Big Eight Conference.
“Buildings change, the scenery changes, but for the most part, the atmosphere at K-State
is the same as it was,” Doh said.