The Jackson School of International Studies and the Department of History honored two faculty members, Hwasook Nam and Kyoko Tokuno, who retire from the University of Washington at the end of this academic year, in June 2018.
During a reception at the University of Washington Club on May 31, Director Reşat Kasaba, who emceed the ceremony to over 60 UW faculty, staff, alumni and students, gave remarks for each, noting his appreciation for their contributions to their fields of study in Asia, as well as their “tremendous reputations as teachers, advisors and scholars.”
Nam, whose expertise is on Korea, received her doctorate from UW and joined the Jackson School over 12 years ago with a joint appointment in the Department of History. In 2007, she was named as the inaugural James B. Palais Endowed Assistant Professor in Korea Studies, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2012.
Anand Yang, Jackson School Professor and Chair of the History Department, told the audience in his remarks: “Hwasook’s accomplished a lot, including a prize-winning book in Korea studies. Every class she teaches, whether in the Jackson School or History, automatically fills up; I don’t know too many people who teach Korean history classes anywhere in the U.S. that routinely draw over 100 students.”
Adding his appreciation Clark Sorensen, Chair of Korean Studies and the Center for Korea Studies, emphasized Nam’s contributions to the program, and that “we’re going to miss her.”
Arriving at UW and the Jackson School over 17 years ago, Kyoko Tokuno’s academic contributions span Japan, Korea, Comparative Religion, and East Asia. Richard Salomon, Professor of Asian Languages & Literature, who worked closely with Tokuno, said to the audience:
“If Buddhist Studies has a future at UW, Kyoko has done a huge amount to lay a foundation for that future, and has really provided the support to the program with one of the strongest arguments for continuation. She has been devoted and diligent to various programs at UW, and we wish her long and happy years of retirement.”
Jackson School Professor Marie Anchordoguy, who specializes in the political economy of Japan, provided farewell remarks to Tokuno on behalf of History Professor Patricia Ebrey, who could not attend the event.
Both Professors Tokuno and Nam will remain in Seattle, and continue to be part of our community as emeritus professors.