Date: June 14, 2010
Contact: Eric Matanyi
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-4044
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: e-matanyi@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
Governors State Professor Receives Humanitarian Award
University Park, IL, June 14, 2010 – Dr. Sang-O Rhee, Professor of Health Administration at Governors State University, recently received the 2010 Humanitarian Service Award from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White. The award was presented to Dr. Rhee at the May 20 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month reception at the James Thompson Center in Chicago.
The Humanitarian Service Award recognizes Dr. Rhee’s contributions to the Asian American community and for his commitment to the State of Illinois. Secretary of State White cited Dr. Rhee’s major role in health administration education at GSU, his pioneering international service for healthcare management technology transfer, and his unselfish dedication to and advancement of Korean heritage education for second generation Korean Americans and other Americans.
Dr. Rhee, a Homewood resident and member of the GSU faculty since 1975, said his long-time service in the Asian American community reflects the university’s mission of providing an exceptional, affordable education while working to make life better in the communities it serves.
“GSU emphasizes service,” said Dr. Rhee. “We are always looking for ways to serve our communities, and help improve them. GSU works very closely with the people living in our communities. Through my teaching, I have been able to help people take better care of themselves. That’s a major reason why I find GSU such a good place to work.”
At GSU, Dr. Rhee has made a significant contribution to the advancement of healthcare management education and research. He delivers GSU’s health administration courses online, enabling access by students anywhere in the world.
Dr. Rhee has served as president and chair of the National Association for Korean Schools. As board chair of the Education Foundation for Korean Americans, Dr. Rhee has played a leading role in publishing educational reports over the Internet for lifetime learners of Korean and teachers at more than 2,000 Korean schools in 170 countries.
