Jhin named 2010 Alumnus of the Year

Dr. Paul Kyo Jhin, leader of the Information and Technology Corps (ITCO) (A UN Partner Organization) and Chairman of the World Mine Resources in Los Angeles, has been named Lipscomb University’s 2010 Alumnus of the Year.

 

A 1960 graduate of Lipscomb with a degree in mathematics, Jhin is chief executive officer of the ITCO 500/13 initiative   which will provide 500,000 computers to 10,000 schools that will impact 33 million students in 60 nations by 2013. He is also a member of the High-level Panel of Advisors for the United Nations Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (UN-GAID). He will be honored at a luncheon and at Lipscomb University’s spring commencement on May 8, where he will address graduates and their families.

 

“The Alumnus of the Year Award is the highest form of recognition given by Lipscomb University and The National Alumni Association. Paul Jhin exemplifies the Christian business leader we hold up to our students, alumni and community. We are so proud to claim him as one of our alums,” said Mark Meador, senior director of alumni and parent relations at Lipscomb.

 

The award is given annually to an alumnus who “is a successful individual who, through exemplary accomplishments and recognition, and through his/her strong faith and servant-like heart, epitomizes the potential of a Lipscomb education and thereby brings credit and honor to the university.”

 

Jhin began to identify the needs of students through his work with the Peace Corps. He served as the director of the Peace Corps’ Special Initiatives before accepting the position with ITCO. In that role, he became the Peace Corps’ liaison to the State Department’s Inter-Agency Working Group, the White House Initiative on Digital Freedom, and the United Nations Secretary-General’s office.

 

Jhin holds an associate degree in liberal arts and religion from Freed-Hardeman University, amaster’s degree in government and international relations from New York University, a master’s degree in mathematics from Boston College and a doctoral degree in mathematics education from Auburn University. Prior to joining the Peace Corps, Jhin served as the director of the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, Los Angeles and served as commissioner of the California Postsecondary Education Commission. He has also served as executive assistant to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, where he worked as a personal advisor and consultant to the Secretary on the formulation of broad department polices and the implementation of Department of Veterans Affairs programs. While there he introduced Total Quality Management (TQM) culture to the second largest federal department helping to provide the highest quality service possible to veterans and their families. From 1983 to 1990, Jhin served as Assistant Superintendent for Educational Technology in the District of Columbia Public School system, establishing a live math tutorial program and installing 6,000 personal computers and television sets in every classroom in 180 primary and secondary schools in the system.

 

Jhin's many achievements have been recognized at the national level and he has received numerous honors including "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.” He was also honored with the "Kukmin-Hunchang Dongpaik-Chang,” the highest civilian award from the Korean government. The U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce selected Dr. Jhin as one of four Outstanding Young Educators of America. He also received the prestigious "Distinguished Service Award" from the Federal Council of Asian Pacific Americans.

 

“I have sweet memories from my time at Lipscomb. I try to carry out that spirit of service I saw on the campus. We must serve the needs of others. Feed those who are hungry. Bring hope,” said Jhin.