The Korea Society visits the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Center at the University of Montana April 28-30 for discussions on Korea and regional relations, exhibit of Korean War Veteran material, as well as an evening focusing on the legacy of Senator Mike Mansfield, who as Ambassador was a champion for enhanced understanding in Asia-U.S. relations. Working with Mansfield Center Executive Director Dr. Abe Kim (formerly of the Korea Economic Institute of America), The Korea Society has fashioned programs rich on policy and arts. On April 28, Dr. Stephen Noerper presents the first Mansfield exhibition under Dr. Kim’s tenure, a selection of Korean War veterans’ items that convey the service and sacrifice of Korean War veterans. Dr. Noerper speaks to a gathering of students, faculty, and public keen on learning more about the events of six decades ago that formed the basis for the Korea-U.S. alliance. These items, selected from a review of over 9000 objects, convey in ways strong and humble the everyday experiences of those who served in Korea. They provide tangibility for a new generation, and in their wear and aged patina, convey a beauty and nobility to the most difficult days of battle. The items are non-lethal and utilitarian, all suggesting the average lives of average Americans serving in a most distant land.
The centerpiece of The Korea Society programs at The University of Montana is an evening dialogue on Tuesday, April 29, where Ambassador Hubbard, Ambassador Minton, Dr. Kim and Dr. Noerper join in a lively discussion on Korea and Northeast Asia, with an eye to Korea’s growth in regional and global leadership, current concerns by way of North Korea, China and Japan, opportunities for collaboration between the United States and Korea on global problems, and challenges ahead as Korea expands and as unification remains a Cold War challenge. The event is followed by a casual reception and meet-and-greet.
The Korea Society concludes its time in Missoula with a sit down at the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Center to reflect on Mike Mansfield’s legacy for Montana and our world. Joining Ambassadors Hubbard and Minton, both of whom worked for Ambassador Mansfield, will be former Congressman Pat Williams, who helped Senator Mansfield forge legislation in Washington, DC, and Professor Emeritus Paul Lauren, the first director of the Mansfield Center. This “fireside” chat for a university and general audience will be followed by a light reception.