In Memoriam: Stewart Soon-won Lee
Lee, who died last month, taught in the Department of Political Science for nearly 40 years.By: Meghan Kita Thursday, September 21, 2023 00:03 PM
Stewart Soon-won Lee, who taught in Muhlenberg’s Department of Political Science from 1963 until his retirement in 2000, died on Wednesday, August 2. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Westminster College and his doctorate from Rutgers University. He joined Muhlenberg as a lecturer in 1963 and was promoted to assistant professor in 1967, and, later, to associate professor and full professor. His expertise was in East Asian studies and the Soviet Union.
Lee was born in Pyongyang and escaped to South Korea when he was 16, one year before the start of the Korean War. He ended up in Seoul with his parents and brother, where he attended Seoul High School and was then accepted to the prestigious Yonsei University. This experience allowed him to learn English and to prepare to pursue further education in the United States.
Lee’s personal backstory gave him a unique perspective on his areas of expertise. Colleagues remember him as being ahead of his time in terms of helping students understand how authoritarianism and totalitarianism affected the lives of people living under those types of rule. He also was an early adopter of the notion that culture shapes politics, a mainstream part of international studies today that wasn’t as widely accepted then.
Lee was a dedicated teacher who liked to challenge students without overwhelming them. He worked hard to prepare for his classes and to ensure he was available to meet with students. He also served as a mentor for junior colleagues, helping them prepare their tenure files and providing guidance on how to bring out the best in students. He is remembered as being a kind and supportive presence in the department.
Beyond Muhlenberg, he played a significant role in the Lehigh Valley’s Korean community. He and his wife, Young-ja Hong, were among the founders of the Korean Church of the Lehigh Valley, which was established in 1978 and built its own church in 1987. He was also the first president of the Lehigh Valley Korean Association. He remained active in the Korean community throughout his life and was considered a mentor by many.
Survivors include his wife, his three children (Edwin, Jane and Richard) and their spouses and nine grandchildren.
