The Dr. Lee Award honors high school seniors who have overcome adversity, achieved academic excellence or made significant improvements, and demonstrated a commitment to community service and leadership. This award supports their post-secondary education and is bestowed annually upon a select group of seniors. Pictured above is Dr. Lee with three of the 2018 award recipients.
But who is Dr. Lee, and why is this award so meaningful?
Dr. Bai Oong Lee was born in Korea during a time of Japanese occupation. Despite the political tensions, his childhood was filled with happy memories of playing with both Korean and Japanese friends and focusing on his schoolwork. His parents, particularly his mother, emphasized the importance of education. She instilled in him the value of balancing love with discipline, a lesson that deeply influenced his character.
In 1946, a year after World War II ended, tragedy struck when Dr. Lee’s mother passed away from an ectopic pregnancy. This was a devastating loss for young Lee, marking his first encounter with life-threatening illness. This experience profoundly influenced his later decision to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology.
The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 further upended Dr. Lee’s life. His family, once comfortable, lost their lifestyle and became refugees. The war took a heavy toll on them—his father fell ill, and his sister was killed in a U.S. bombing. Despite these hardships, Dr. Lee was struck by the kindness of strangers who offered food, shelter, and even rides to school. These acts of generosity left a lasting impression on him, fueling his desire to give back to others.
After the war, Dr. Lee’s family returned to their home, and he focused on rebuilding his life. Although he was behind in his studies, he drew on the lessons his mother had taught him, waking up early every day to study. His hard work paid off, and he eventually excelled academically, attending Severance Medical School. After serving in the Korean military, he moved to the United States to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.
Dr. Lee’s determination and passion for medicine propelled him to become a highly respected physician, known for his expertise and compassionate care. In his book Art of Giving: From Korea to America, he credits his success to the lessons from his mother, the support of his wife, and the opportunities he found in America.
Today, Dr. Lee channels his success into philanthropy through the Lee and Yum Foundation, named for himself and his wife. The foundation supports local charities, universities, nursing programs, and Korean War veterans, continuing the legacy of kindness and giving that influenced his own life.
To learn more about Dr. Lee’s inspiring journey, you can read his book, Art of Giving: From Korea to America.