On Thursday, September 12, 2019, the Illinois State University Board of Trustees and President Larry H. Dietz will announce the naming of the College of Fine Arts and the School of Art in recognition of the generosity of alumna Wonsook Kim ’75, M.A. ’76, M.F.A. ’78, honorary doctorate of arts ’19, and her husband, Thomas Clement. The event will take place at 3 p.m. at the Center for the Performing Arts. All Illinois State faculty, staff, students, retirees, and community members are invited to attend this historic occasion.
Wonsook Kim came to Illinois State in 1972 on a full scholarship. While a student in the College of Fine Arts, Kim studied under Illinois State faculty Ken Holder, Harold Gregor, Rodney Carswell, and Harold Boyd. Kim credits these faculty for shaping her artistic journey. Kim’s work ethic and determination earned her three degrees from Illinois State—a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts, and a Master of Fine Arts. In 2010 Kim was inducted into the College of Fine Arts’ Hall of Fame. On Founders Day 2019, Kim was again recognized for her contributions to the art world when she received an honorary doctorate of arts from Illinois State.
Kim uses drawing, painting, and sculpture to communicate the beauty in everyday life. Her work has been featured in 64 solo exhibitions around the world, and she was named Artist of the Year by the United Nations in 1995.
Kim and her husband, Thomas Clement—a medical device inventor born in Korea and later adopted by an American family—will be recognized at the September 12 event.
A light reception will follow the event.
For additional information about the landmark September 12 naming of the College of Fine Arts and School of Art, please contact Jamie Wood at jawood@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-5711.
