Jong Pil Lee, loving father and husband, passionate promoter of math education and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring at the White House, passed away on Monday, December 12th, 2011 at his home in Syosset. He was 74.
Dr. Lee was born on March 18, 1937 in South Korea. After receiving his BS degree, he walked into the office of Pan American Airlines in Seoul and told the manager he had a scholarship to receive a graduate education in America. Impressed with the young man's earnestness, the manager issued an airline ticket on credit and Jong Pil Lee agreed to repay it back in monthly installments.
43 years later, that same earnest man who became a Distinguished Service Professor at the State University of New York at Old Westbury, walked into the White House to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, one of only two mathematics professors in the nation to be so honored that year.
Dr. Lee always remembered the generosity of America and the colleagues around him who helped him along. He was an unfailing idealist in a world of cynicism and so, he continuously thought about ways to give back to America.
Some 25 years ago, when he heard a "national cry for better mathematics education," Dr. Lee called a meeting of leading math teachers on Long Island and went into action. He founded an Institute of Leadership Training for Teaching Mathematics and Technology and an annual Long Island Mathematics Education Conference that has brought out over 10,000+ educators over the past 25 years. One of his great accomplishments is the creation of the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students, now beginning its 20th year on the Old Westbury campus.
Dr. Lee had a great capacity for love, a wonderful sense of humor, a child's curiosity, a belief that one person can make a difference and an ability to inspire others to accomplish great things. He was a true believer in the American dream.
He is survived by his wife Myoung Hye, two daughters Lisa and Karen, and sons-in-law, Jun and Richard. His sister Young Hee in Michigan, and two brothers Jong Pyo and Jong Soon in South Korea. Even though he was a financially struggling graduate student in America, he also supported his younger siblings so that they could receive a better education.
Dr. Lee was a Distinguished Service Professor at the State University of New York at Old Westbury, President of the Long Island Mathematics Education Conference Board and was recently inducted into the New York State Mathematic Educators' Hall of Fame.
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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following non-profit fund to support math education programs and promising young math students:
Old Westbury College Foundation Inc - Jong Pil Lee Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 210
Old Westbury, NY 11568
Please send any correspondence to the family by email:
Lee Family
8JPLBM@gmail.com
