When Steve Bosworth was nominated to be ambassador to Korea, he was heading to a booming industrialized nation with a dominant political party. Then, poof. Now a former political prisoner is Korea’s president and the Korean economy has fizzled. And a generally gentle New York Times profile on March 16 tells how Steve has been able to make the best of it, applying his knowledge of economics to immediately begin making improvements in the situation.

Says You Jong Keun, the economic adviser to President Kim: "He’s an excellent ambassador, and especially in a time of economic crisis to have somebody well versed in economics is a great plus. He’s very well respected."

Others stressed Steve’s knowledge of North Korea-- since he is the first ambassador to be appointed in Korea with experience visiting and dealing with the government of North Korea. "The fact that he’s been to North Korea, that he’s dealt with North Koreans, gives him a whole new dimension which is going to stand him in good stead," said Donald P. Gregg, a former ambassador to Korea.

But another thread running through the largely biographical story involves Steve’s finances. Why did he turn down law school of join the Foreign Service after Dartmouth. "I was broke." Why did he give up a successful State Department career to go into the private sector. "I was broke again."

And he hopes to have a major impact in Korea. "Because of the nature of the relationship, you have the opportunity to have an influence that is not often true elsewhere. This is one of three or four embassies in the world where you really have an opportunity to make a difference."

We continue to be a class in flux, with the retirement rolls growing. Latest: Steve Bickel, from Variable Annuity Life Insurance in Houston, Texas...Meantime, John Hagaman has left Commonwealth Land Title Co. in Houston to go to work for himself as Hagaman Real Estate Brokerage and Consultation.

By the time you read this, many of us will be heading to Chicago. I hope to report on that in the next issue of the magazine. If you get this before June 5, and you’re within easy driving distance of Chicago, consider joining us for a few hours.

There is growing movement in the class to do something special for our 60th birthday. We’re collecting ideas. As many of you are aware, the 60s are San Francisco bound for their 60th.

How can we top that?

It’s Alumni Fund time again. The emphasis in our class is on participation. If we get folks participating, the dollars will take care of themselves.

Robert Conn

Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem NC 27157-1015
Rconn@wfubmc.edu

Note:  This column is limited to 500 words at the request of the Alumni Magazine.