Remembering Ken Kwak

Ken Kwak ‘62

Distinguished Notre Dame Alumnus

Founding Member, APA of ND

Kenneth Ho Sung Kwak, a founding member of the Asian Pacific Alumni of Notre Dame and its chairman from 2001 too 2004 passed away on September 15, 2005. Ken was also serving as the regional coordinator for region 1 (Hawaii and the Pacific Islands). Ken died doing what he had been doing for many years—serving his alma mater. He was carrying material to the Alumni Association office for use at the upcoming APA of ND meeting when he suffered a massive heart attack in front of the Notre Dame bookstore. Ken died on the campus that he so dearly loved and faithfully served.

Always a humble man, Ken refused to be included among the recipients of the Distinguished Asian Pacific Alumni awards that were announced last summer. But in the end, his alma mater did get its way—University President Fr. John Jenkins posthumously named Ken a Distinguished Alumnus of Notre Dame, only the tenth Domer to ever receive that distinction. Chuck Lennon, executive director of the Alumni Association and associate vice president for university relations presented the award at a memorial mass for Ken held on September 16 in the Coleman-Morse chapel. The mass, arranged by Priscilla Wong, assistant director of campus ministry was attended by Ken’s friends and colleagues from Hawaii, the APA of ND board, and other areas of Notre Dame. Ken is survived by his wife Charlene and two sons, Gavin and Kale.

To honor Ken, the APA of ND established an annual scholarship in his name.

Reflections on Ken from fellow Domers:

Ken's presence was the kind that left a lasting impression. Ken wasn't just a Board member who showed up to the meetings and did his job. He had such a generous heart, a warm spirit that was contagious, and a great sense of purpose in helping the students at Notre Dame. He was a true leader who also embodied all the qualities of a loving father. I feel like I've lost a good friend and a father figure in the Notre Dame community. Emily Liu

I only met him a few times during my short term on the board. He was the most welcoming person and warmly welcomed me like a lost son returning home. He left a permanent impression on me and he will be missed. People as happy and content with life, like Ken, are far and few between...I have only met a handful in my lifetime. He was genuinely a nice person and will be sincerely missed.… Godspeed Ken. Patrick Atagi

It is with heavy heart that I write this testimonial about Ken Kwak. He was a founder of the APA and was a great leader. This was quite a shock and almost unbelievable. But he died on the campus he loved and will always be remembered for his devotion to Notre Dame. Remembering a fellow Hawaiian, Aloha. Don Gallagher

Ken was a gentle man who loved Notre Dame and her students from Hawaii and Pacific region. I will always remember his bringing chocolate covered macadamia nuts to our meetings. On top of that he had a great laugh! Dennis Dunleavy

Ken will long be remembered for his selfless labor in support of Asian students, Asian American students and alumni, and the faculty and students of Asian studies. I am very grateful to have known him and to have been the beneficiary of his generosity of spirit. Lionel Jensen

Because Ken and I were early risers, he and I would sit down for breakfast every morning of the board meetings. His serenity, humility, caring attitude, and insights about Notre Dame always shone even at 6:30 a.m. My mornings in the South Bend Marriott will never be the same again without Ken. Gabriel Manrique