A grad and a dad, Soo Hak Kwon earns his high school diploma at 91

Steven Muñoz first saw the elderly man on the quad of Bassett Adult School five years ago. Each semester, he would spy Soo Hak Kwon coming out of a different classroom each semester.

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“As the years went by, it seemed like he would always be exiting a different classroom each semester,” said Muñoz, who teaches the high school diploma program. “I would let him know that I was the next step and that I was looking forward to his arrival.”

Eight months later, Muñoz and Kwon’s other teachers are celebrating more than just one man’s personal achievement. Kwon, 91, a Korean American business owner who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s, is a reminder “that the pursuit of knowledge is a journey that can begin at any stage of life,” said instructor Ariana Rodriguez.

Kwon is a gentle soul who brought sunshine to Muñoz’s classroom in the six months he spent there.

“He would converse with any student that happened to sit by him that day and make them feel welcomed,” he said. “It perfectly captures the essence of adult education, highlighting how individuals like Soo Hak Kwon enrich the classroom and create the welcoming, safe community that Bassett Adult School strives to provide in La Puente.”

Louis Kreslie, Advanced ESL instructor at the school, has taught Kwon since 2018 and describes the La Puente resident as very polite and a true gentleman.

“Soo tries hard, attends every day, and gets along well with other classmates,” Kreslie said. “Since taking English classes, he has become more outgoing and makes friends easily. Soo is an inspiration to everyone. What he has accomplished is remarkable.”

Kwon was in his 50s when he immigrated to the U.S. from Seoul, Korea, in 1974. Trained in electronics in the Korean Air Force, he started his new American life by working in TV repair, eventually starting his own TV repair business combined with a wig store run by his wife Sinja. It is a combination that delights his two children, Daniel and Susy, and their families, including six grandchildren.

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Beyond his love for learning, his devotion to his children is his greatest strength, his daughter said, adding Kwon was always a loving and gentle father.

The Kwons also owned a beauty supply store in La Puente before they retired, enjoying walks and singing in the choir of their Korean Presbyterian Church.

The family was planning a simple get-together at their home after watching their patriarch walk the stage and accept his diploma on Thursday.

For Ariana Rodriguez, Kwon’s story will long inspire the community beyond Bassett Unified School District.

“As a teacher, I have had the privilege of witnessing many student achievements, but few have been as inspiring as the accomplishment of Mr. Soo Hak Kwon,” she said. “At an age when many choose to rest, he chose to embrace the challenge of furthering his education. His determination, perseverance, and positive attitude have been an inspiration to his classmates, teachers and everyone who has had the opportunity to know him.”

As for the new graduate, he said taking in the accolades on his big day has left him feeling quiet simply, “good and proud.”

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