ByGeorge!

May 17, 2005

Making Education a Family Affair

By Julia Jacobelli

When most students go to college, their friends become their family because their families are usually so far away. Not so in the case of the Lee family. Father, two daughters, and son are all enrolled at GW; nothing like keeping your family close!

Simon Lee, emigrated to the US from South Korea in 1979 with his wife Anna and daughter Julie. He began his career as an engineer performing in various technical positions for several firms in Washington. In 1986, Lee founded Software Technology Group (SGT) to address the growing demand for Information Technology (IT) services.

SGT was awarded its first major contract in 1993 when the Department of State asked the company to develop the software for a global tracking system. SGT has continued to grow, and from 2001 to 2004 Government Computer News has ranked SGT as the largest contractor of the Department of State. It is the largest Asian-American owned systems integrator in the US, with more than 1,200 employees and more than 250 locations around the world. The Korean Broadcasting System recently recognized Lee for his achievements, awarding him the Overseas Korean Award: the most prestigious award the Korean government can bestow on a Korean-born individual. This year, Lee was one of five recipients worldwide.

Lee, daughter Julie, and son Phillip are all studying for their Master of Science degrees at GW’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. Lee already holds his bachelor of science in industrial engineering from Korea University. Lee’s other daughter, Michelle, is enrolled in GW’s School of Business where she is working for her bachelor’s degree in the business administration.

“When I’m studying with the younger generation, I feel young,” said Lee. “Not like I’m in my 50s, but more like I am in my 20s or 30s. I am so honored to be an alumnus of GW. Many great people have graduated from the University and made a great impact on the world. I hope that I, and my family, can continue the tradition.”

“As my father has said, ‘no one is ever too old to learn and no one is ever too young to teach,’ ” said Lee’s daughter Julie. She is president and CEO of ACCESS Systems, Inc., which provides information technology and management solutions to most of the Cabinet-level departments, several independent agencies, and each of the armed services.

Lee recently dedicated the Simon and Anna Lee Dean’s Suite to the School of Engineering and Applied Science to welcome guests to the school. He said his decision to contribute to the school was based on his enjoyment of his classes and teachers, his appreciation for his fellow classmates, and the hard work of Dean Tong and Doug Honker in SEAS advancement.

“As we move forward from strength to strength, both the University and the Lee family, may we always succeed and work together,” said University President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg at the dedication ceremony. Trachtenberg also said that although the engineering school is looking for new space, the Dean’s suite will always be named after Simon and Anna Lee.


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