Stevens Honoree Jeong H. Kim Hon. D.Eng. ’12 Celebrated at White House
Engineer, innovator and tech entrepreneur with ties to Stevens receives prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Biden
U.S. President Joe Biden awarded Stevens honorary doctoral degree recipient, lecturer and graduate Commencement speaker Dr. Jeong H. Kim Hon. D.Eng. '12 the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation during an October 24 ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C.
The medal was awarded to Kim for leading technological advances in engineering and technology that transform the ways in which we communicate today.
As President Biden stood on a stage beside Kim in the White House’s East Room, a citation was read out aloud noting how Kim’s “work on broadband optical systems, data communications and wireless technologies have made communication faster and clearer, including improvements in battlefield communications that strengthen our national security; he exemplifies the power of American entrepreneurship and innovation.”
President Biden then placed the medal around Kim’s neck and posed for photographs as the crowd applauded.
“When you have lived a life … a tough life, then you feel like, you know, you’ve got nothing to lose, and everything’s an opportunity. Most people think the chance of success is less than 5%. But 5% is good enough for me,” Kim said at the ceremony.
On receiving this award, Kim said, “Receiving the Presidential Medal of Science and Innovation from President Biden was the honor of a lifetime.”
"I am so proud of Dr. Kim for all that he has accomplished in his life and in his career,” added Stevens President Nariman Farvardin. “He truly exemplifies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that inspires and drives Stevens faculty, students and alumni and provides a role model for current and future generations. We are delighted to count him as a member of the Stevens family.”
Kim has long been a friend to Stevens.
In 2012, while president of famed Bell Labs and chief strategy officer for Alcatel-Lucent, he delivered the university’s graduate Commencement address and then also received an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from the university,
Two years later, in 2014 — having recently become founder, chairman and CEO of Kiswe Mobile and received the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest award — Kim delivered the annual Thomas H. Scholl Lecture by Visiting Entrepreneurs to a full and appreciative audience in DeBaun Auditorium. He has recruited and placed Stevens graduates in his companies, including his current venture, Kiswe.
Kim has also served the nation in various capacities, including seven years as a naval submarine officer and service on intelligence and advisory bodies, including the External Advisory Board of the CIA.