On April 24, 2026, the Korean Language Program held its inaugural Korean Speaking Contest in ILC 130, the first of what will become an annual tradition. Finalists, supporters, and faculty filled the room for an afternoon of speeches in Korean.

Dr. Jieun Ryu, Director of the Korean Language Program, opened the contest with a welcome speech. Subin Oh served as MC, introducing the judges and finalists and keeping the program moving.

Seven finalists, each having advanced through a preliminary round, took the stage. Beginner-level students Gyuhui, Nhung, Sophia, and Liye, all from KOR 101 and KOR 102, spoke on the theme "Things I like," sharing personal stories from their daily lives. Nhung's speech stood out: she talked about her dream journal, her music, and her love of movies, in fluent Korean that made the small details land. Intermediate-level students Claire, Derek, and Brooklyn (Haru), all from KOR 302 and KOR 401, took on the theme "What makes a good life." Claire reflected on meaning and love, on pursuing her dreams while staying grateful for the love of family and friends, and her speech drew a strong response from the audience.

The judges—Dr. Jieun Ryu, Professor Sojung Chun, Nena Choi, and Eunsil Cho—listened closely to each speaker. The audience was a mix of fellow Korean language students, friends, faculty, and others who came out of interest in Korean or in the contest itself. When it came time for the Audience Award vote, the room went quiet; everyone clearly took the choice seriously. The result was a tie, a fitting outcome given how strong the field was this year.

The Grand Prize went to Nhung (Beginner) and Claire (Intermediate), and the Audience Award was shared by Gyuhui and Brooklyn (Haru). All award recipients received a Finalist Certificate and a scholarship from the Department of East Asian Studies.

The event was organized by Professor Sojung Chun and Subin Oh. Thanks to the judges, the organizers, and every student who got up to speak, this year's contest was one to remember. 모두 수고했습니다! 🎉

The College of Humanities community is profoundly saddened by the loss of two of its students in a traffic collision Thursday night near the U of A campus. Sophia Akimi Troetel, a double major in Spanish and Psychology, and Josiah Patrick Santos, who was majoring in Theater Arts with a minor in Japanese, died at the scene, while a third student, Katya Castillo-Mendoza, died later from her injuries. They were all incredibly engaged and beloved members of the campus community. 

Everyone in the College of Humanities sends condolences and deepest sympathies to Sophia’s, Josiah’s, and Katya’s families, friends and classmates during this extraordinarily difficult time. 

“Sophia and Josiah were at the Dean’s List reception — arm in arm, smiles wide, glowing with pride and love. Her Dean’s List honor was more than an achievement—it was a reflection of her brilliance, her effort, her heart. Sophia treats every soul with respect, compassion, and care. To know her is to be changed by her,” said advisor Rae LaBar Palmer. 

Advisor Vanessa Valenzuela said Sophia was “a sweetheart and full of light. She had a way of brightening every room she entered with her kindness, laughter, and warmth.”

A memorial to Sophia has been added to the communal ofrenda for Día de los Muertos hosted by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese in the hallway outside of Modern Languages Room 545. 

Josiah is remembered by instructor Daiki Suematsu as “a warm-hearted, respectful, and hardworking student who always brought a bright smile to class. His gentle smile and positive presence encouraged everyone around him. He will be remembered with deep respect and affection by everyone in our class.”

“Although my time with Josiah was short since meeting him this summer, it was truly an honor to have been his teacher. I will always remember how his smile, humor, and creativity brought warmth and joy to everyone around him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all of us,” said Atsuko Uemura, another instructor. 

If you or others you know need support, please connect with Campus Health's Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS). For guidance on how to address this tragedy in your classes and other spaces, resources are available on the CAPS website. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help or to encourage others to do so.  

Dr. Andres D. Onate, who received his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Arizona and went on to become a foreign service officer, professor and department head, died in November. 

Onate published his first book right after completing his dissertation and subsequently he became an assistant professor and later department head of Oriental Studies from 1974-1978, said Chia-lin Pao Tao, Professor Emerita in the Department of East Asian Studies, who first met Onate in 1976 when she arrived at the U of A from Taiwan. 

“Not only was he a diligent scholar, but also an inspiring teacher. Even today we could find students now in their 60s reflecting how great a teacher he was in those years,” she said. 

Onate secured federal funding from the then U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to support programs in the Department of Oriental Studies, which later became the Department of East Asian Studies. He and Tim Light were instrumental in securing the external and institutional support in establishing the East Asian Center at the U of A in 1970s. 

Onate later left the university after accepting an offer from the U.S. Department of State. When Onate was assigned to be the Culture Attache in the American Embassy in Beijing, he continued to do his best to assist U of A faculty and students. 

In 1979, he wrote the book Chairman Mao and the Chinese Communist Party, published by Nelson-Hall, which analyzed the evolution of the Chinese Communist Party under Mao Zedong’s leadership. 

“When a faculty friend encountered difficulty in China, it was Andy who provided him with the best advice. When an engineering student, now a great scholar in the energy field, failed to get a visa to study here it was Andy who helped him secure the F-1 Visa,” she said. 

At the State Department, Onate wore many different hats, even serving in the White House with the National Security Council during President Ronald Reagan’s term, said his wife, Annie Reed. 

After retiring from the State Department in 2015, Onate led the U of A Study in China Program headquartered in Nanjing and served as an adjunct professor in the Department of East Asian Studies. 

“He was dedicated in sharing his knowledge with students who were interested in Chinese political theories, Chinese history, U.S.-China international relations or classical Confucianism. He was so proud of being a U of A professor,” she said.