"She was a tiny ball of energy adored by everyone," one web post reads on a Facebook group created to honor Kim's memory. Comparable sentiments are echoed in the remaining web posts, a number of which address Kim directly: "You were always an inspiring person, someone so small yet with so much energy and drive it astounded me."
Kim was found in her Cohan dorm room by campus police on Jan. 18 in the early morning. Town and state authorities took over the investigation of her death, which is believed to have been a suicide. Kim's passing is still being investigated by the state district attorney's office.
The College swiftly organized an informal memorial gathering that afternoon, after breaking news of the tragedy to students and faculty, most of whom were off campus for the winter recess. A number of Kim's friends and professors delivered moving speeches about her at the memorial, which was held in Johnson Chapel. Kim's parents attended the service, as well as a private memorial at College President Anthony Marx's house on Saturday. A formal memorial service is being arranged for Feb. 9, the date of Kim's birthday, at 1:30 in Johnson Chapel. Kim would have been 21.
Kim lived in Lake in the Hills, Ill., with her two parents who immigrated from Korea. Both of Kim's parents are deaf, so Kim learned to communicate in both American and Korean sign language. Kim relished Korean culture, her friends say, especially Korean dramas, pop music and television stars. Kim was a year younger than most of her Class of 2008 peers; she skipped a grade before attending the selective Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA).
A former classmate at IMSA described Kim as "strong in her faith, and she was beautiful. She was artistic, a natural at singing and drawing. Jenny was always laughing. She was fashionably conscious, but never superficial. She was also brilliant and willing to help anyone with schoolwork."
While at Amherst, Kim thrust herself into a number of campus organizations and leadership roles. She assisted in launching an Amherst College chapter of the organization Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), through which she advocated for North Korean refugees. She began writing for The Amherst Student during her freshman year, eventually ascending the echelons to Managing News Editor by her sophomore year. Kim also tutored and participated in the Amherst Christian Fellowship and Korean Students Alliance.
"As a writer, Jenny was every editor's dream," commented Adriana Fazzano '08, who worked with Kim on The Student. "Her articles were both passionate and eloquent. Jenny loved foreign affairs, and she never passed up the opportunity to cover political lectures."
A political science and French double major, Kim flourished academically at Amherst, as well. "She was a really hard worker, and she was very focused," noted Eon Song '08, who was one of Kim's close friends. "She had such an appetite for learning."
Kim took an ardent interest in politics and foreign affairs. Her thesis, which she submitted just days before her passing, examined the political tensions between the Republic of Korea and Japan that were precipitated by the Japanese military's exploitation of "comfort women" during WWII, among other causes. This past summer, Kim worked at the U.S. embassy in Korea with a view, in part, to "bridging the cultural gap between the two countries," explained Song.
Kim's unyielding work ethic was rivaled only by her compassionate, sensitive nature. Yuan En Lim '08, who worked with Kim on The Student as well, recalled fondly the thoughtful care packages-filled with pencils, granola bars and other items-that Kim prepared for him and two other students to ease their nerves before their LSAT exams.
"I will always remember Jenny as a warm, kind and cheerful person," said Fazzano. "She was the kind of girl that people loved to be around . We all miss her very much."
"Jenny dazzled with her subtlety and the depth of her commitment to learn, to 'get it right' rather than just ace a test," said Professor of French Leah Hewitt. "I was really pleased when she decided to become a French major-what professor wouldn't welcome an inquisitive, smart student whose quick, almost impish, smile made conversation a welcome occasion? I'd like to remember her wearing that smile and feel fortunate to have known her."
The memorial tribute for Jenny Kim slated to be published this week will run in next week's issue. The Amherst Student is still accepting submissions.