During the last three decades the Kaohsiung Medical University Alumni Association of America has held its conventions in Chicago many times. Recently the group’s met again at the Hyatt Regency Chicago downtown from August 19-21. More than 200 people, including alumni and family members, attended. Most attendees were from the United States and Canada, and some came from as far away as Japan and Taiwan.
While medical and scientific seminars and lecture series were on the main agenda, the attendees also took time out to see the sights of Chicago in its summer glory. A significant part of the agenda was devoted to cultural events.
On the evening of August 19, the participants were invited to an open house reception at the Shee Highland Musée in Highland Park, hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Sam Shee. About 80 guests traveled by charter buses from the Hyatt Regency Chicago to the Shee Musée.
Upon arrival in the sculpture garden at the Shee Musée, the guests were greeted by classical music played by talented harpist Fiona Werth, only 9 years old. Fiona is a neighbor of the Shees.
While listening to beautiful harp music, the guests wandered through the garden as they viewed the large sculptures: Heart to Heart, Peace, Hope, Love the Goddess and the newly created Unity-you and I. The guests excitedly took pictures with the statues and the young musicians. They were curious about and fascinated by the construction process of the outdoor sculptures. Sam Shee thoroughly answered the guests’ questions and explained how he put together metal, wood and masonry to create such strong and durable statues. They weigh up to 1500 pounds each and stand up to 14 feet tall.
The guests commented on the beautiful garden, full of exotic trees and flowering plants. Shee said that he began planting when the Musée was built. It has taken Shee over a decade to cultivate the unusual and various species of plants. Shee has taken on the roles of landscape designer and professional gardener to make the setting unique. In the midst of natural beauty, he has created a showcase for his sculptures.
Inside the Musée, the visitors were delighted to view the display of more than 100 oil paintings. They were all created by Shee. Most of the paintings are quite large and show different styles of art, with various subject matters. The Musée was custom built to house the oil paintings, and the building’s architecture is a distinctive European style.
The guests noticed that three of Sam Shee’s classmates, Drs. Mari Lin, Shan S. Huang and Hsin C. Shih, are depicted in separate paintings. Their feminine beauty is delicately captured in oil, and the guests are sure to remember these particular paintings.
Meanwhile, in the large hall on the first floor, two other young musicians played classical music on piano and violin. These young accomplished performers were Emily Ding, age 15 and her sister Alice, age 10. Both musicians are students of Dr. Ming C. Chen’s wife, Mrs. Ling M. Huang, very good pianist.

The party was a huge success. People were energized by the vivid artwork and live music making this cultural event memorable. The close friendship and affection among the guests, and hosts, was obvious. One can feel the special bond among the KMU classmates is strong, which has continued throughout those years since medical school.
On an occasion like this, no one wanted to end the event in the evening. Dr. Mari Lin, world renowned for her work in blood types and hereditary genetics, reminded everyone not to say “good-bye” because their friendship was everlasting.