Purdue News

May 30, 2002 Biology Department to dedicate garden to slain grad student WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University's Department of Biological Sciences will dedicate a small garden at 2 p.m. Friday (5/31) in memory of a doctoral student and her sister. The garden, located behind Lilly Hall, is a tribute to doctoral student Yeunkyung Woo and her sister, Hyo Kyung Woo. The two South Korean women were killed Aug. 2 in a Purdue Village apartment . Another former Purdue doctoral student in biology, Zhan Yin of the People's Republic of China, has been convicted of the murders. "After discussions with the Woo family, Provost Sally Frost Mason asked the university to design and build a simple place where people can think and reflect," said David Asai, head of the Department of Biological Sciences. "The result is a lovely spot near the back door of Lilly Hall where virtually all members of the department pass daily." The memorial garden includes several benches surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers. In the center of the green space is a large stone where a plaque designed by some of Yeunkyung Woo's friends will be attached. "This is going to be a beautiful, living tribute to these young women," Asai said. The garden is the second memorial to Yeunkyung Woo. Last fall the biology department set up the Achieve Excellence Fund to provide financial assistance for graduate students in biology to attend scientific meetings related to their field. So far this year, four students have received support from the fund. Tax-deductible contributions to the fund can be made through the Purdue Foundation by indicating the Achieve Excellence Fund in the memo line on a personal check. For more information, contact Marc Archambault, director of advancement in the Department of Biological Sciences, (765) 496-7502, marca@purdue.edu. CONTACT: David Asai, (765) 494-4407, dasai@bilbo.bio.purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page