This article first appeared in the UConn Business magazine, Volume 1, Issue 1 (Summer 2009)

John Y. Kim ’87 MBA is President and Chief Executive Officer of New York Life Investment Management, LLC (NYLIM). Mr. Kim has an impressive 25-year history as a business executive in the investment management and retirement plan industries. In recognition of Mr. Kim’s exceptional professional success and contributions to the community, the UConn School of Business inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2006, Mr. Kim received the prestigious Pinnacle Award through the Asian American Business Development Center’s Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award program.

On May 10, 2009, John Y. Kim ’87 MBA, distinguished UConn School of Business alum and Chief Executive Officer of New York Life Investment Management, LLC (NYLIM), addressed an audience of over 500 graduating seniors, their families, and University faculty and staff at the Gampel Pavilion at the UConn campus in Storrs, CT.

Kim, a self-described “recession graduate” of the 1980s, notes that like today’s graduates, he “came into the job market just as this country was  experiencing its last big recession” and that despite the climate then and now, he truly believes that “the future holds tremendous opportunities.” He offered the graduates some words of advice – “continue to learn, work hard and be passionate in everything you do.”

Kim also noted that “hard work is perhaps not a sufficient criterion for success but certainly a necessary one,” both to become a successful CEO as well as giving back through philanthropic activities. On this note, Kim spoke to the hard work and value of the UConn Foundation Board of Directors where he has just completed his 10-year term limit. The UConn Foundation is a philanthropic, tax-exempt corporation that operates exclusively to promote the educational, scientific, cultural, and recreational objectives of the University of Connecticut.

Kim also spoke to the importance of seeking a life of continuing education. Addressing the graduates, he charged them to “develop and secure passion in your life starting with your career.” Happiness, productivity and pride in oneself as well as the institutions and people around us go hand in hand, he affirmed.