WON INSTITUTE
O F G R A D U A T E S T U D I E S
Welcome to the annual report of the Won Institute, where the threads of history, wisdom, and education intertwine seamlessly. Our institution's roots trace back to the profound teachings of Won Buddhism, a philosophy that embraces the interconnectedness of all things The very essence of our name, "Won Institute of Graduate Studies," reflects this philosophy, with "Won" being a transliteration of the Korean word for "circle."
In the spirit of the circle, we have embraced a holistic approach to education, where mind, body, and spirit converge The circular image symbolizes the interconnectedness of knowledge and the perpetual journey of learning. From our inception, we have drawn inspiration from the teachings of Won Buddhism, infusing our graduate programs with a deep appreciation for balance, harmony, and the unity of all elements.
As we navigate this annual report, we invite you to explore the evolution of the Won Institute – a journey guided by the principles of Won Buddhism Our commitment to fostering integrative health practices, coupled with the timeless wisdom of Eastern traditions, continues to shape the transformative experiences of our students
Join us on this circular path of exploration, where the past informs the present, and the momentum of knowledge propels us into a future enriched by the profound teachings that have guided us since our inception
As we express our gratitude, we recognize that it is through the collaboration and support of these pillars – donors, patients, and alumni – that the circle of our institute remains strong and vibrant Together, we shape a future where knowledge, compassion, and healing converge seamlessly. Thank you for being integral parts of the Won Institute's story, and here's to many more chapters of growth, enlightenment, and success
we are WON.
From the President
It has now been two years since I took the important responsibility of serving as the president of the Won Institute of Graduate Studies, amidst the expectations and encouragement of many around me.
The Won Institute, founded on the principle that "small achievements lead to great success," expanded its facilities three years ago by relocating to Warminster Township This relocation addressed long-standing challenges that had impeded the school's growth, including limited classroom space and inadequate parking, while providing a well-equipped and enhanced physical environment
Upon assuming my position, I realized through discussions with faculty and staff that there were many areas in the internal decision-making processes and workflows that needed improvement However, I could also sense the dedication and passion of the faculty and staff who had been working tirelessly, and I discovered the boundless potential of the institution.
Based on my past experience in higher education, I have worked to consolidate the institution’s various resources, while also sharing my knowledge and experience with the faculty and staff. I have endeavored to create opportunities for less experienced staff members to grow by providing training, while encouraging systemic collaboration
p g g
Internally, we have strived to enhance communication, expedite decision-making, and ensure fairness to boost staff morale and improve operational efficiency. Our goal is for the entire school to work together as "One Team" to overcome the challenges we face
In addition, we have encouraged faculty members to engage in research and fostered a research-oriented atmosphere. As a result, Dr. Doreen Lafferty, Director of the Acupuncture Clinic, received a $30,000 grant from the Delaware Valley Stand Down organization, and Dr. Grace Song of Won Buddhist Studies secured a $20,000 grant from the Philadelphia District Attorney's office
As these changes unfold, I expect our school to continue to raise its profile in the local community and further establish itself as an institution that nurtures leaders dedicated to building the World of Il-won
The Won Institute will continue to flourish as our dedicated staff and faculty give their utmost effort With a shared vision, we strive to become the world’s foremost holistic educational institution, where spiritual cultivation and scientific knowledge advance in harmony
Dr. Wonsun Oh, President
Won Institute awarded a $20,000 grant from D.A.O of Philadelphia
News from the Dharma Chaplain’s Office
Rev.Hojin Park, Dharma Chaplain
At the Won Buddhist temple of Won Institute, we regularly hold Dharma services once a month on Thursdays and Sundays, where faculty, students, board members, and members of Tuesday meditation service can come together. The Dharma services are led by a Seonkyo Won-mu (Won Buddhist lay teacher) and other ministers working at the Won Institute
In March, we conducted a three-part meditation series designed for students. As a community being together, we hosted these sessions to pray for world peace and inner calmness The series included: "Meditation to Grief and Loss", "Compassion Meditation", and "Gratitude Meditation". These meditation series were a valuable time for faculty and students to seek peace amidst the emotional turmoil caused by war and terrorism. On Sunday afternoons, we hold online Mind study sessions where local practitioners gather to share faith and practice stories, centering on teachings from the Discourse of Founding Master Sotae-san of Won Buddhism.
Our Tuesday meditation sessions, held twice during lunchtime and in the evening, have played an important role in spreading Dharma in the local community Additionally, weekly meditation sessions are held at the University of Pennsylvania and Swarthmore College
In the spring semester of 2024, the book club focused on James Clear's Atomic Habits, studying how small habits can lead to personal growth This connected deeply with the Won Buddhist practice of mindfulness, helping participants integrate spiritual growth into their daily lives
We also host an online book club every other week, where participants read, share reflections, and are introduced to Won Buddhist teachings This initiative has been welcomed by staff, students, and board members
Program Department Updates
ACUPUNCTURE STUDIES DEPARTMENT CHAIR
DR. BEN GRIFFITH
The Acupuncture Studies Department, or the Masters of Acupuncture program, is the first three years of the Doctor of Acupuncture program. It has all of the required Clinical competencies for entry into the Acupuncture profession in the United States. It also prepares students to take four of the five components of the National Boards. It houses most of the students at the Won Institute and has been the feeder for our fourth-year DAc, CCHM, and, recently, the WBS certificate and master program.
Our program now has National Exposure in the United States since it has been ranked as one of the top ten programs in the nation Our program is in the twenty-five percent of East Asian Medicine programs growing. In the last eight years we have been evolving our program into a hybrid model so we have been able to expand our faculty from all different sections of the United States We are welcoming another one of our largest classes this Fall 2024
Our affiliation with Won Buddhism and our study abroad program at WonKwang University has helped us recruit our next generation of Acupuncturists in the United States. I am grateful to the Won Buddhist Order and its support of our institute.
I am beginning my 18th year with the institute, 8th year as the Chair of Acupuncture Studies, and on the Executive Committee of the Council of Colleges for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in the United States Our program has doubled in size the last 8 years and is growing in stature in the United States. We have a strong momentum with an experienced team in place We have a bright future and appreciate any added support
WON BUDDHIST STUDIES DEPARTMENT CHAIR DR.REV. GRACE SONG
In Spring 2024, the Won Buddhist Studies (WBS) department offered its first-ever study abroad course, WBS590 Won Buddhist Retreat in Korea. Students from the Won Buddhist Studies and Acupuncture departments had the unique opportunity to explore the birthplace of the Founding Master of Won Buddhism, visit sacred sites, deepen their spiritual practice, and forge meaningful connections with each other. One participant described the experience as “a transformative odyssey that transcended mere adventure, delving into cultural immersion, spiritual awakening, and personal growth”
Building on this momentum, we hosted our annual WBS Summer Retreat at the Won Dharma Center (Claverack, NY) from August 2nd - 6th This retreat brought together current and prospective WBS students to deepen their understanding of core Won Buddhist principles and practices. It also provided a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with members from Won Buddhist temples across the United States Our commitment to lifelong learning continues to shine through our WBS online Continuing Education courses. This spring, we offered Turtle-Chart Dharma with Rev. WonGong So and Living Well, Dying Well with Rev Insun Park, both of which were met with enthusiasm from participants In the fall, Rev Dosung Yoo and Rev Bup Lee will coteach Unlocking the Wisdom of Won Buddhism: Transformative Teachings and Practices. We’re excited to continue expanding our offerings in the coming year
The Won Buddhism Research Center (WBRC) monthly colloquiums have become a platform for insightful research and public service discussions. The WBRC is also developing a meditation program designed to support alcohol recovery, thanks to a grant from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office A dedicated team of research fellows is collaborating to create a meaningful program that will assist individuals on their recovery journey
WBS faculty remain deeply engaged in research and interfaith initiatives WBS publications include “Wŏn Buddhism in America: Exploring Ways to Balance Tradition and Innovation” in the Journal of Daesoon Thought and the Religions of East Asia and writings for Buddhist Door Global Additionally, they are playing a key role in organizing an upcoming interfaith conference at the Church Center for the United Nations titled, Global Action on Peace, Sustainability, and Prosperity.
DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
DR. DAVID DAGG-MURRY
The Doctor of Acupuncture Completion Track Program has seen significant growth and evolution in the past year January 2024 was the first term when two cohorts of Doctorof Acupuncture students were running simultaneously. This wonderful increase was due to the careful planning of Academic Studies Chair Dr Ben Griffith and Dean Janet Leidy. Three years ago, they admitted acupuncture students to a four-year Doctor of Acupuncture curriculum for the first time in Won history. Acupuncture students completing their fourth year of acupuncture training and new Completion Track students made up the two cohorts, respectively The enrollment for the Doctor of Acupuncture courses in Spring 2024 was 27; 16 started in Fall 2023, and 11 started in Spring 2024
The Doctor of Acupuncture Faculty has adapted to the increased workload with grace and compassion To help faculty make the DAC student experience as rich as possible, the program added two part-time Teaching Assistants. These teaching assistants will start in Fall 2024 to help with the grading and administration of courses
The Doctor of Acupuncture students continue to be leaders in the field of acupuncture healthcare During the course “East Meets West: Clinical Collaboration and Cooperation,” Spring 2024 term, the students have a 60-hour clinical experience working with Western medicine providers The DAC students were placed with 37 unique Western medicine providers across 12 states with specialties such as physical medicine, dermatology, obstetrics, and primary care Additionally, the DAC students submitted 12 blog posts for publication during the Summer 2024 term.
The Doctor of Acupuncture Program is excited to admit 22 new students beginning Fall 2024, bringing our enrollment total to 33 as of this writing.
CERTIFICATE OF CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE PROGRAM
DIRECTOR DR. CAROL GOLDMAN
The CCHM program is offered to 3rd year Master’s students and to acupuncture graduates
The program includes curriculum, coursework, and the dispensary Initiatives include enhancing the student experience, increasing enrollment, creating an integrated atmosphere for herbs, increasing dispensary use, and expanding herbal consultations
Coursework shifted to asynchronous classes This was implemented to accommodate schedules to attract more students and factor in the rigorous coursework of the 3rd-years.
CCHM had a 100% NCCAOM pass rate reflecting the reach-out initiatives in providing information on good study source materials. This has been a 1-1 effort to stay connected to our graduates which built success and a robust alumni network
CCHM met with Delaware Valley University to promote a dialogue for potential mutual projects. DVU has an agricultural program with expansive farmland, which may be an asset for future Club events
Via networking to solidify relationships within the herbal community, the CCHM director with the assistance of Dr, Leidy and the marketing team, launched the Institutes CEU program The program provides practitioners with the platform to offer their courses and provides courses for our alumni network. Successful sign-ups for these courses have the potential to raise funds for the school PA law changes require CEUs for acupuncturists and herbalists. The acupuncture association will advertise the courses in collaboration between the only acupuncture school in PA, and our association. The CEU program attracts practitioners to our dispensary, clinics, and DAC and CCHM programs
The dispensary has increased sales by providing sales of items by law allowable for nonlicensed herbalists These items include foot soaks and topicals that introduce nonherbalists to the field of herbs We continue to seek herbalists to use the dispensary to fill scripts and have worked with EHR providers in advertising the dispensary on their sites. The CCHM program increased enrollment and created avenues for future growth, dispensary sales, and herbal engagement.
Clinic Outreach Report
Dr. Doreen Lafferty, Clinic Director
Won Institute's six diverse clinics, where student interns gain valuable clinical experience, include the Student Acupuncture Clinic, Student Herb Clinic, Veterans Clinic, Tuina Clinic, and Professional Clinic. They cater to the general public, students, veterans, staff, and faculty, offering discounted fees for Veterans and their family members, Students, and First responders. In the fiscal year 2023-24, these clinics provided 4,959 treatments for 741 individuals. 882 of these visits were for veterans or their family members
The offsite Go-To-Them Project, operating at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center and the Veterans Multiservices Center (VMC) in Philadelphia, provided 189 veteran and 241 non-veteran treatments across both clinics The MAc Class of 2024 planned and paid for a pizza party for the veterans and staff at the VMC on July 26, 2024
On March 14, 2024, the Delaware Valley Stand Down organization awarded Won Institute Clinics 30,000 dollars to support our work in providing a helping hand to disadvantaged veterans and their families President Dr Wonsun Oh and Dr Doreen Lafferty attended an award ceremony with other organizations that also received awards.
Clinic interns and supervisors participate in community events to provide auricular acupuncture, tuina treatments, and education about our clinics and their offerings This year’s events included the Women’s Veteran’s Health and Wellness Fair and the Women’s Veteran’s Day event, Armed Forces Muster Day, Harrisburg Acupuncture and Advocacy Day, and Won Institute All Programs Open Houses
” Proudly served more than 1000 treatments for veterans and their family members.
Participation in these events also helps disseminate clinic information and recruit new patients. We also hosted Herscan and presented a lunch-andlearn on acupuncture to the Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia.
Our ability to provide clinical treatment and community outreach is made possible by the generous donations we receive We are grateful for your support.
2024 Women Veterans Health & Wellness Fair
Student Study Abroad Experience
Kate Nielsen
much of the west coast of the country We hiked up mountains, put our feet in the ocean, and walked barefoot in beautiful forests
An unexpected benefit of the trip was being able to learn about and connect more deeply with Won Buddhism while we were in Iksan
I felt recharged both personally, professionally, and spiritually by the trip, and I look forward to going back some day
he trip to Wonkwang University was d unique experience university was very ok time from their busy we had a meaningful ere. We toured several nkwang and learned ng acupuncture and healthcare.
he foundational texts and n Medicine and uncturists in Korea use ate and safely needle s and acupuncture points. saw how important it was ors to not just treat ents live well in order to much that I will take with
rip was a truly immersive re We were able to eat ople, and traveled down
I gained invaluable knowledge that I will carry forward into my future practice.
FINANCIAL REPORT
July 2023 - June 2024
With new programs in development and increased classroom capacity in the new Global Dharma Building the financial outlook for the Institute is positive In our new home, we will have opportunities to expand our reach with clinics and community services Our supporters have played a critical role in delivering us to the threshold of a new era in the history of the Institute.
InvestmentIncome
$340,215
ContributedServices
$191,543
FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Over the last 22 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the Won Institute of Graduate Studies fulfill its mission of delivering highquality graduate education and training based on spirituality
By focusing on the practical application of this education and training, our graduates contribute to the well-being of both individuals and the broader community. In this annual report, we are excited to highlight some of our achievements.
As outlined in the program section, we provided more than 1,000 acupuncture treatment services to veterans and individuals in recovery. Students gained invaluable hands-on experience at veterans' centers, drug rehabilitation facilities, and organizations serving vulnerable individuals in our communities. By helping those in need, our acupuncture students continue to apply their education and training for societal benefit, setting an example for others in the community
The Won Buddhist Studies Department operates a graduate program and a continuing education program to nurture Won Buddhist pre-ministers and widely spread the teachings of Won Buddhism to the general public Monthly WBS colloquiums, interfaith activities, development of practice and healing programs for local residents, and study abroad classes help individuals gain easier access to Won Buddhist teachings and deepen their understanding, fostering personal growth and professional achievement.
Looking ahead to the 2024 academic year and beyond, I take great pride in our accomplishments and feel optimistic about the future. Our community is strong and dynamic, and together we will persist in educating future acupuncturists to meet growing demand, advancing the practices of Won Buddhism, promoting the therapeutic use of Chinese herbal medicine, and upholding human dignity for the vulnerable in Philadelphia and beyond.
I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Dr Wonsun Oh, as well as the staff and faculty, whose hard work has brought these valuable achievements to life.
Sook Ja Choi, M.D. Chair, Board of Trustees
Our Donors
Our Donors
Withpalmstogether,weacknowledgeandthankallofoursupportersYourvisionandgenerositycontinueto shapethedirectionofourInstitute.dedicationofthesemembersoftheFounder’sCircle
FOUNDERSCIRCLE
InhonorofMasterSotaesan,thefounderofWonBuddhism,WonInstituteofGraduate Studiescommemoratesdonorswhohavegiven$100,000ormoretotheschoolintheir lifetimeWearedeeplygratefulforthededicationofthesemembersoftheFounder’sCircle
Yoonsuk Koh & Igwan Pak
Kwanhyun Kim
Tonya Syn Lee
Eungbum Yoo & Beopin Kim
Bongyoung Koh & Jean Kim
JULY 2023 - JUNE 2024 SUPPORTERS
GIFT OF $50,000 AND GREATER
Kwanhyun Kim
GIFT OF $10,000 TO $49,999
Sookja Choi
Hyeseon Kim
Kalpana Patanka
GIFT OF $2,500 TO $9,999
Jeung Ahn
Patty Daniel
Bokhyae Koh
Wonsun Oh
Sang Ok Ma
Caverly Morgan
Chol K Syn
GIFT OF $1,000 TO $2,499
Hyejung Kim
Youngbin Kim
Seonghun Lee
Janet Leidy
Hojin Park
Haeyoung Oh
Jeeyoung Oh
Sue Yie
GIFT UP TO $999
Jiyoung Byoun
Jennifer Cake
Min Kim Derry
Lisa Despres
Judy Doherty
Pil Soo Gim
Kathleen Herr
Yunseok Jung
Shinoh Kang
Insun Park
Dongin Kim
Hyunhwa Kim
Woojin Kim
Seong-il Kwon
Jisun Lee
Myungjung Lee
Yongeun Park
Elizabeth Reed
Scan the QR code to make a gift online.
Youngsoo Seo
Yeri So
Jungsoo Jo
Sookja Choi & Songguk Choi
Song Kee Kim & Woon Sook Kim
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Central Head Dharma Master’s office
Head Dharma Master Emeritus’ office in Unbong
The Rorer Foundation
Strong, Stevens, Miller & Wyant
The Supreme Dharma Council of Won Buddhism
Won Buddhims of Junggu
Won Buddhism of Berkeley
Won Buddhist Int'l Inc.
Won Buddhism of North Carolina
Won Buddhism of Philadelphia
Won-Buddhism San Francisco
Won Edification Center
WBS Alumni Brian Freer (Won Sunkyo one of the first Won Buddhist W
with Institute of Mind Humanities (Wonkwang University)
2024 Golden Needle Ceremony; ACS students received their needles as ceremonial transition into their clinical internship
M.O.U with Centennial School District
2024 Study abroad class: Exploring Korean Medicine
Won Institute awarded $30,000 grant from Delaware standdown (Dr Doreen Lafferty)
Chinese Herbal Dispensary
Mascot contest winners
2024 Warminster Day Booth
2024 Commencement Ceremony
2024 New Student Orientation
