Kwan-Yin Kong came to City College as a freshman almost 20 years ago, deeply
interested in meteorology. Resisting his parents’ plea to find a practical
career, he stuck to meteorology. In college he also discovered the beauty of
music and took up the piano. Self trained, he has become a good pianist. In
meteorology he has great insight, with both visual and mathematical talents, and
a prodigious memory for storms that characterizes the best of weather nuts.
After earning his MS in meteorology, he returned to CCNY as a research
scientist. I greatly profited by association with him. Even though he is very
quiet, he always managed to get his point across, which often involved profound
thought. Now he finally got a position with NOAA, leaving the world of soft
money (and me) behind. I do miss him.


To Kwan on Leaving CCNY
08 December 2006

Prelude
You cannot wave a magic wand
To find the folks to whom you'll bond
And there are times you will be conned
But not by you - you've got me Kwanned


When people leave the way I toast
Them is to grill them with a roast
So don't think I'm delirious
If now I'm mostly serious.
I'll be wan now that Kwan will be gone
I won't deny it. I loved your quiet.
So rich and deep with profound thought
Your soul cannot be bent or bought.
You're a gem of top quality
You meant all that and more to me
You've loved both music and the weather
And stuck with them despite all pressure
To have a practical career
And that too makes me hold you dear
And also why when in Camp Springs
You're bound to do some awesome things
So now go forth to your new life
But please, go out and find a wife!

Stanley David Gedzelman