George Sherdain Haley, known in Korea by his Korean name Ha JungSik, was a key figure in establishing Sahmyook University’s dairy processing business and stabilizing its finances during the 1960s and 1970s.
On October 6, 2024, Haley passed away at the age of 90 in Little Crooked Lake, Michigan, holding onto his hope of Christ’s return.
Sahmyook University held a commemorative service on November 9, 2024, in the Yohan Building’s Hongmyeonggi Hall. More than 300 attendees were present, including Je HaeJong, the President of Sahmyook University, Vice President Kim YongSun, key university officials, former presidents and CEOs of Sahmyook Foods and former CEOs, as well as colleagues and faculty members who worked with Hailey during her tenure at the university.
Born in 1934 in Sister Lake, Michigan, Haley came to Korea in 1958 as a U.S. Army Medical Corps soldier. After being discharged, he answered the call of Missionary Davis (Korean name Tae Bi-soo) and began serving at Sahmyook University in 1959.
In his memoirs, Haley reflected, “My 22 years at Sahmyook were a continuous experience of God’s blessings, marked simultaneously by unceasing challenges.”
■ A Life of Faith, Blessings, Dedication, and Challenges
In 1961, when Sahmyook College (formerly Sahmyook Theological Seminary) became a university, Haley became the first head of its agricultural education department and industrial affairs division. At the time, Korea’s dairy industry was still in its infancy, but Haley quickly recognized the need for dairy farming and milk production. He led the launching of projects to raise dairy cows and expand milk production.
In 1963, while on a sabbatical year in the U.S., he raised funds, purchased 20 dairy cows, and brought them back to Korea, shipping them across the Pacific Ocean. At that time, there were only about 2,000 dairy cows nationwide. Haley also received donated equipment from major American food companies like Beatrice Foods to support the project.
In the following months, the herd at the dairy farm grew rapidly as calves were born, tripling the size of the operation. Over 60% of the calves born that year were female, a milestone Haley considered a “great joy” in his memoirs.
In the early 1970s, the Korean government initiated policies to promote dairy product consumption, which created great opportunities for further growth. Haley recognized this opportunity, importing an additional 60 cows from the U.S. in 1973. He also launched the “Send Cows to Sahmyook University” campaign, which gained substantial support across the United States. This fundraising effort helped to bring in another 120 cows by 1977, delivered via air freight in two separate shipments.
The milk produced by Sahmyook University became renowned for its high quality, with a daily output capacity of 10,000 kilograms. This success played a critical role in stabilizing the university’s finances. In recognition of his contributions, the South Korean government awarded Haley a national commendation in 1978.
In 1981, Haley returned to the United States after completing his mission at Sahmyook University, though he visited Korea several times at the university’s invitation. He passed away on October 6, 2024, at 90, in Little Crooked Lake, Michigan.
President Je HaeJong expressed his admiration, stating, “Missionary Haley, who dedicated his youth to Sahmyook, was a true benefactor. His efforts laid the foundation for our university’s financial independence. His missionary passion, pioneering spirit, faithful stewardship, selfless service, diligence, and integrity continue to inspire us all.” He concluded by pledging, “We will continue to nurture the seeds of dedication he sowed, striving to bear even greater fruit.”
In addition to the service at Sahmyook University, a memorial service for Haley is scheduled for December 29, 2024, at the Andrews Korean Church in the United States.