Sylvia Sohn Um was born on May 9, 1968, in Kellogg, Idaho, to parents Richard and Patricia Um, who immigrated to the U.S. from Korea in 1963. She graduated from the University of Arizona Department of English in 1994 as one of the brightest students to pass through this university.
Among her honors are included the Arizona Regents’ Academic Achievement Award, a University of Arizona Fine Arts Scholarship, the Hattie Locket Poetry Award, and the Outstanding Senior Award from the College of Humanities. In addition to her literary achievements, Um was an accomplished musician (piano and violin) who performed with the University of Arizona Symphony Orchestra and Arizona Opera Company.
She died on November 7, 1996, while she was in her second year of the Master of Fine Arts program in poetry at the University of Maryland. She is remembered by her family, teachers, and many dear friends.
Titles Available from Kore Press:
The Rooted Heart
Autumnal; an Audio CD
Titles available from Kore Press
Autumnal: A Collection of ElegiesThe Rooted Heart by Sylvia Um