On Friday, January 31, Dr. Hearn Cho returned to Western Reserve Academy to deliver a thought-provoking address in the Chapel — the latest in our lineup of luminaries in our Bicentennial Speaker Series.
As the recipient of the prestigious Morley Science Medal, awarded to alumni who have made significant contributions to science, technology, or engineering, Dr. Cho’s visit was a momentous occasion for the school community.
Dr. Cho’s impressive academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Princeton University, followed by earning both a medical degree and a doctorate in immunology from the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. His extensive clinical training included a residency in internal medicine at the University of California, San Diego, and a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at Weill Medical College. Dr. Cho also conducted postdoctoral research in immunology at UC San Diego and Rockefeller University.
Today, Dr. Cho serves as a full professor (recently promoted from associate, he shared) of medicine, hematology and medical oncology at the Tisch Cancer Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. With over two decades of experience in clinical care and research, he specializes in multiple myeloma, a form of blood and bone marrow cancer, and focuses on developing novel targeted therapies.
Dr. Cho began his address with a candid revelation: he had two stories about death to share, but before diving into those, he reflected on his unexpected return to Hudson. “I left WRA in the summer of 1984,” he recalled, “and I had no plans to return. At 17, I was eager to see the wider world.” After receiving an unexpected email informing him that he had been nominated for the Morley Science Medal, he found himself back on campus, reconnecting with classmates at his 40th reunion and preparing to address the student body.
Rather than delivering a conventional presentation about his career, Dr. Cho opted for a more personal approach. He reminisced about his time as a student, sitting on the same hard wooden pews, often having skipped breakfast, and grappling with homework deadlines, commiserating with his imagined teenage self and the teenagers before him. “We were all going through this supposedly elite education,” he said, “designed to get us into elite colleges and pursue elite careers, all with the expectation that we would become leaders contributing to society.”
However, Dr. Cho acknowledged the cognitive dissonance students face today — being taught to seek truth in a world where misinformation thrives. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking, curiosity and resilience. “By engaging in this process here and now,” he urged, “you have the opportunity to separate fact from fiction, question authority and speak truth to power. I sincerely hope the lessons you learn here will form the foundation for your contributions to a better future.”
Dr. Cho then shared two poignant stories about mortality. The first involved an acquaintance who met a tragic end in a crocodile attack during an African river cruise — a stark reminder that life’s dangers are often unforeseen. The second story featured Warren Zevon, the singer-songwriter behind “Werewolves of London” who in 2002 was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Before his death, he appeared on David Letterman’s show, and was asked in the interview: "Warren, you're facing your own mortality. What do you know that we don't know?" Zevon thought about this for a moment and said, "Well, Dave, you got to enjoy every sandwich."
Reflecting on these stories, Dr. Cho imparted profound advice. “There is no point in worrying about the future because you never know when or where the crocodile is coming,” he said. “Preparation makes sense, but worrying prevents you from living in the present.” He encouraged students to appreciate both great and small joys — the sound of a friend’s voice, the touch of a child’s hand and yes, even a good sandwich.
In closing, Dr. Cho acknowledged the challenges of navigating a complex world. “It must take a lot of courage to face the cognitive dissonance between what you’re told and what you observe,” he said. With empathy and respect for their resilience, he urged students to rise to their unique challenges without fear or anxiety, to find strength in community, and to be “happy warriors” who seek joy and purpose.
“I hope you will find a place to put your skills and passions to build a better society,” Dr. Cho concluded. “And I hope you will enjoy every sandwich.”
The cheerful noise of Werewolves of London flooding through the Chapel speakers was only outpaced by the applause of the community. Thank you, Dr. Cho, for making the trip home, for sharing your wisdom, insights and inspiration.
