Teacher, 1973-1980
David (better known as Dave) Kohl was a High School Art teacher at HKIS from 1973 to 1980.
Alumnus Amat Tajudin ’77 described Dave as his most influential teacher, adding “Art and music were such a strong presence in my High School learning. In fact, it was because of these subjects, I chose architecture, a profession filled with a broad spectrum of learning.”
Alumna Kathy Anderer ’79 who graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Art History wrote, “Mr. Kohl was actually an influence in my desire to create. What influenced me most was the photography that we did in his class. Having a teacher like him that was totally non-threatening, allowing us to create in whatever way we desired, and to grow into ourselves created a confidence in myself as an artist.”
One of Dave’s claims to fame is that he redesigned the school’s logo in 1973, creating the design that still stands today. In 2007 he commented, “I’m glad to see it still in use 30 years later, and still portraying Christ as the center of our school.”
As part of the school’s 40th-anniversary celebrations in 2007, Dave undertook the massive task of editing the book “Dragon Taels: Memories from the Golden Age at Hong Kong International School,” featuring anecdotes and messages by HKIS students, admin staff, faculty, and parents.
His two-volume centennial history of the Lutheran Church Mission in China “Lutherans on the Yangtze: A Centenary Account of the Missouri Synod in China,” was published in 2013.
Expressing his appreciation for Dave’s commitment to researching and sharing tales from HKIS’s past, Pastor Joel Schiewe of the Church of All Nations said, “David has really adopted a care for the history of HKIS and the Lutheran mission in Hong Kong and China. He has made an attempt to capture the personal stories of HKIS alumni and faculty alumni from the whole history of our existence.”
Dave now lives in Portland, Oregon. He operates his own pottery studio, researches and writes history, and is active in HKIS’s Alumni Association.