Choi Oechul, President of Yeungnam University: "I Will Develop the School into a Prestigious University Recognized Worldwide"... 77th Anniversary Ceremony

The 77th anniversary ceremony of Yeungnam University (President Choi Waecheul) was held.

The ceremony took place at 11 a.m. on the 14th at the Isiwon Global Convention Hall in the Cheonma Art Center of Yeungnam University. Dignitaries including Cho Hyunil, Mayor of Gyeongsan; Jeong Taeil, former President of the Yeungnam University Alumni Association; Kim Kiman, Vice President of Daegu Bank; Ha Insung, President of Gyeongbuk Technopark; Han Jaesuk, Chairperson of the Yeungnam Academy Foundation; Kim Jinsam, Board Member; Lee Hyosu, the 13th President of Yeungnam University; Seo Gilsu, the 15th President of Yeungnam University; Lee Gwangsik, President of the Honorary Professors Association; Kim Bongsik, former President of the Honorary Professors Association; Jeong Jaehak, Chair of the Faculty Council; Park Youngbong, Chair of the Staff Labor Union; and Yoo Sangwon, President of the Student Council, attended to celebrate the 77th anniversary of Yeungnam University.

Key figures attending the 77th anniversary of Yeungnam University gathered in Hanja Square for a commemorative photo.

Kim Kwan-yong, Executive Vice Chairperson of the National Unification Advisory Council; Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province; Park Sangkyu, President of the Korean Council for University Education; Byeon Changhun, President of the Korean Association of Private University Presidents; Park Yunkyung, President of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Park Jeonggwan, President of the Alumni Association in Seoul, also sent congratulatory videos and messages to celebrate the 77th anniversary of Yeungnam University.

In her commemorative address, Han Jaesuk, Chairperson of the Yeungnam Academy Foundation, stated, "Despite the efforts and achievements of the Cheonma family, we are in a period where the fate of the university is constantly being tested by the great waves of change surrounding higher education." She continued, "I hope that all members of the university will deeply reflect on the founding spirit, unite as one, and do their utmost for the development of the university, so that Yeungnam University can boldly leap forward as a glocal university leading new changes and innovations at the center of the regional innovation ecosystem."

In his commemorative speech, Choi Waecheul, President of Yeungnam University, said, "I would like to thank all those who made today's Yeungnam University possible, including Park Chunghee, the founder of Yeungnam Academy. Despite the crisis of declining school-age population, thanks to the united efforts of all members, we have achieved remarkable results in various global university rankings and financial support projects. We will also do our best to prepare for the upcoming 'Glocal University 30 Project' official designation."

President Choi added, "Celebrating its 77th anniversary, Yeungnam University will uphold the founding spirit and identity of Yeungnam Academy with the Saemaul spirit of 'We can do it' under the slogan 'Eyes on the Future, Challenge to the World.' We will do our utmost to cultivate the talent required by the times and develop into a prestigious private university recognized worldwide."

At the ceremony, awards were presented to faculty and staff who have contributed to the university's development in education, research, and administration, as well as to students who have contributed to social responsibility and community development. A total of 107 long-service awards, 7 Cheonma Honors Lecture Excellence Awards, 16 Excellence in Teaching Awards, 14 Excellence in Research Awards, 4 Songam Lee Jongwoo Achievement Awards, 9 Exemplary Staff Awards, and 7 Sharing, Service, and Creativity Awards were presented and celebrated.

Notably, this year's ceremony included not only awards for faculty and staff but also Sharing, Service, and Creativity Awards presented to 7 students who have demonstrated positive influence in the community by embodying the values of sharing, service, and creativity, adding significance as a ceremony for all university members. Additionally, 4 professors who contributed to the university's development and innovation through education and research received the Songam Lee Jongwoo Achievement Award.

This award has been presented since last year using a development fund donated by Lee Jongwoo, an alumnus of Yeungnam University and current board member of the Yeungnam Academy Foundation, who is also the chairman of Korea Homer.

Prior to the ceremony, a commemorative stone unveiling ceremony for the Jeongipumsong tree was held at Cheonma Honors Park, attended by President Choi Waecheul and key faculty members. The Jeongipumsong, a successor grown from the seeds of the Jeongipumsong pine tree from Songnisan, which is Natural Monument No. 103, was planted in Cheonma Honors Park with the help of the Gyeongbuk Forest Environment Research Institute.

To commemorate its 77th anniversary, Yeungnam University is holding a variety of celebratory events, including the Global Saemaul Forum, Daedong Festival, Social Contribution Value Expansion Idea Contest, YU History Quiz Competition, International Student Unity Sports Festival, Faculty and Staff Sports Day, and YU Presentation Contest, bringing together university members, local residents, and international students.