President Choi Oechul of Yeungnam University: "We Will Not Fear Change or Challenge and Will Never Cease to Innovate" at 78th Anniversary Ceremony

Chung Taeil, Noh Heechan, and Park Yunkyung Attend
"Supporting a New Leap Forward"

Yeungnam University (President Choi Oechul) held a ceremony to commemorate its 78th anniversary.

On the morning of May 15, the 78th anniversary ceremony took place at the Lee Siwon Global Convention Hall in the Cheonma Art Center at Yeungnam University. The event was attended by Chung Taeil (Chairman of Korea OSG), Noh Heechan (Chairman of Samil Textile) who both serve as advisors to the Yeungnam University General Alumni Association, Park Yunkyung, chairman of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (vice chairman of the General Alumni Association), Han Jaesook, chairperson of the Yeungnam Academy Foundation, and director Kim Jinsam. They all celebrated the university's 78th anniversary. Kim Kwan Yong, executive vice chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council, and Lee Cheolwoo, governor of North Gyeongsang Province, also sent congratulatory videos and messages, expressing their congratulations on the anniversary and their hopes for the university's continued development.

Attendees of Yeungnam University’s 78th anniversary ceremony are gathered together for a commemorative photo.

In his congratulatory address, Chung Taeil, advisor to the General Alumni Association, stated, "Yeungnam University exists today thanks to the dedication of its members," and added, "I look forward to even greater progress in the future." Noh Heechan, also an advisor to the General Alumni Association, emphasized, "The slogan 'Future and Challenge' set by our alma mater aligns perfectly with the direction Yeungnam University is pursuing. I believe Yeungnam University can become a global leader, not just in the region, through strong drive and a spirit of challenge." In her subsequent congratulatory speech, Park Yunkyung, vice chairman of the General Alumni Association, remarked, "Over the past 78 years, Yeungnam University has produced countless talented individuals and contributed to the development of the nation and local community. I sincerely support the university's new leap forward."

In her commemorative address, Han Jaesook, chairperson of the board, said, "Our proud Yeungnam University is celebrating its 78th anniversary. I deeply appreciate the hard work of all university members who have devoted themselves to the university's development even under difficult circumstances." She continued, "Since its founding, Yeungnam University has produced numerous talented individuals and played a pivotal role in national development. Even amid the crisis of declining school-age population, the university is strengthening its competitiveness. We have always been a university that turns crises into opportunities, and I ask everyone to unite under the leadership of the president and do your utmost for the university's advancement."

In his commemorative speech, President Choi Oechul stated, "Our university, founded by President Park Chunghee, has fostered talent for national renaissance and the creation of a new history, based on his founding philosophy." He added, "Today marks not only the celebration of our 78th anniversary but also a day to pledge a new beginning toward the future."

President Choi also said, "In this rapidly changing era, as the industrial environment is being reshaped by AI and robotics, it is time for us to deeply reflect on our university's new identity and direction. We will not fear change or challenge, will never cease to innovate, and will rise as a world-class private university that nurtures talent contributing to humanity."

During the ceremony, awards were presented to faculty and staff who have contributed to the university's development in the fields of education, research, and administration, as well as to students who have worked for social contribution and community advancement. A total of 92 long-service awards, 7 Cheonma Honors Outstanding Lecturer awards, 12 Outstanding Lecturer awards, 15 Outstanding Research awards, 4 Songam Lee Jongwoo Achievement awards, 7 Exemplary Staff awards, and 5 Sharing, Service, and Creativity awards were given and celebrated.

Park Yunkyung, chairman of Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (vice chairman of the General Alumni Association), is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 78th anniversary event of Yeungnam University.

In particular, at the anniversary ceremony, not only were awards presented to faculty and staff, but also to five students who have embodied the values of sharing, service, and creativity and have had a positive impact on the community, further highlighting the meaning of a ceremony for all university members. Additionally, four professors who contributed to the university's development and innovation received the Songam Lee Jongwoo Achievement Award. This award has been presented since 2022, utilizing a development fund donated by Yeungnam University alumnus Lee Jongwoo, chairman of Korea Homer Co., Ltd.