YU community, alumni advisors, and vice presidents gather to commemorate milestone

Awards presented to top lecturers, exemplary staff, and students for service and creativity

‘Songam LEE Jong-woo Achievement Awards’ honors key contributors to university innovation

[May 16, 2025]

 Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) held a ceremony to celebrate the 78th anniversary of its founding.

 The ceremony took place on May 15 at the LEE Si-won Global Convention Hall in the Cheonma Art Center on the YU campus. Distinguished guests included YU alumni association advisors JUNG Tae-il (Chairman of Korea OSG) and NOH Hee-chan (Chairman of Samil Spinning Co.), Vice President of the Alumni Association and Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President PARK Yoon-kyung, Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of the Yeongnam School Corporation, and board member KIM Jin-sam. Senior Vice Chairman KIM Gwan-yong of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), and Governor LEE Cheol-woo of Gyeongsangbuk-do also conveyed their congratulations through video messages and written statements, expressing high hopes for YU's continued growth.

<(From left) JUNG Tae-il (Chairman of Korea OSG), NOH Hee-chan (Chairman of Samil Spinning Co.), and PARK Yoon-kyung (Vice President of the Alumni Association and Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President) deliver congratulatory remarks during the ceremony.>

 In his congratulatory address, alumni advisor JUNG Tae-il stated, “Yeungnam University stands where it does today thanks to the dedication of its members. I hope it continues to achieve greater progress in the years ahead.” Advisor NOH Hee-chan emphasized, “The university’s slogan, ‘Future and Challenge,’ aligns perfectly with YU’s direction. With strong momentum and a spirit of challenge, YU is more than capable of becoming a global leader beyond its region.” Alumni Vice President PARK Yoon-kyung added, “For the past 78 years, YU has produced countless talents who have contributed to national and regional development. I wholeheartedly support its future leap forward.”

<Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of the Yeungnam School Corporation delivers the commemorative address.>

 In her address, Chairperson HAN Jae-sook remarked, “It is a proud moment to celebrate the 78th anniversary of our university. I deeply appreciate the dedication of all university members who have worked hard to advance YU despite difficult circumstances.” She continued, “Since its founding, YU has played a vital role in national development by nurturing outstanding talents. Even amid the crisis of declining school-age population, we are strengthening our competitiveness. YU has always turned crises into opportunities, and I ask everyone to continue working together under the leadership of the president to further advance the university.”

<President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a commemorative speech at YU’s 78th anniversary ceremony.>

 In his speech, President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “Our university was established based on the founding vision of President Park Chung-hee to foster talent for national renaissance and the creation of a new history.” He added, “Today’s ceremony is not only a commemoration of our 78-year legacy but also a renewed commitment to our future.” He continued, “As we face a rapidly changing era with transformative technologies like AI and robotics, it is time to deeply reflect on our identity and future direction. We will embrace change and challenge without fear, continue to innovate, and rise as a world-class private university dedicated to cultivating talents who contribute to humanity.”

 During the ceremony, YU honored faculty and staff members who have made significant contributions in education, research, and administration, as well as students who have positively impacted society and the campus community. Awards included: Long-service awards (92 recipients), Cheonma Honors Teaching Excellence Awards (7 faculty members), Teaching Excellence Awards (12 faculty members), Research Excellence Awards (15 faculty members), Songam LEE Jong-woo Achievement Awards (4 faculty members), Exemplary Staff Awards (7 recipients), Sharing, Volunteerism, and Creativity Awards (5 students).

 In particular, the anniversary ceremony was made more meaningful by recognizing not only faculty and staff but also five students who have made a positive impact on the community by embodying the values of sharing, service, and creativity with the Sharing, Service, and Creativity Award.  Additionally, the Songam LEE Jong-woo Merit Award was presented to four professors in recognition of their contributions to the university's development and innovation. This award has been presented since 2022, funded by a development donation from YU alumnus LEE Jong-woo, Chairman of Korea Homer Co., Ltd.