Faculty, Staff, Students, Foundation Officials, and Alumni Gather Together for Anniversary Celebration

Outstanding Teaching and Research Faculty, Exemplary Staff, and Recipients of Sharing·Service·Creativity Awards Honored

“Songam Lee Jong-woo Distinguished Contribution Award” Presented for Contributions to University Development and Innovation

[May 15, 2026]

 YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) held a ceremony commemorating the 79th anniversary of its founding.

 The ceremony took place at 11 a.m. on May 15 at the LEE Si-won Global Convention Hall of Cheonma Art Center. Attendees included YU President CHOI Oe-chool, faculty members, staff, students, and other university community members, along with Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of the Yeungnam School Corporation and YU Alumni Association President JUNG Tae-il, who gathered to celebrate YU’s 79th anniversary. 

 In his congratulatory remarks, Alumni Association President JUNG Tae-il stated, “On behalf of all alumni, I sincerely congratulate our proud alma mater on reaching the meaningful milestone of its 79th anniversary. The 290,000 alumni actively contributing across all sectors of society are the university’s greatest asset and source of pride.” He added, “The environment surrounding universities is rapidly changing due to declining school-age populations and the arrival of the AI era. At such a time of major transformation, the university foundation, the university, and the alumni association must unite firmly as one.” He continued, “The alumni association will fulfill its role as a strong supporter so that our juniors can pursue their dreams in a better environment and grow into talents who contribute not only to the Korean people but also to humanity.”

<From left, Alumni Association President JUNG Tae-il, President CHOI Oe-chool, and Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of the Yeungnam School Corporation>

 In her commemorative address, Chairperson HAN Jae-sook said, “The path YU has walked represents not merely the history of an educational institution, but a proud and distinguished journey that has formed a major pillar in the advancement of higher education in Korea.” She emphasized, “The tremendous waves of change affecting society as a whole—including artificial intelligence, climate crises, and demographic shifts—are presenting new challenges to the role and responsibility of universities. In the midst of these changes, universities must move beyond being spaces that simply deliver knowledge and become centers of transformation leading creative problem-solving and social innovation.” She continued, “If the past 79 years have been a ‘history of pride,’ the years ahead will become a ‘history of innovation,’” adding, “I sincerely hope today’s ceremony will serve as the starting point for a bold leap toward the next 100 years.”

 In his commemorative speech, President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “YU has devoted itself to nurturing talented individuals based on the founding philosophy of President PARK Chung-hee. More than 290,000 alumni who passed through the university gates have played pivotal roles across society in helping Korea rise from one of the world’s poorest nations to an advanced country.” He continued, “Recently, President LEE Jae-myung referred to the achievements of President PARK Chung-hee and the Saemaul Undong, evaluating it as an effective development assistance model that should be expanded through ODA for developing countries. This once again confirms these historical achievements. I believe that, amid this trend, the environment for YU to leap forward as a world-class university is rapidly maturing.” He added, “The Saemaul Undong is a representative example of implementing Korea’s founding philosophy of ‘Hongik Ingan’ through national policy, and its value has been internationally recognized as UNESCO heritage. Furthermore, YU, which has systematized this movement academically, has made high-level contributions to the international community. In this way, Korea’s development experience—from a poor nation to an advanced country—and the founder’s leadership that shaped our founding philosophy are among the university’s most important educational assets and greatest competitive strengths.” He emphasized, “If all members of the university unite based on these strengths, we will be able to lead the history of a new era, just as our school anthem declares: ‘Become creators of a new history, for the nation and for humanity.’” President CHOI also delivered a message to current students, saying, “We have now entered an era of infinite competition in which individuals must prove themselves solely through competence.” He added, “At times like these, it is extremely important to strengthen both body and mind, cultivate the warmth to embrace others, and develop multidimensional thinking abilities. I hope you will grow into talents who lead the new era.” 

 During the ceremony, awards were presented to faculty members, staff, and students who have contributed to the university’s development in education, research, and administration, as well as to social contribution and community advancement. Awards and commendations were presented to 63 long-service employees, 6 Cheonma Honors Outstanding Teaching Professors, 15 Outstanding Teaching Award recipients, 16 Outstanding Research Award recipients, 3 Songam LEE Jong-woo Distinguished Contribution Award recipients, 6 Exemplary Staff Award recipients, and 13 Sharing·Service·Creativity Award recipients.

In particular, this anniversary ceremony carried special significance by recognizing not only faculty and staff but also 13 students who have created positive influence within the community through the values of sharing, service, and creativity. In addition, the Songam LEE Jong-woo Distinguished Contribution Award was presented to three professors who contributed to university development and innovation. The award has been presented since 2022 using a development fund donated by YU alumnus LEE Jong-woo, Chairman of Korea Homer Co., Ltd.