A 100 Million Won Savings Account Opened 10 Years Ago... And a Female Professor Leaving Behind Smiles

Professor Lee Myung-sook of Pukyong National University Department of Microbiology Donates 100 Million Won Development Fund to Alma Mater After 30 Years of Service
"When Life Was Hard, the School Supported My Studies with Scholarships," "Now It's Time

Professor Lee Myung-sook of the Department of Microbiology at Pukyong National University is visiting President Jang Young-soo's office on November 26 to donate 100 million won.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A female professor, 10 years before her retirement, set aside a portion of her salary to open a savings account.

The money grew to 100 million won. Was it retirement funds, or money saved and forgotten for a family trip?

On November 26, the true nature of the money was revealed. Professor Lee Myung-sook (65) of the Department of Microbiology at Pukyong National University visited the university president's office with 100 million won.

Professor Lee, who is retiring in February next year, came to keep a promise she made to herself 10 years ago, to a fellow professor and the university president.

The promise she made to herself was revealed as a request to "use it for the development of the school."

At the occasion where she generously donated the large sum of 100 million won, Professor Lee told President Jang Young-soo, "I wanted to express my gratitude to Pukyong National University, my workplace and alma mater."

President Jang, who accepted the money, is also an alumnus of Pukyong National University. As a senior professor leaves the campus first, she passes on her deep affection for the alma mater to her juniors before departing.

The money was accumulated by Professor Lee by regularly setting aside a certain amount from her salary over the past 10 years.

Professor Lee said, "When I was about to retire, I thought I should repay the '30 years' of gratitude to the school, but I was not confident to pay a large amount at once. So, I opened a separate savings account and saved monthly for 10 years, and now the time has come to donate before retirement."

Professor Lee, who will retire in February next year, enrolled in 1974. Pukyong National University has been both her workplace and alma mater for 30 years.

She said, "When I entered university, my family’s financial situation was very difficult, but fortunately, I was able to graduate safely by receiving scholarships throughout the four years. Also, I was really lucky to work at my alma mater, enjoying the happiness of researching and teaching students for 30 years. Now it is time for me to give back."

Pukyong National University plans to use the money according to Professor Lee’s wishes for expanding research equipment and facilities, and supporting student self-governance activities.

Professor Lee smiled and said, "I hope this small contribution will help students study and research in a better environment, gain various experiences, and have a fulfilling university life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.