Those Who Went to University Could Not Beat Him... 47-Year-Old Late Bloomer Graduates as Top of Class at Pukyong National University

Among 3,298 Graduates, Lifelong Learner Park Jin-woo, a Vocational High School Graduate and Office Worker, Ranks First

With a GPA of 4.47 out of 4.5, Receives Pukyong National University President's Award at the Degree Conferment Ceremony on the 19

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] It was almost impossible for anyone to surpass him once they entered university. This year, the top graduate of the national Pukyong National University was revealed to be a 47-year-old late bloomer college student.

This "late bloomer college student" earned a GPA of 4.47, just shy of the perfect 4.5, and claimed the President’s Award, outshining the younger students.

At the Pukyong National University (President Jang Young-soo) degree conferment ceremony held on February 19, Park Jin-woo (47 years old, Beomseo-eup, Ulju-gun), from the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Software Engineering at the College of Future Convergence, made a remarkable achievement by receiving the President’s Award.

The College of Future Convergence at Pukyong National University was established in 2017 as the first in the southeastern region under the Ministry of Education’s lifelong education system support project, to open the path to university graduation for those who missed the opportunity to learn.

Park, a company employee, balanced work, family, and studies for four years, and ranked first in academic performance among 3,298 graduates of Pukyong National University this year.

He did not enter university out of necessity for further education or employment, but to learn, and he graduated having truly learned. His GPA proves it.

Park, who graduated from Busan Electronic Technical High School, entered the College of Future Convergence at Pukyong National University in 2017 at the age of 43 while working in Ulsan.

He said, “I decided to enroll because I felt that if I didn’t do it now, I would never be able to study at university.”

He also said, “There were times when balancing work and studies was so difficult that I wanted to give up, but I persevered and studied.”

He ignited his passion for learning through Pukyong National University’s tailored academic system for adult learners, including night classes, weekend classes, and online courses.

As a father of three children, he confessed, “After work, I had to go to the classroom to study instead of going home. I always felt sorry to my wife and children for not spending the evening together.”

He smiled and said, “While working, I had many questions about my major, but they were not easily answered through the internet or books. The professors explained things systematically, as if threading a needle, which helped quench my thirst for knowledge.”

Park said, “I have enrolled in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Pukyong National University Graduate School of Industry,” and added, “I want to continue studying and broaden the horizons of my life.”

On this day, notable graduates included 53 “late bloomer college students” in their 20s to 60s, including Park, who pioneered the first graduation of the College of Future Convergence at Pukyong National University through diligent study both day and night over four years.

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