Silla University Department of Business Administration Awards Honorary Diploma to the Late Executive Director Hong Young-ja of Dongbang Special Rubber

The Department of Business Administration at Silla University (President Heo Nam-sik) awarded an honorary diploma to the late Executive Director Hong Young-ja of Dongbang Special Rubber at the 2024 academic year degree conferment ceremony.

Mr. Lee Hee-young, who awarded the honorary diploma on behalf of the late Executive Director Hong Young-ja. Courtesy of Silla University

The university presented this special diploma at the Department of Business Administration degree conferment ceremony held on the 1st at the Future Aviation Convergence Hall.

The late Hong Young-ja, who entered the Department of Business Administration at the age of 70 in 2021, showed exceptional passion for her studies. To fulfill her lifelong wish of attending university, she passed the high school equivalency exam in 2020 and enrolled in the Department of Business Administration at Silla University in 2021. She diligently pursued her studies without a single absence until the first semester of her senior year, before passing away in June 2024 due to multiple organ failure.

During her lifetime, despite being a mature student, the late Hong Young-ja expressed a strong desire to continue her education by showing her intention to pursue a master's degree after graduation to Kim Seong-geun, head of the Department of Business Administration, inspiring current Silla University students.

Silla University awards honorary diplomas to students who, due to unavoidable circumstances, could not complete their courses but have made significant contributions to the nation and society, enhanced the university's honor and prestige, or otherwise qualify for the honorary diploma. The award is granted upon recommendation by the head of the relevant college and review by the academic committee.

Kim Seong-geun, head of the Department of Business Administration, along with professors and students, recommended the late Hong Young-ja as a candidate for the honorary diploma, recognizing her strong academic determination despite her advanced age as a model for society. This recommendation was approved by the academic committee, and the honorary diploma was presented at the degree conferment ceremony.

On the day, Lee Hee-young, the daughter of the late Hong Young-ja, who returned from Montreal, Canada, to receive her mother’s honorary diploma, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I thank President Heo Nam-sik of Silla University, Head Kim Seong-geun of the Department of Business Administration, and all related parties for awarding my mother’s lifelong wish of a university diploma,” and congratulated her mother on obtaining the degree.

Kim Seong-geun, head of the Department of Business Administration at Silla University, said, “Her sincere dedication to her studies serves as an example not only to current students but to all members of society. I hope we become a society where no one lets go of the pursuit of learning and realizes their dreams. Although we could not present the diploma to the late Hong Young-ja in person, we congratulate her on fulfilling her lifelong dream.”

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