Yeungnam University Awards Honorary Doctorate in Engineering to Lee Yonghwan, Chairman of High Tech Textile

Yeungnam University (President Choi Oechul) awarded an honorary doctorate in engineering to Lee Yonghwan, Chairman of High Tech Textile Co., Ltd., at the Siwon Global Convention Hall on the 22nd. Following the ceremony, a plaque unveiling event for the "Lee Yonghwan Lecture Room" was held in Room 216 of the Textile Hall, providing a meaningful occasion to honor an alumnus who has devoted himself to the development of his alma mater and the domestic textile and sports industries.

The event was attended by over 100 people, including President Choi Oechul of Yeungnam University, Han Jaesook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam Academy Foundation, key university officials, alumni, family members, relatives, and current students. The schedule featured the degree conferment ceremony, a commemorative luncheon, a scholarship certificate presentation, a congratulatory performance, and a group commemorative photo, all of which provided an opportunity to reflect on Chairman Lee Yonghwan's achievements and his dedication to his alma mater.

Chairman Lee Yonghwan (center) is taking a commemorative photo with President Choi Weechul (left) and Graduate School Dean Lee Kyungjun after receiving an honorary doctorate in engineering.

Chairman Lee Yonghwan entered the Department of Textile Engineering at Yeungnam University in 1970, dedicating himself to his studies and being selected multiple times as a scholarship recipient. After graduation, he contributed to the advancement of the sportswear industry by working at leading domestic and international companies such as Hanil Synthetic Fiber and Nike. In 1988, he founded High Tech Textile Co., Ltd. and became its CEO, leading the global competitiveness of Korea's sports and outdoor industry through the development of high-performance materials and the supply of ODM products. Notably, in 2007, through a technical partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan, he succeeded in manufacturing Korea's first 10D ultra-light down jacket, significantly contributing to the widespread distribution of winter outerwear nationwide. Even during the IMF financial crisis, his bold innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, which turned crisis into opportunity, became a model for the industry.

Since 2007, Chairman Lee has continued to support his juniors at his alma mater through scholarship donations. In 2008, as president of the Textile & Fashion Department Alumni Association in Seoul, he contributed to its development by hosting trend and new knowledge seminars. In recognition of these contributions, he was selected as a member of the Cheonma Honors Club in 2021. During the degree conferment ceremony, scholarship recipients of the Lee Yonghwan and Kim Jeomhee Scholarship read letters of appreciation, expressing their respect and gratitude to Chairman Lee and his wife.

The "Lee Yonghwan Lecture Room Plaque Unveiling Ceremony," held immediately after the degree conferment, was organized by Yeungnam University to honor alumni who have contributed to the university's development. The plaque features a relief of Chairman Lee Yonghwan's face. A bust created by Shin Kiun, Head of the Department of Trans Art, was also presented, adding further significance to the event. A representative from the Office of External Relations explained that this lecture room would serve as a place where people can feel Chairman Lee Yonghwan's noble spirit toward his alma mater and juniors, outlining the purpose behind its establishment.

Chairman Lee Yonghwan stated, "I am very pleased to receive this honorary doctorate in engineering from my alma mater. It is especially meaningful to share this moment with Chairperson Han Jaesook, President Choi Oechul, professors, alumni, and my family. The spirit and teachings I learned at my alma mater have been the driving force of my life, and I want to continue contributing to the nurturing of talent who will lead the world in this rapidly changing era. I will spare no effort to support my juniors so that they can confidently thrive on the global stage."

President Choi Oechul said, "It is a great honor to award Chairman Lee Yonghwan an honorary doctorate in engineering and to unveil the lecture room plaque today. As a pioneer in Korea's sports and outdoor industry, Chairman Lee has not only led industrial development but also taken the lead in dedicating himself to his alma mater and juniors, setting an example of unwavering affection and sharing for his juniors. I believe that all students who pass through the newly unveiled 'Lee Yonghwan Lecture Room' will emulate the chairman's spirit of challenge and passion, dedicating themselves to their studies and research and growing into globally competent talents."

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