Sunchon National University Holds 91st Anniversary Ceremony, Reaffirms "Founding Spirit"

Reflecting on the Spirit of Wooseok, Renewing the Pledge Toward the Centennial

Honoring the “Proud Sunchon National University Person” and Government Awardees, Recognizing Dedication to University Advancement

Sunchon National University (President Lee Byeongun) marked its 91st anniversary, reaffirming its resolve to take a new leap forward toward its centennial in 2035.

On May 14, Sunchon National University held a commemorative ceremony for its 91st anniversary at Wooseok Hall in the 70th Anniversary Building, with approximately 100 members of the university community—including faculty, students, and alumni—in attendance. During the event, the university encouraged those who contributed to its development and reflected on the importance of upholding the founding spirit.

Sunchon National University held a ceremony to commemorate its 91st anniversary, encouraging members who contributed to the university's development and reflecting on the spirit of its founding. Photo by Sunchon National University

The ceremony began with a cheerleading performance by the student club Neulbom, followed by a special 91st anniversary video (Back to the SCNU), a commemorative address by President Lee Byeongun, the Proud Sunchon National University Person awards, the presentation of government commendations for the 45th Teachers' Day, long-term service awards for faculty and staff in 10-year increments, and celebratory performances by the student band club Meary and the Sunchon City Choir.

The 2026 Proud Sunchon National University Person award, recognizing those who enhanced the university's reputation, was given to Professor Emeritus Park Kiyoung and Professor Moon Seungtae of the Department of Agricultural Education. Both recipients were honored for their academic achievements and contributions to the university's development.

For the 45th Teachers' Day, government commendations from the Minister of Education were presented to: Professor Chun Jiyeon of Food Engineering and Professor Cho Heunggeun of English Education (for Talent Development), as well as Professor Guk Yongin of Bio-Herbal Medicine Resources and Professor Bang Geukcheol of Japanese Language and Culture (for Academic Promotion).

Long-term service awards were also presented. Six individuals, including Professor Yang Cheolju of Animal Resource Science and staff member Kim Sujin of the Third Administration Office, were recognized for 30 years of service. Fifteen individuals, including Professor Jo Gyejung of Forest Resources and student support team leader Jeong Sangju, were honored for 20 years, and twenty-four individuals, including Professor Kim Jongin of Horticulture and administrative officer Kim Hyeonjin of the General Affairs Department, received awards for 10 years of service. Their dedication and contributions to the university's development were acknowledged.

In his commemorative address, President Lee stated, "Over the past 91 years, our university has gone through countless changes, and its history is ultimately the story of people who trusted in one another."

He emphasized, "Recent achievements—such as recording the largest leap among national universities in the QS Asia University Rankings, becoming the first university in Jeonnam to enter the global top 300 in the field of agricultural science, and attaining the highest freshman admission rate among regional national universities—are the result of the trust and dedication of all our members."

President Lee also highlighted the spirit of the university's founder, Wooseok Kim Jongik, saying, "Mr. Wooseok recognized the importance of regional healthcare and medical education, and devoted himself to establishing Kyungsung Women's Medical College, the nation's first medical institution for women." He added, "The establishment of a new national medical school in Jeonnam is likewise a vital task for safeguarding the region's life and future."

He further remarked, "Our university's dignity lies in pursuing coexistence and responsibility rather than conflict and confrontation, and in building the future together rather than focusing solely on competition and exclusion. This is the spirit left to us by Mr. Wooseok."

President Lee also noted, "'Mangbaek' refers to the anticipation of reaching 100 years, just as a person at age 91 looks toward their centennial. Today's ceremony should not only celebrate past achievements but serve as the starting point for preparing the great legacy of our 100th anniversary."

After the ceremony, the president and key university administrators paid their respects at the memorial statue and gravesite of Wooseok Kim Jongik at Jukdobong, honoring the founding spirit. Through laying flowers and a moment of silence, attendees reflected on Wooseok's lifelong devotion to the region and to education, and reaffirmed Sunchon National University's commitment to shaping the next 100 years together with the community.

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