On May 15, 2018, Konkuk University (KU)’s 72nd anniversary celebration was held at the New Millennium Hall. At the ceremony, approximately 1,000 professors, students, graduates, staff members, staff of KU Foundation-affiliated organizations and distinguished guests made a resolution to further develop the university through “Change and Innovation”.
The event was composed of congratulatory remarks of Chairperson Jaeun Yoo, KU President Sanggi Min and KU Alumni Association President Wonjae Maeng, conferment of a range of awards including the Continuous Service Awards, the Academic Awards, Teaching Awards, Research Awards and Exemplary Awards and Good Conduct Prizes and Service Prizes and celebratory performances.
“I am convinced that we will go with the flow of change which has begun with the reduction in the number of students if we meticulously prepare and plan for the future”, said Chairperson Jaeun Yoo after explaining the meaning of the university’s 72nd anniversary and reporting the management status of affiliated organizations. Then added, “we need get ready for the future with a foresight of the changing landscape as Dr. Seok-chang Yoo said. To that end, we must throw off complacency and quickly adapt to change. As our society changes at a rapid pace, there is a need for us to endeavor to abandon customary practices, not being tied to the existing system and organizational culture. We will be able to rise to formidable outside challenges only if we concentrate our efforts on it. That is to say, we should improve our capabilities and continue to develop the KU Foundation by facilitating communication and cooperation among affiliated-organizations and focusing on the qualitative growth, rather than the quantitative growth”.
Through the congratulatory remarks, KU President Sanggi Min said, “we are gathered here today to remind ourselves of what our university’s founder, independence activist and educator, Dr. Seok-chang Yoo taught us and resolve on pursuing greater goals. As you may be aware, I have been working hard to make KU better since my inauguration. I will evaluate what I have done during the first half of my term and keep trying my best to take our university to another level in the second half”. After mentioning the remarkable achievements KU has made including winning large national projects and making advances in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, he said, “to become one of the top 5 private universities, we should try various things and respond to today’s rapidly changing environment surrounding us. It is crucial for all of us to share opinions and face up to reality to properly and carefully prepare ourselves for the future. In addition, we must fully comprehend the reality and share insights for making KU better.”