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Commencement 2012 Address 2012.08.31

August 31, 2012
 
  I am sincerely honored to congratulate the graduating class of Yonsei University today. I would also like to offer my congratulations and gratitude to the parents and family members here today who have supported their children with so much devotion. Moreover, I would like to thank our distinguished guests who are here to applaud the graduating class, as well as those professors who have opened the doors of academic learning and taught the Yonsei spirit to our students.
 
  Beloved graduates, 
  You are once again at a starting point, as you prepare to enter the world after leaving your beloved alma mater. Graduation closes a chapter of your academic career, whilst opening a new one to the next phase of your life. The world is going through a period of upheaval in the history of civilization. Human society in this transition period requires a completely changed, new paradigm. Will you choose to create and lead the new paradigm or fall behind? You will soon be placed in the midst of this upheaval upon graduation.
 
  I encourage you to take on your future with confidence, however. It is the source of all strength and the tool that can solve all difficulties. I am confident that everything you have learned and experienced at Yonsei University will be able to strengthen you in your future journey.
 
  A university is a place that fosters proactive individuals who can adapt in a rapidly changing world, and Yonsei University has been striving to nurture global talents that meet today’s social needs. Moreover, we have placed our best efforts to teach not only knowledge and courage, but also servant leadership. Each one of you has spent the most important period of your life very productively on the Yonsei campus. Your academic and cultural experiences at Yonsei will remain valuable assets for your future lives.
 
  Firstly, become heroes and heroines that make a new history in the future. Korea is going through a transformative period to find a way to leap forward. You are now standing at the crossroads of either surpassing the society of industrialization and democratization attained by your parents and seniors, or regressing towards a stagnant society without life or love. A creative and flourishing society does not just come into existence by itself. It is only when experts in their respective fields create dynamic changes that we can begin a bright new future. Every beautiful creation is the fruit of pain and, similarly, all achievements come as reward for hardships. Hold true to the Yonseian spirit and seek justice and righteousness to help construct a better society. Become a true leader who puts the interest of society before him or herself.
 
  Secondly, do not fear failure and continuously challenge yourself. You will face hardships in the world outside this campus. The long seaway of life may sometimes leave you swayed by high winds or hit by large rocks. No one in this world lives free of failure, but how one accepts it changes everything in life. You can defeat failure with the courage to move on and continue challenging yourself. The greatest achievements of humanity were attained through hardships, not despite hardships. I encourage you to have the faith and courage to live a life of ceaseless challenges. Challenging yourself for the better is a privilege given to the young generation, and it will also act as a driving force to lead you to a higher place.
 
  Whenever you face hardships in life, remember your dreams when you first set foot on the Yonsei campus years ago, and the determination you hold today at this moment. Your determination will become your driving force for success, and you will bring honor to the Yonsei spirit that shines the brightest during the most difficult times.
 
  Thirdly, be proud as Yonsei alumni and cherish your passion for Yonsei in the years to come. Treasure your memories of your years at the Yonsei campus: the Baekyang-ro, Cheongsongdae, the classrooms, libraries, and the beautiful university grounds. You are now about to embark on a new journey in life. The grace of God has touched your past academic years at Yonsei, where we learned and lived together, making it even more special. Everyone in this graduating class is the pride of Yonsei, just as Yonsei remains a symbol of pride for every one of you. You are the future of Yonsei, and thus your passion for Yonsei will determine its future. Your achievements will become the achievements of the university and will drive its future growth.
 
  Through the “Third Founding” initiative, Yonsei University will strive to become a world-class university. Following the “First Founding” 127 years ago, when Yonsei was established as the first modern educational institution in Korea, the “Second Founding” took place through the merger of Yonhi College and Severance Medical School. The “Third Founding” consists of the opening of the Songdo Campus, the remodeling of the Baekyang-ro and the launching of the first residential college system in the country. Through these initiatives, Yonsei University will be reformed as a leading educational institution to pioneer changes in the global research and education system.
 
  Last of all, I would like to refer to a key passage of the Bible and our founding philosophy: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Your studies at Yonsei University focused on seeking the truth to find a fulfilling life, a better society, and a proud history. Leave these university gates and face the world with confidence based upon passion. The world is now yours. This is the time for you to step up as proud Yonseians and to take on your social duty to make a better world of truth and justice. All Yonsei alumni, including myself, will be watching over your bright future and giving you our full support.
 
  Once again, congratulations on your graduation. May the grace of God be with you throughout your journey into the future.