On May 9, the Yonsei University Graduate School held its first semester 2013 Outstanding Dissertation Award Ceremony in Underwood Hall. Jang Yong-seok, Vice President of the Graduate School, presided over the ceremony. Thirteen graduate students received distinction, including Jeong Hee-joong (MA Comparative Literature). At the ceremony, Yonsei Graduate School President Lee Jin-ho said: “Our country is in urgent need of creative individuals. I have high hopes that those who are receiving awards today will play an important role in our nation’s future development.” Lim Yoo-jin (PhD Political Science), on behalf of all the recipients, said: “We are grateful for the distinction and we will study with earnestness as scholars in the future.” The Outstanding Dissertation Award was established in 1993 to recognize exceptional graduate students. This semester, the competition was stiff, with a total of 96 dissertations and theses submitted (63 doctoral dissertations and 33 masters theses). The recipients were chosen by a jury of professors familiar with their fields, and each winner received a monetary reward of 1 million won.