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Graduation Ceremony, February 2012 2012.02.27

February 27, 2012
 
  Dear Graduates, 
  I am sincerely honored to congratulate the graduating class of 2012. I would also like to offer my congratulations to parents and family members here today to be with their loved ones, as well as to the faculty members who transmitted the Yonsei spirit of truth and freedom to our students, and helped give them a solid foundation upon which to build their lives.
 
  Since its founding 127 years ago, Yonsei University has stood at the heart of the history and spirit of Korea. Throughout this history, Yonseians have manifested a proud spirit by overcoming many challenges. Honored graduates, as of today, you have become a part of the Yonsei alumni.
 
  Until now, Yonsei served as a nest in which you passionately learned and grew, and from this day on it will become your beloved alma mater. The moment you walk forth from this place, these hallowed grounds, will mark the end of your university education and the beginning of the next chapter in your life. You may be expectant of the future that awaits you, and at the same time be apprehensive regarding the impending hardships of the world outside our gates.
 
  It is true the world that awaits you does not always readily accept the academic purity and intellectual reason you have so earnestly nurtured in our classrooms. Scientific reasoning is not always the right answer. The passion and raw energy of today's generation is not always welcome. We find ourselves in an era where global competitiveness is intense in every area of society, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for individuals to show their true value and potential. All of this may cause you to set out on the road of life with a heavy heart.
 
  However, beloved graduates, I encourage you to take on life with courage. As Nietzche wrote, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." Advance without hesitation. This is the time for you to step up as proud Yonseians and acknowledge your duty to lead society as intellectuals. The future of a society depends on the leadership of its intellectuals. It is the intellectuals' responsibility to establish a clear vision and lead others by example. You can and must hold true to Yonsei’s history of intellectual pursuit, for which you too are now responsible. A new history will begin when you follow the spirit of truth and freedom with your intellect.
 
  I have no doubt that intellect and rationality will guide us through the winding moments of history. Every time you face a challenge, reflect on the story of Dr. Horace Underwood, the founder of Yonsei University. Does anyone know how old he was when he first left his home country to come to Chosun in 1885? He was only twenty-six. The young missionary dedicated his heart and soul to spreading the gospel and creating a foundation for modern education in this country. He kept his belief that "The day will come when they will rejoice with tears.", and founded the most respected institution of higher education in Korea.
 
  The spirit of Dr. Underwood is the essence of the Yonsei spirit, and lives on through us. He devoted his youth to overcoming great hardships and challenges, and thus brought light to a bleak country. It is my hope that each of our graduates will assume a role similar to that of Dr. Underwood in order to contribute to the prosperity of humankind. You shall give hope to our society and become a significant force for bettering the world.
 
  A famous quotation from William Shakespeare's Hamlet states, "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." In the play, Hamlet and his friend Horatio attended Wittenburg University, the most prestigious university in Europe at that time. Horatio studied the superiority of rationality and reason. His beliefs are shaken, however, when he encounters the ghost of Hamlet's father. It is at this moment that Hamlet speaks his famous words.
 
  After you graduate, you will find yourself in relationships and social situations far more complicated than those you experienced as a university student. When this occurs, do not fear, but open your mind and face your new world with confidence. It is obvious that the knowledge systems of the world are integrating with each other, and that the very systems themselves are undergoing a complete change. We are faced with a rapidly changing environment. At a time like this, you must respond by challenging yourself to create new possibilities. Only those who open their minds and take on challenges can serve as leaders in this time of integration and change.
 
  Beloved Graduates, 
  When Steve Jobs of Apple gave his commencement speech at Stanford University, he advised students to live every day as if it were their last. Your life will not be evaluated at this moment, but rather when you approach its final stage. After graduating Yonsei with many blessings and high expectations, how do you hope to be evaluated?
 
  Yonsei University has brought forth an enviable rostrum of graduates who are in various leadership positions in society. Yonsei alumni are bringing light to the darkest corners of our society by contributing in various areas, including cooperative living, child support, and innovative education. They are establishing a new paradigm for life and values in Korean society. I am confident that the dedication and contributions of the Yonsei alumni will continue to increase in value and significance.
 
  Your personal values and views of the world will greatly affect the goals you set for yourselves and how you plan to achieve them. No one can tell you what is better or of more value. Whatever you aim to be, however, I hope you will always remember that you are a Yonseian.
 
  Remember to hold true to Yonsei’s spirit of servant leadership by serving your neighbors wholeheartedly and giving thanks in all circumstances. With privilege comes responsibility, so remember that intellect is illuminated when, as you walk the path of privilege, you do not forget the less privileged left behind. I encourage you to become leaders in society who are considerate and respectful of differences and promote social cooperation.
 
  In a society that calls for universities to take social responsibility, the Yonsei spirit of providing servant leadership is more important than ever. In response to our new mission, we will begin the new phase of Yonsei’s "third founding." At the Yonsei International Campus in Incheon, we will introduce a Residential College system to ensure the highest quality education for our students. Cooperation with industry will be expanded to achieve research standards that will surpass present expectations. We will also pursue integration for our multiple campuses in order to strengthen our vast institution and inspire the Yonsei spirit and pride by encouraging a liberal and creative campus culture. In order to successfully inaugurate Yonsei’s "third founding," we need the dedication and support of every member of the Yonsei community. I sincerely hope you will always carry on the Yonsei spirit and mission.
 
  My Esteemed Graduates, 
  As we encounter the last moment of your university life, I would like to remind you that your presence will be not be forgotten. Those who come after you will remember you and further secure the road you have paved for them. You are their role models and their pathfinders, and they will follow in your footsteps. Now, go out into the world! Cherish your memories at Yonsei and, as proud Yonseians, strive to make a better and more beautiful world as God intended it to be. I sincerely hope that people will look back on your achievements years later and say that yet another Yonseian, the next Dr. Underwood, has changed the world.
 
  May God bless you and bring all that you wish to achieve in the next chapter of your lives.
 
  Once again, congratulations on your graduation.