- February 2024 Commencement Address 2024.02.26
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Commencement Address
February 26, 2024
President Dong-Sup Yoon
Congratulations to our magnificent Yonsei graduates of 2024! I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the parents and families who entrusted their beloved children to Yonsei, sparing no effort in supporting them until this significant day. My thanks also go to Honorable Chairman Hur Dong-Soo Hur and the other members of the Board of Trustees, who encourage and look out for our graduates’ future paths. I would like to sincerely thank President Dr. Lee Kyoung Ryul of the Yonsei Alumni Association, as well as our four hundred thousand alumni. Finally, my thanks and respect go to our university’s faculty, who have devoted themselves to teaching their students while also attaining global research excellence.
Graduates, you are today’s stars, deserving applause not only from our university but from our entire society. You have shown us what passion and perseverance is in your ability to adapt and excel in your studies in navigating the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19.
In addition, I offer my respect and gratitude to the faculty and staff who, amidst the serious pandemic crisis, have spared no effort, working tirelessly with all our concerted wisdom to provide the best education possible.
Last November, for the first time in 29 years, the LG Twins won the Korean Series Baseball title. As a fan of Lotte Giants, I couldn’t help but feel envious. At the time, LG’s captain Oh Ji-hwan stated, “The reason for our victory is thanks to our coaches and players who played a great game by uniting as one, the support from the staff behind the scenes, and last but not least, all the fans who have always supported us passionately.” Hearing his remarks, I found myself nodding in agreement. The same goes for our university. Our students, families, professors, and staff are all in harmony, celebrating this occasion together.
Beloved graduates!
Today, as you leave this cherished campus, you will each feel the weight of the achievements you have earned, as well as the significance of the degree you have attained. As Yonsei alumni, who have cultivated the intellect and community spirit essential to this era and society, the days are approaching when each of you will assume your responsibilities in a broader world. With that in mind, I would like to share a few words of advice.
First, let us cultivate our calling.
Since its founding in 1885, for nearly 140 years, Yonsei University has been an integral part of Korea’s modern history, producing leaders in independence movements, industrialization, democratization, and globalization. You, the graduates of 2024, are now the protagonists who will continue the illustrious footsteps laid by your predecessors. As you venture beyond the Yonsei campus, you will shape the world; you will continue in writing its history. As Yonsei alumni, I hope that each of you becomes a protagonist who live up to your calling in your respective positions.
Second, let’s not forget Yonsei’s pioneering spirit
When our university’s founder Underwood arrived in Korea, he was 26 years old, around the same age or even younger than most graduates here. He set foot on this distant foreign land with little information about Korea. He came knowing only that there were 10 million people who did not know the Lord, without knowing what they ate or how they lived. He wasn’t even sure if there were schools or hospitals. To young Underwood, Korea was literally a rugged land and a frozen soil. How frightening it must have been, at such a young age, to set foot on unfamiliar land without even knowing the language.
Yet, Underwood's unwavering dedication and love for the church, education, and above all, humanity, was our beginning. Today, Yonsei University is fostering leaders who lead the world as a globally renowned university. The small seed sown by Underwood has rooted and branched out to become this beautiful and magnificent tree. I urge our graduates to forever carry in their hearts Underwood's pioneering spirit and to sow seeds of goodness in the world.
Third, develop the resilience to get up after a fall.
Anyone can stumble on the journey of life. If you stop where you stumble, you won’t experience any more falls. Falling is something that happens to those who choose to dust themselves off, get up again, and keep moving forward. Renowned marathoner Lee Bong-Joo once said, “Everyone has ups and downs in life. It’s important to keep your own pace and finish the race.” That’s true. Whether it’s uphill or downhill, what matters is maintaining your own pace, dusting yourself off if you stumble, and persist in moving forward. Don’t be afraid of falling; courageously advance towards your destination. Each time you get up, you will become more resilient, a more outstanding marathoner of your own life.
Fellow Yonsieans!
As you walk through the university’s gate, you may be filled with a mixture of fear, anticipation, and hope. However, remember that it is always darkest before dawn. If you endure the darkness a little longer, the sun will soon rise. It's the law of nature. Even if the path seems unclear at this moment, do not be afraid. Be confident in the bright future you will create. Yonsei will always be cheering you on.
I would like to conclude with words from the Bible that has always been close to my heart as a Yonseian: “So do not fear, for I am with you,” (Isaiah 41:10)
May God’s grace be with everyone here today.
Thank you.