February 25, 2013
Today is an honorable graduation day for all of you, as you leave behind the beloved campus of Yonsei University, where you have spent the most valuable times of your lives. My sincerest congratulations to each of the 4,112 students who will be receiving their undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degrees today! In recognition of your long and difficult journey over the past several years, I would like to praise your hard work that has made this day possible. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to the family members of the graduating students; your faithful support has been essential. I would like to express also my sincere gratitude to all honored guests who have joined us to grace this occasion and the professors who have devotedly provided guidance to the graduating students.
Today’s graduation ceremony marks a turning point in your lives as you depart from Yonsei to begin your journey, carrying precious memories of youth spent here. Most students in the graduating class will be embarking on a new journey after finishing four years of undergraduate studies. Some will be pursuing advanced academic endeavors after finishing graduate programs, while others will finally be receiving their degrees after working and studying simultaneously for many years. Yet all of you share one thing in common: everyone in the graduating class will be starting a new voyage towards the wilderness of the world.
A new beginning is always full of hope and excitement, yet it is sometimes accompanied by fear and anxiety. Similarly to the mixed feelings you experienced on your first day at Yonsei, graduation brings forth a new beginning where different emotions of excitement, joy and fear combine. You shall become even more determined to push through the rough waves and rainstorms of the world upon walking out of this campus as proud Yonsei graduates.
Beloved graduates,
Yonsei represents both your past and your future. After moving beyond the boundaries of school, you will need to make decisions on your own and follow them through. I would like to express my sincere entreaties for the graduates who will be pursuing their dreams in an unknown world.
First of all, it is my earnest wish for you to become proud Yonseians who lead the spirit of the times and make greater dreams come true. Life was known as Magnae et Longae Viae, or grand and long journeys, according to ancient sages. Take victory in your own “grand and long journey.” One may ponder over the meaning of accomplishing true victory in life. I believe that true victory is attained through the individual’s growth by pursuing a life-long goal together with the community that he or she belongs to. Aligning love for self and community, as well as individual success and public betterment, will lead you to reach the peak of your lives. This frame of life also reflects the spirit of the 21st century.
The core of the Yonseian spirit is also found in this idea. For years, Yonsei has been striving to prepare you for the future, while advancing the nation and global community by fostering students’ growth. To become the light and salt of the world, “individual morality” and “social ethics” should be integrated by putting personal morality into social practice. This is the best virtue and value of human existence.
This virtue is a privilege enjoyed by those who seek to be a righteous messenger, or a true servant, in the world by recognizing and sympathizing with the current problems in society. The prestige and honor of university education have been under much scrutiny recently, especially with today’s society viewing a university degree as merely a job requirement. Such a tragic situation is a result of the university’s intellect that has been flowing against the stream of the contemporary spirit of our era.
Since its establishment, Yonsei’s educational ethos has been firmly grounded on the notion of servant leadership, which stemmed from the spirit of Christianity. Yonsei aims to raise global leaders who can use their talents and potential for the good of society through servant leadership. Based on this philosophy, Yonsei can continue to evolve as a leading university in today’s chaotic society.
Second, ceaselessly challenge yourself during your life journey with faith and courage. No life journey can be perfect from the beginning; to gain a single accomplishment, you must continue to challenge yourself despite the many setbacks and failures that may occur in the process. Hardship shall not be a cause of frustration, but an opportunity to demonstrate new courage.
Remember the words from the Bible that say, “After darkness, comes the light (Post Tenebras Lux)” and do not ever avoid trials. All great teachers of humanity have triumphed because of arduous trials, not in spite of them. Please do not forget that Yonseians are those true talents who can overcome all challenges and bear the fruits of endurance.
Last of all, equip yourself with the virtues of the world. It has been long since the world has been one community. Beyond the boundaries of Korea and East Asia, I wish that you would stand victoriously as global leaders, fulfilling the virtues and ethics of the world. Integrate dynamic cultural elements and complex values to create a new horizon of coexistence. Set new standards of communication and convergence. Become enlightened global leaders who can unite the old and new, east and west, inside and out, substance and soul, as well as inner and outer appearance.
Use Yonsei as a stepping stone to reach the top of the world, the future, and the universe. Through your great footsteps, Yonsei will flourish and become more advanced. Each one of you represents the face of Yonsei, and we take great pride in you all. Each person here is a hero who makes history. Your pathway will become Yonsei’s history. Just as Yonsei constitutes a part of your life history, you will create a proud chapter of Yonsei’s history.
My proud Yonsei family,
It is reasonable to claim that the future of a country depends on the role played by universities. Through Yonsei’s “Third Founding” initiative, we will strive to become a world-class university in Asia by establishing a new teaching and research system, as well as a renewed culture of a global university. Just as we take great pride in you, the entire Yonsei family will devote full efforts to carry on the treasured values of Yonsei. Please continue to show your endless love for the school even after graduation.
Once again, please accept my congratulations to all our graduates and families who are receiving the hard-earned fruits of their diligent work. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the alumni, government institutions, community leaders and corporations, for supporting the studies of the graduating students through generous scholarship donations. May the grace of God be with everyone in the graduating class throughout your journey into the future. Thank you.