Let Us Work Together Toward “Dignified Change” Members of the board of trustees! Yonseians! Honored guests! I thank you for gathering here today for this ceremony. I am especially grateful to President Lee Ki-Su of Korea University who will give a congratulatory address, President Uichiro Anzai of Keio University who flew all the way from Japan, and all the distinguished university presidents who have graced us with their presence despite their busy schedules. On this day, stepping into the role of pushing forward the history of Yonsei University, I feel the weight of great burden lying on my shoulders. This burden is the legacy of my predecessors who founded this place of learning in the spirit of our Lord and nurtured it with prayer and devotion. Throughout our history, Korean universities have been the motivating force behind the growth and development of this nation. We were at the center of the movements for democracy and produced leaders of industry. However, it is the undeniable truth that Korean universities have lagged behind the overall advance of the nation. There are few universities acknowledged internationally as top institutions. Multitudes of young students are going abroad seeking better education. Not only are individuals and families devastated by this phenomenon, but the entire Korean society is suffering immensely. Equally unfortunate is the fact that Korean universities have failed to provide a solution to the conflicts in ideology and class animosities plaguing Korean society. Our universities are criticized for neglecting to train leaders to creatively resolve the issues troubling mankind and for remaining complacent in seeking superficial development. Where stands Yonsei in this picture? Have we been carrying on our legacy as the first university in Korea? Have we live up to our status as the pioneers of academic research and education? Have we kept alive the spirit of our forefathers who built Yonsei with their bare hands on the spirit of ‘truth and liberty’? Have we maintained ourselves as a community exemplifying the Christian virtues of devotion, service, and love? Now is the time for Yonsei to fully understand our role and transform this university to fulfill this calling. Only when Yonsei is on the right track can Korean universities follow suit, and only when its universities remain healthy can this nation expect a bright future. It is with such humble acceptance of the criticism and demands of society on universities, especially those directed toward Yonsei, that I declare “Yonsei, the First and the Best” as our new vision. Yonsei University will lead the universities of Korea as the oldest; it will lead others by become the very best, too. The name “Yonsei” comes from the first syllables of “Yonhi” and “Severance” colleges which came together under the new banner. But put together the word literally means ‘guiding the world.’ Our founders already have in view the world at large when they chose the name. Indeed, through inbound globalization, the world will come to us and make Yonsei the center of globalization. We will realize this vision through the Songdo Global Academic Complex. Universities, corporations, and research institutions from all around the world will participate in our vision, where international and domestic students will live together in a global community. The Songdo Complex is not just for the Yonsei community: it will be a catalyst of globalizing and developing the city of Incheon, and eventually the entire nation. We will work together with the national government, the city of Incheon, and most importantly the citizens of Incheon to make the Songdo Complex a success. I have no doubt that we will become the university the nation may be proud of, as the foremost university in Asia. Yonsei’s outbound globalization will be realized through our graduates going out straight into the world job market. To make this possible, it is crucial that each individual student is trained to the utmost of their ability. We will adopt a language certification system which encourages the students to become fluent in at least two foreign languages, including English. Our goal is to produce creative global leaders who are able to absorb diverse cultures, adapt to the changing world, and solve problems. The goal of outbound globalization is to make it acknowledged worldwide that our graduates are equipped with outstanding competence. Another aspect of Yonsei’s globalization efforts is to conduct research at a genuine international level. If we work with this vision in mind, it will not be long before we are able to achieve the honor of being the recipient of the first academic Nobel Prize in Korea. The day will come when Yonsei, as the finest private institution in Korea, will become one of the finest in the world as well. I will devote myself to achieve this goal. I will drastically cut the administrative duties of our professor and make it possible for them to dedicate themselves to research. Various forms of support will attract top scholars, and funding for our professors will become more efficient. Up to 40 outstanding professors will be awarded Underwood Chair Professorship, and various levels of incentives will be awarded as well. A competitive administrative system will be introduced. The administrative body will become made to function more efficiently. Individual colleges and schools will be given greater autonomy and authority. When these efforts create the desired results, Yonsei will be able to move into the Top 100 of universities internationally. Yonsei will look beyond Korea to Asia, to the world. However, I will not hurry or become impatient. I will overcome the urge to produce quick results that disregards adverse side effects. I will look to the future and move gradually but steadfastly toward our goal. At times leading the ranks, at times supporting from behind, I will work with you to make Yonsei the first and the best. This is the “dignified change” I plan to implement. Dignified change is a process of creating a new Yonsei community through the harmonious and voluntary efforts of our members. I strongly believe that the members of our community all excel in their fields, that they vie with one another in their passion for excellence. Dignified change does not mean putting pressure on a particular group or sacrificing a particular aspect of the university community. It is a voluntary reform based on the shared trust of our professors, administrative staff, students, alumni, and board members. Through this reform, we will be reborn as a Yonsei community based on mutual trust and service. Through this change, we will present Korean society a new model to follow. This I believe is our calling. My dear Yonseians! Honored guests! If Yonsei is to become a top international university, trust and faith are urgently needed. Simultaneously, we must share the pain that is involved in the process. Professors, staff, and students must do their best in their given places, and show determination and devotion to the cause of creating a Yonsei we can be proud of. And I ask the entire society to participate in our endeavors. Up to now, most of the university’s funding came from the tuition paid by students. Now the time has come for the government and society to share the burden of supporting leading universities such as Yonsei to attain a truly global status. My dear alumni members! I am truly proud of you graduates, who have gone out into the world and are putting into practice the things they learned here in all areas of society. You are Yonseians. When you need me, I will always come to your aid to help your success and advancement. In turn, I ask you not to hold back your love, advice, and support. My dear Yonseians! The time has come to upgrade Yonsei and give it back its dignity and pride. The time has come to put hope into action, to get back on our feet and soar up again. With some 123 years of proud tradition behind us, why should be we feel daunted? With such an abundant talent residing on this campus, why should we feel hesitant? The nation is looking at us to in expectation and hope; Yonsei shall respond by deserving the nation’s pride and affection. I will do my best, with your support and encouragement. For the next four years, I will turn the tide of Yonsei history to make “Yonsei, the First and the Best”. Thank you. February 21, 2008 16th President of Yonsei University Kim Han-Joong