"Congratulations on your graduation. Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) will be with you in realizing your grand dreams."

JBNU's 2011 Academic Year Second-Term Degree Conferral Ceremony was held in grand fashion at the Samsung Arts Center at 11:00 a.m. on August 22, 2011.

At the ceremony, a total of 1,640 degrees were conferred, including 90 doctoral degrees, 408 master's degrees, and 1,142 bachelor's degrees.

President Seo Geoseok and Vice-President Shin Hyo-geun, together with university executives and academic affairs committee members, Jeonbuk National University Alumni Association President Jeong Byeong-ha, graduates and their families, and some 2,000 other attendees joined the celebration.

In particular, beginning at 10:30 a.m., prior to the start of the ceremony, university executives handed roses and words of congratulations to each graduating student at the entrance, creating a warm graduation atmosphere.

Also, an honorary Doctor of Education degree was conferred upon Ji Seung-ryong, chairman of the school corporation Iksung Academy (Iksan Middle & High Schools), who has shown boundless passion for scholarship programs to cultivate outstanding regional talent.

Chairman Ji, in keeping with his late father's wishes, has served as chairman of the school corporation Iksung Academy (Iksan Middle & High Schools). He has recruited academically excellent students from economically disadvantaged families, provided them with top national scholarship benefits, devoted himself wholeheartedly to nurturing outstanding talent, and has delivered a message of hope to struggling rural education.

In particular, in 2009, acting on his long-held belief that cultivating regional talent is a driving force for national development, he donated a large academic research endowment to JBNU, thereby making a significant contribution to the advancement of education in Korea.

In his commencement address, President Seo Geoseok said, "If you face the harsh world with the passion and daring you fired at the university, you will surely become the protagonists of victory," and added, "Do not be satisfied with small achievements before you; look to the future, set grand dreams, and always be someone who aspires to continual development."