Dr. Yoon Shin-geun (59, Class of '72, Department of Veterinary Medicine), the "star veterinarian" who readily contributed 500 million won in 2011 to support his alma mater's development, visited Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) on January 15 to present another 500 million won.

This time he donated a total of 600 million won, including advanced equipment worth approximately 100 million won for animal tissue examination and autologous stem cell transfusion to support students of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Since 2000, Dr. Yoon has donated development funds to JBNU, demonstrating his commitment to his alma mater and its younger generations.

While enrolled at the university he worked as a door-to-door salesman and, despite difficult circumstances, was able to complete his studies with the help of scholarships. Grateful for the support he received from the university at that time, he decided to make another generous donation to give back to the students who follow him.

Dr. Yoon said, 'After donating 500 million won two years ago, I felt there was still more to be done for my alma mater and its students. In particular, I wanted to do what I could for my alma mater, which has recently grown into one of the most competitive universities in the country, before it was too late.'

He added, 'Donating to my alma mater also gives me a personal resolve to live even more diligently. I hope this fund serves as a foundation so that younger students can grow into accomplished individuals in a better environment and that the university can achieve greater development.'

In response, President Seo Geoseok said, 'Dr. Yoon's love for his alma mater provides the groundwork for JBNU to join the ranks of Korea's leading universities. We will take this precious sentiment to heart, redouble our efforts to cultivate outstanding talent, and strive to grow into a world-class university.'

Meanwhile, Dr. Yoon graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at JBNU in 1976 and, since 1988, has operated one of the country's leading "Dr. Yoon Shin-geun Comprehensive Pet Hospital" facilities in Pildong, Jung-gu, Seoul, making a major contribution to establishing the then-unfamiliar companion dog culture in Korea.

He has personally funded an annual pet photography contest and has published a series of dog-related books, including "World Dog Breeds," "Raising Dogs," "Jindo Dog," "Pungsan Dog," "Osu Dog," and "A Veterinarian Who Is Afraid of Dogs." He has also led efforts to restore the "Osu Dog," which disappeared from his native region a thousand years ago, conducted research on fatal animal diseases, and taken a leading role in animal protection.