The commencement ceremony for the first semester of the 2012 academic year was held on February 22, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. in the Samsung Arts Center.

President Seo Geoseok, Governor Kim Wan-ju, former Presidents Kim Su-gon, Shin Cheol-sun, Jang Myung-su and Du Jae-gyun, Jeong Byung-ha, President of the Alumni Association, Hyun Jeong-gi, Vice President of Kiseonghoe, and the graduates and their families attended the ceremony. At the ceremony, 119 doctoral degrees, 683 master’s degrees, and 2,841 bachelor’s degrees were conferred.

In particular, an honorary Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree was awarded to Biyamba Badarch, President of the Mongolian University of Agriculture, in recognition of his leadership in Mongolian veterinary medicine and his significant contributions to vigorous exchange and cooperation between Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) and Mongolian universities.

President Biyamba has led the scientific advancement of disease prevention and diagnosis in livestock for nearly 40 years to support the development of pastoral agriculture, the backbone of the Mongolian economy. Since signing an academic exchange agreement in 2007, he has contributed to cooperation by, among other things, opening his university’s affiliated farm to JBNU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

In his commencement address, President Seo Geoseok said, “From this moment on, the world that awaits you graduates demands ardent passion and an indomitable spirit of challenge. If you confront the harsh and difficult world with the passion and boldness you have cultivated at JBNU, you will surely become protagonists of victory.”

He added, “In a fiercely competitive society, those who communicate and cooperate with humility and consideration are welcomed. I hope you become talented individuals who listen more, exchange diverse opinions, and help each other to solve common problems that modern society requires.”

Meanwhile, at 2:30 p.m. the Law School held its graduation ceremony in Jinsu-dang, and at 3:00 p.m. the College of Nursing held its traditional pinning ceremony in the Medical School main building audiovisual room.

<Professor Kim Jeong-su and 17 Others Honored at Retirement Ceremony>

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) held a retirement ceremony for faculty members who dedicated their careers to research and teaching for the development of the university and the training of future generations, and who will reach mandatory retirement at the end of February. The ceremony took place on February 28 at 11:00 a.m. in Gain Hall, Jinsu-dang.

The retirement ceremony was attended by President Seo Geoseok, Executive Vice-President Jung Hang-geun, other senior administrators, the 18 retiring professors and their families, faculty and staff, and approximately 100 students.

The professors retiring this year are Professor Kim Jeong-su of the Medical School; Professors Jeong Pal-jin, So Yang-seop, and Lee O-yeon of the College of Engineering; Professors Ko Hong-seok and Yoon Se-eok of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Professors Kang Hee-seong and Seo Young-seok of the College of Education; Professor Jo Soon-gu of the College of Social Science; Professor Yoon Chung-won of the College of Business and Economics; Professor Lee Jeon-suk of the College of Human Ecology; Professor Lee Sang-chan of the College of Arts; Professors Choi Jun-seok, Kim Soo-gil and Kim Ui-soo of the College of Humanities; Professors Kim Mu-young and Oh Hyuk-geun of the College of Natural Science; and Professor Kim Shin-ki of the College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, totaling 18 faculty members.

At the retirement ceremony, Professors Jeong Pal-jin, Ko Hong-seok, Jo Soon-gu, and Kim Soo-gil were awarded the Order of Service Merit (Green Stripes). Professors Seo Young-seok, Choi Jun-seok, Kim Mu-young, and Kim Shin-ki received the Order of Service Merit (Yellow Stripes). Professors Kang Hee-seong and Lee Sang-chan were awarded the Order of Service Merit (Red Stripes). Professors Yoon Se-eok and Kim Ui-soo each received a Presidential Citation.

In a tribute speech, President Seo Geoseok said, “Each of the professors retiring today is a scholar who has led academic development and a devoted contributor whose wholehearted dedication helped JBNU become the prestigious university it is today. Even though you are leaving the lecture hall, please continue to cultivate and illuminate the achievements you built over your careers, and kindly offer candid advice on the university’s future direction and the growth of younger generations.”