Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Alumni Association (Chairman Choi Byeong-seon) held an alumni award ceremony and New Year's reception at Jinsudang Gain Hall on January 25 at 6:30 p.m., and used the occasion to pledge a new leap forward through dynamic initiatives this year.

The New Year's reception drew more than 200 attendees, including Alumni Association Chairman Choi Byeong-seon; President Yang O-bong; former Presidents Kim Su-gon and Du Jae-gyun; Guk Ju-young-eun, Chair of the Jeonbuk Provincial Council; Wanju County Governor Yu Hee-tae; other alumni city and county heads; and JBNU Faculty Association Chair Kim Dong-geun.

In addition, Governor Kim Gwan-young, Superintendent of Education Seo Geoseok, and National Assembly members Kim Yun-deok, Kim Seong-ju, Jin Seong-jun, Ahn Ho-young, and Shin Young-dae sent congratulatory messages via video.

This year's Alumni Award was presented to Attorney Cha Jong-seon. Attorney Cha played a major role in securing a court ruling to resume construction on the Saemangeum development project through pro bono litigation.

Chairman Choi said, 'This year, we will mobilize the strength of alumni to provide a 1,000-won breakfast to approximately 24,000 students,' and announced plans to hold a reception for alumni elected to the 22nd National Assembly; host an alumni friendly golf tournament; publish a 70th-anniversary white paper of the Alumni Association; and award scholarships to current students.

In his congratulatory remarks, President Yang O-bong said, 'Last year's remarkable achievements, such as being selected for the Glocal University 30 project and ranking first among flagship national universities in the University Comprehensive Evaluation, were the result of the efforts of our members combined with the enthusiastic support of our alumni,' and added, 'This year, too, I will do my best so that merely hearing the name JBNU fills one with pride.'