Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Dean of the College of Dentistry Yang Yeon-mi and alumnus Kim Chu-seong, director of Saemmul Pediatric Dental Clinic, who have devoted their lives to study, teaching and research at their alma mater, donated KRW 20 million to support their students and juniors.

JBNU recently held a donation ceremony for the development fund at the President’s Office in the University Headquarters, attended by President Yang O-bong, Dean Yang Yeon-mi of the College of Dentistry, Director Kim Chu-seong and other key officials. At the ceremony, the two donors presented the fund and requested that it be used to improve the educational environment and foster talent among students of the College of Dentistry.

The donation was made so that Dean Yang could repay the support she received at her alma mater—where she earned her bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and served as a professor for more than 20 years—and so that Director Kim, who completed his specialist training at the alma mater and has served as an adjunct professor, could express his affection for junior colleagues.

Dean Yang entered the College of Dentistry in 1991, served as Head of Dental Services at Jeonbuk National University Hospital, and currently serves as Vice President of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Korean Association of Dentistry for the Disabled. Dr. Kim, who also participated in the donation, graduated from the JBNU College of Dentistry, completed a doctoral course in pediatric dentistry, and operates Saemmul Pediatric Dental Clinic.

The donated KRW 20 million will be used, in accordance with the donors’ wishes, for meaningful purposes such as scholarships and educational support for students of the JBNU Department of Dentistry.

At the donation ceremony, Dean Yang said, "I decided to donate because I wanted to give back, however modestly, for the great support I have received from my alma mater since I entered." She added, "I hope our students study with pride and grow into professionals who practice generosity in the future, becoming dentistry students who engage with society."

Director Kim also stated, "Thanks to the teachings I received at my alma mater, I am where I am today; I joined this donation in the hope that junior students can pursue their dreams in a better environment."

President Yang responded, "We are deeply grateful to the dean and the clinic director, both alumni, for demonstrating extraordinary affection and dedication to their students," adding, "The donated fund will serve as a valuable nourishment for the JBNU College of Dentistry to leap forward as a global leader in dentistry and for students to grow together with the local community."

Meanwhile, Dean Yang assumed the deanship of the College of Dentistry this January and is leading the college’s new advancement. She expressed her aspiration, "I will do my best to ensure the JBNU College of Dentistry can become a global leader in dentistry."