Cheol-woong Park, Advisor of SN Co., Ltd., a native of Jeongeup, and faculty including Park Ae-kyung, Dean of the School of Pharmacy at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU), have joined forces to donate 50 million won to support the successful operation of the Jeongeup Center for Future Pharmaceutical Workforce Development, scheduled for completion this year, and to advance the School of Pharmacy at JBNU.

JBNU hosted a donation ceremony on May 13 and invited Advisor Cheol-woong Park, Professor Shim Hyun-ju, Professor Chae Han-jung (former Dean of the School of Pharmacy), Dean Park Ae-kyung and others who participated in the donation. The university presented plaques of appreciation to express its gratitude.

This donation resulted from the connection formed when Professor Shim Hyun-ju of JBNU completed the KAIST Biohealth Executive Program together with Advisor Park. When visiting JBNU, Advisor Park, a native of Jeongeup, promised support for Jeongeup's development and agreed to contribute to the establishment of the Jeongeup Center for Future Pharmaceutical Workforce Development, scheduled for completion this year, which is expected to illuminate the future of the pharmaceutical industry.

Additionally, Chae Han-jung, Bae Eun-ju (former Dean of the School of Pharmacy), Professor Shim Hyun-ju, Dean Park Ae-kyung and others, who have long emphasized training pharmacists oriented toward industry-centered commercialization, also participated, adding further significance to the donation.

In accordance with the donors' intentions, the donation will be used to ensure the stable operation of the Jeongeup Center for Future Pharmaceutical Workforce Development, scheduled for completion this year, and to strengthen the School of Pharmacy's educational and research capabilities.

Professor Shim Hyun-ju said, "Through our shared completion of the KAIST Biohealth Executive Program, Dr. Cheol-woong Park promised support for Jeongeup's development during his visit to the university last year, and I was deeply moved that he honored that promise. I hope the center will operate smoothly and that Jeongeup will emerge as a hub for pharmaceutical research."

Professor Chae Han-jung also stated, "I wanted to participate in laying the foundation, in line with the purpose of establishing the School of Pharmacy, to train pharmacists who will play key roles in industry."

Advisor Cheol-woong Park said, "I will not spare contributions to causes for my hometown, Jeongeup," and added, "As my Buddhist name 'Hyemyeong (惠明)' suggests, I hope to be among those who light the way so that those who follow can find the right path."

President Yang O-bong expressed deep gratitude for the shared commitment to university and regional development, saying, "The donation will be used carefully for the operation of the Jeongeup Center for Future Pharmaceutical Workforce Development and to help students grow into core talents who will lead the local industry."

Meanwhile, Jeongeup is home to three affiliated research institutes and JBNU's Advanced Science Campus. Once the Center for Future Pharmaceutical Workforce Development is completed, it is expected to become a central hub for regional science and technology and for cultivating personnel for the pharmaceutical industry.