Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) marked its 79th anniversary by honoring the contributions of university members and local community figures who have led the institution's development, and by pledging a leap toward a new century grounded in educational and research innovation and solidarity with the local community.

On the 14th at 10:30 a.m., JBNU held its 79th-anniversary ceremony and presented various awards to those who contributed to the university's development, including faculty and staff, students, alumni, and members of the local community.

The ceremony began with a promotional video reviewing JBNU's 79-year history and a presentation of the university's major achievements and future vision by 국경수, Vice‑President of the Office of Planning Affairs. Awards were then presented for achievements in education, research, and administration, including the Future Talent Award, Outstanding Department Awards, Outstanding Unit Commendations, and the Distinguished Alumni Award.

The top prize in the faculty category of the Future Talent Award was presented to Professor 정병훈 (Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics). The staff category awards went to the University Innovation Support Division's National University Development Team and the Office of Information Innovation's AI Informatization Division, respectively. In the student category, the honor was awarded to student 오정택 (School of International Studies, College of Humanities).

Based on departmental evaluations, seven departments, including the Department of Housing Environmental Design, were selected as Outstanding Departments. The Outstanding Unit Commendations were awarded to the Division of Planning and Coordination, Office of Planning Affairs, and the Division of Admission, Office of Admission, respectively.

The Distinguished Alumni Award, given to alumni who have honored JBNU, was presented to 최병선, President of the Alumni Association. The Meritorious Service Award went to National Assembly member 정동영. The JBNU Supporter Award was presented to 이은희, representative of 7756장미꽃화원.

In particular, 최병선, President of the Alumni Association, added significance to the anniversary ceremony by donating 100 million won to the development fund in support of JBNU's continuous development and the cultivation of future talent.

In his commemorative address, President 양오봉 reaffirmed the university's founding spirit of opening a better future through learning and research, and emphasized the university's role in responding to the transition to artificial intelligence, industrial restructuring, the decline in the school-age population, and regional depopulation.

President 양 said, "Learning in the classroom must connect to good jobs and regional vitality, achievements begun in the laboratory must lead to industry, and the university's innovation must become the force that changes Jeonbuk's future," adding, "We will faithfully fulfill the duties of a flagship university by bringing together the wisdom and strength of the local community, industry, research institutions, alumni, and university members."

He continued, "Preparing for a new century ultimately begins with nurturing those who will lead the next generation," and said, "While firmly preserving Jeonbuk National University's history and identity, we will boldly change practices and limitations that no longer fit the times and advance as a university rooted in the region that competes confidently on the global stage."