"Become the Leaders Who Drive Korea Forward"

YU alumni and new graduates gather to celebrate and support each other

Over 250 participants, including alumni mentors and new employees, share strong bonds of camaraderie

[November 22, 2024]

 Prominent alumni of Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) gathered at 7 p.m. on November 21 at Samjung Hotel in Seoul. The event aimed to encourage and celebrate YU graduates who recently embarked on their careers in Seoul and the metropolitan area. 

 Hosted by the YU Seoul Alumni Association (President PARK Jung-gwan), the Cheonma Employment Welcome Event has been held annually since 2012 and marked its 11th iteration this year. Unlike typical alumni gatherings, this event stands out as senior alumni—many decades into their careers—come together to celebrate and mentor their newly employed peers. This year’s event attracted over 250 YU alumni, including around 80 new graduates who recently began their professional journeys in the Seoul area. The evening was filled with heartfelt greetings, advice, and encouragement exchanged among attendees.

 Notable YU alumni, including PARK Jung-gwan (Pharmacy, Class of ’75, Chairman of Withpharm), Representative JOO Ho-young (Law, Class of ’78), and KIM Seok-hoe (CEO of Borim Construction, Architecture, Class of ’75), attended the event. Despite their busy schedules, these distinguished figures in politics, business, law, and culture made time to meet and support the new generation of YU professionals.

In his welcome speech, PARK Jung-gwan emphasized, “Today’s event is a platform for senior alumni to encourage younger graduates and strengthen bonds between generations. I hope everyone here becomes a mentor and mentee, engaging in meaningful dialogue. To our newest members of the professional world, take pride in being part of the YU family and strive to become leaders who will shape Korea’s future.”

 Representing the newly employed alumni, SONG Ye-eun (Sociology, Class of ’19) expressed gratitude, saying, “As I begin my career, being part of this gathering with so many inspiring alumni is incredibly empowering. I’m proud to be a part of the YU community and will look to the paths paved by our senior alumni as I pursue my dreams.”

 YU was also represented by YOON Jeong-hyeon, Director of the External Cooperation Office, and other university staff.In a congratulatory message conveyed through the Director, President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “I extend heartfelt congratulations to all of you who have secured jobs during these challenging times. I encourage you to continue embracing new challenges in your respective fields. YU’s remarkable achievements today are thanks to the dedication and efforts of senior alumni like you. With the support of your alma mater and mentors, I hope you grow into leaders who contribute to the nation’s progress. YU will also remain committed to nurturing exceptional talent.”