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About Sejong
Message from the President
A prestigious global university that fosters Sejong-type talent who challenges creative thinking and communicates with the world.
I am Jonghwa Eom, the 15th President of Sejong University.
Dear esteemed members of the
Sejong community,
I am Jonghwa Eom, the 15th President of Sejong University.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Honorary Chairman, former Presidents, and distinguished guests for attending this event. In particular, I express my profound respect and appreciation to former President Deok-Hyo Bae, who, with his outstanding leadership over the past six years, has led our university to become a top-tier prestigious university in the country
Sejong University was established by Daeyang Young-ha Choo in 1940 as "Kyungsung Humanities School", in line with the Christian spirit of practicing humanitarianism and nurturing talented individuals. After changing its name to Sudo Women’s College, our university adopted its current name in 1979 and has since grown remarkably. The name Sejong carries the meaning, "the best in the world," which resonates deeply with me and fills me with pride, now more than ever. We are standing at a significant point in our university’s history, standing at the doorstep of becoming a world-class university. We have built our foundation for this leap, and now it is time to advance.
At this point, I would like to revisit Sejong University's founding principles: the Aeji spirit, the Christian spirit, and the Hunmin spirit.
-First, the Aeji spirit is the love of truth. Remember John 8:31, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." While the truth referred to in the Bible signifies Jesus Christ, in the context of our university campus, it can be interpreted as academic truth. Today, for us, science is truth. We live in an era of scientific revolution, and by loving and exploring science, I am confident that we can make our university the best in the world. Through science, we can expand our knowledge, achieve innovation, and contribute to humankind. Based on this Aeji spirit, I believe that we can build Sejong University to be the top of the world's universities. The love of truth and the pursuit of science will be the guiding light for our university's future.
-Second, the Christian spirit centers on the values of love and service, truth and honesty, hope and courage.
I will ensure that Sejong University becomes an institution that teaches students not just knowledge, but the importance of loving and serving one another. We will foster a warm community that respects and cares for each other and helps those in need. Sejong University must be a place that pursues academic truth and practices honest research and education. We will help students develop their academic capabilities based on honesty and hard work. Furthermore, we will become a trusted institution by operating the university transparently and fairly. At Sejong University, we must teach our students not to fear challenges but to pursue their dreams with hope and courage. I will try my best to be a strong pillar for our students, providing encouragement and support.
-Third, the Hunmin spirit emphasizes originality and creativity, learning and sharing, challenge and innovation.
I will place originality and creativity at the heart of our education, creating an environment in which students can think freely and explore creative ideas. Additionally, as an institution providing lifelong education, we will grow and develop alongside the local community, providing opportunities for continuous learning and growth for all. The Hunmin spirit stresses the spirit of sharing. Our university must fulfill its social responsibilities. As a university that works with the local community, the nation, and the world, we must share our knowledge and resources, contributing to solving social issues. Lastly, the Hunmin spirit embodies the spirit of challenge and innovation. Just as King Sejong created Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, despite numerous difficulties, Sejong University will inherit this spirit of challenge and innovation.
Dear members of the Sejong community,
The international community, initially centered around the G7 after the 1973 Oil Crisis, is now forming a new order with the advent of artificial intelligence and a hyper-connected society. We are currently in a critical time with high-scale wars taking place globally. Meanwhile, in the recent ‘World Competitiveness Ranking’ announced by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, our country ranked second among the '30- 50 Club' (countries with a per capita income of over $30,000 and a population of over 50 million), just after the United States. This ranking is a comprehensive analysis of various indicators such as economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure, and thus showcases Korea's economic development, social stability, and innovation capabilities. In this context, the role of Sejong University will become even more critical. We will ensure Sejong University cultivates talent that supports national competitiveness, plays a pivotal role in leading a knowledge-based society through innovative research and development, creates social value through cooperation with the local community, and demonstrates global leadership through connections worldwide.
I have a dream. It is to make Sejong University a leading institution that powers Korea's G2 status, similar to how Stanford University contributed to the miracle of Silicon Valley. With the Aeji spirit, the Christian spirit, and the Hunmin spirit, I will work with you to achieve this dream.
Furthermore, I dream of creating a beautiful campus. Next year, the construction of the 9,900m2 -scale Chanha Hall and the 50,000m2 -scale Aejiheon Complex will commence, followed by the development of the campuses in Docheok-myeon, Gwangju, and Hadaewondong, Seongnam. We will make Sejong University a must-visit attraction for tourists visiting Seoul and a campus where world-renowned scholars wish to meet with our professors. Through this, we will ensure that all members of the Sejong community will feel pride in our accomplishments.
Please remember Isaiah 60:1, symbolizing our university's mission and vision for the future: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” I want to pose the question, “How much can one person change the world?” History tells us that significant changes were often brought about by specific individuals. I promise to provide the foundation for you to become such individuals. I wish a bright future for you, your families, and your loved ones.
Thank you.
July 27, 2024
15th President of Sejong University.
Jonghwa Eom