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On
May 5, 2005, Korea University (KU)’s Centennial Celebration
in the New Millennium was held at Central Plaza. As the
ceremony was to be held outdoors, there were worries about
a rain shower. However, even the weather was on KU’s side
as it was sunny during the entire ceremony, with no rain
until late that day. The ceremony started with a performance
by an orchestra, followed by welcoming remarks from KU
alumnus and Korean National assemblyman Ree Gyeh-Jin and
Former Arirang TV announcer Na Seoung-Yeun. The VIP entrance
captured the eyes of the audience as 200 Korean and foreign
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university presidents dressed in brilliant
academic gowns entered onto the stage. Also, many well-known public
figures, including Kim Won-Ki, the Speaker of the Korean National
Assembly; and Lee Myung- Bak, Mayor of Seoul, took the VIP seats on
the stage.
Kim Byung-Kwan, Chairman of KU’s Board of Trustees, came onto the
stage to make his commemoration speech. He emphasized the importance
of KU as a global university in the next 1000 years to come. “The
world,” he remarked, “is now changing from a ‘Hardware Power’ to a
‘Software Power.’ Software Power signifies a flexible yet powerful
inventiveness and creativity. In this competitive age where imaginative
power is important, Korea University must be a ‘central pillar of
Software Power’ in the age of information, the 21st century.”
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Although Roh
Moo Hyun, the President of the Republic of Korea, was
unable to participate in the ceremony, he sent a video
message congratulating KU’s centennial. “Congratulations
on KU’s centennial. For the past century, KU has been
in step with Korea as intellectuals who act. Throughout
history, KU’s unbending will towards freedom and justice
has always been a big help in times of crises. Today,
KU is taking off to become a global university. KU’s Global
Project and its bridge between industry and education
show other universities the paths they should follow.
Make a great success and reach the goal of becoming a
global university. Once again, I congratulate you all
in reaching the centennial and hope for success for all
of you.” Congratulatory addresses fromPark Jong-Gu, President
of the Alumni Association, and from Kim Won-Ki, Speaker
of the National Assembly, followed. |
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 Later,
a photo essay about KU’s founders Lee Yong-ik and Sohn Byung-hee was
shown on a screen, as KU’s centennial would have been impossible without
their hard efforts a century ago. The black-and-white photos and solemn
background music gave everyone a renewed sense of pride. “Although
the gentlemen are no longer with us, their legacies live on through
the proud tradition of Korea University,” said Na. As a way of expressing
KU’s gratitude, appreciation plaques were given to the families of
the two gentlemen.
KU’s Centennial Commemoration Song was performed by Baritone Choi
Hyun Soo, KU Chorus, and the Korean National University of Arts Wind
Orchestra led by Professor Suh Hyun-suk. The song’s refrain - Today’s
KU, Korea’s pride; tomorrow’s KU, the world’s hope! Bright is its
name, KU will shine on the world! Passion is its name! Tomorrow’s
tigers!- reveals KU’s pride and aspirations toward the future. To
close the Centennial Ceremony, everyone sang KU’s Alma Mater together.
One-hundred-year-old KU is now looking forward to becoming a top university
of the world. As KU president Euh emphasized in his commemoration
speech, “(We) will elevate academics at KU to global standards and
(KU) students will be trained to become global leaders.”
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