[2021 Virtual Commencement] “Your expertise, combined with strong will and determination, will help us create a brighter tomorrow.”

“Your expertise, combined with strong will and determination, will help us create a brighter tomorrow.”

President Yong Hoon Lee delivered some valuable life lessons in his commencement speech at the 2021 UNIST Virtual Commencement ceremony, which took place via the official YouTube channel of UNIST on Thursday, February 18, 2021.

During his 2021 commencement speech at UNIST, President Lee noted “Quenching society’s thirst for innovative leaders is the “thing that has to be done” by highly-skilled graduates, such as yourselves as you stand who stand poised to enter the next phase of your journeys.”

In his congratulatory remark, President Lee also urged the Class of 2021 to boldly face challenges with the spirit of ‘First In Change,’ as they have done throughout their time here at UNIST by saying “Your expertise, combined with strong will and determination, will help us create a brighter tomorrow.”

Below is the complete commencement address by President Yong Hoon Lee:

Dear Members of the Graduating Class,

Let me begin by expressing my warmest congratulations to the Class of 2021!

Today, 658 graduating students will join the family of over 5,800 UNIST alumni. We are incredibly proud of you and all of your accomplishments.

In honor of your graduation, I sincerely congratulate and thank the faculty and staff members of UNIST for their dedication and sincere efforts all through the years culminating in this day. Please also allow me to express my deepest gratitude to the parents and families of our graduates, who, with love, have helped you grow into high-caliber talents in science and technology.

Our Proud Graduates,

Today, you embark on a new chapter of your lives. As you begin your careers—whether in academia, industry or public service—I know you will make the university proud. I am also confident that you will create the first and best possible outcomes in your respective fields.

We live in a fast-changing world that is confronted with a paradigm shift, driven by digital transformation and sustainability.

In times of adversity and change, your challenging spirit towards scientific and technological innovation is more important than ever. Today’s society has an insatiable appetite for high-caliber talents who will change the future and pioneer change.

The answers lie in your hands. Quenching society’s thirst for innovative leaders is the “thing that has to be done” by highly-skilled graduates, such as yourselves as you stand who stand poised to enter the next phase of your journeys.

I urge you to boldly face challenges with the spirit of “First In Change”, as you have done throughout your time here at UNIST. Your expertise, combined with strong will and determination, will help us create a brighter tomorrow.

Our Beloved Graduates,

The world is changing faster than ever before, and so is your alma mater.

Your alma mater, despite its short 11-year history, has positioned itself to become one of the world’s leading universities of science and technology whose achievements have been recognized both at home and abroad.

This would not have been possible without your enthusiasm and hard work. The UNIST of today was made by your passion for a better future of science and technology.

UNIST will continue working hard to achieve its goal to become a ‘world-leading university to advance science and technology for the prosperity of humankind,’ growing and developing alongside communities and the world, rather than resting on its laurels.

Your future career is our priority and, whatever your dreams, your alma mater will be with you every step of the way, guiding you towards your goals and supporting your ambition. We also hope that you grow to be “UNISTars” who brighten your alma mater from wherever the future takes you.

We are rooting for you and believe that you who will deliver hope to the world with your challenging spirit, rather than resting on your laurels.

Once again, congratulations on your well-deserved success and best of luck for your future endeavors.

Thank you.