[2024 Matriculation] “UNIST is a beacon for S&T innovation, where you have the opportunity to flourish as talented leaders of the future!”

The 2024 UNIST Matriculation Ceremony, which took place in UNIST Gymnasium on Friday, February 16 from 02:00 p.m., honored the newly-admitted freshmen.

The ceremony featured the Oath of Freshmen, followed by the awarding of UNISTAR scholarship certificates, as well as greetings and welcome remarks by UNIST President Yong Hoon Lee and other distinguished guests.

Addressing all the matriculating students, President Lee noted, “I assure you that your time at UNIST will lay the groundwork for you to communicate meaningfully and impactfully as respected members of the global community.” He then added, “We, therefore, strongly encourage you to actively participate and take full advantage of those opportunities for growth.” He further emphasized, “Study diligently, but at the same time invest your time in your physical and mental health.”

The 2024 Matriculation Ceremony, held in UNIST Gymnasium on Friday, February 16, welcomed 459 freshmen.

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

Dear New Students, 

Welcome and congratulations on your admission to UNIST!

I extend a warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations to each of you on your successful admission to our esteemed institution. It is an honor to have you join us at UNIST.

As we gather here today, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the significant contributions of your parents, family members, and teachers who have supported you on your journey to UNIST. Their guidance and encouragement have played a crucial role in shaping your path to this momentous occasion.

UNIST, though young, stands strong as we celebrate our 15th anniversary.

We take pride in being recognized as a leading university with the highest number of the world’s top 1% ‘Highly Cited Researchers (HCR)’ among universities nationwide. Furthermore, our commitment to excellence has earned us the distinction of being ranked as the No.1 university in S. Korea and 10th in the world, according to the prestigious THE Young University Rankings, which highlights the best universities under 50 years old.

Your time at UNIST will lay the groundwork for you to communicate meaningfully and impactfully as respected members of the global community.

Our education principle, as encapsulated in our school motto, emphasizes the importance of ‘Learning by Doing.’ Our students have actively participated in over 130 research/startup clubs, fearlessly taking on the global stage. Notably, UNIST achieved the remarkable feat of ranking No. 1 in Asia and No. 6 in the world at the ANA Avatar XPRIZE competition, organized by the esteemed XPRIZE Foundation.

UNIST is the cradle of global tech startups. Over 170 startup companies have been born within our campus, achieving remarkable milestones, such as being listed on the KOSDAQ market for the first time and winning the prestigious ‘$5M Export Tower’ award. Moreover, our students have founded 100 startups, and one notable example is Class 101, a successful student-led startup company that originated from UNIST.

Dear UNIST Freshmen!

UNIST is a beacon for scientific and technological innovation, where you have the opportunity to flourish as talented leaders of the future.

Through our short-term undergraduate program, ‘One-day Lecture Series,’ you will gain firsthand experience, up-to-the-minute trends in science and technology, faster than anyone else. UNIST will stand by your side, guiding you towards your goals and supporting your ambitions every step of the way.

At UNIST, we offer a wealth of educational opportunities to help you grow into intellectually outstanding individuals in society. We encourage your active participation in various programs that we provide, such as the renowned ‘Reading Program’ facilitated by the UNIST Library, under the inspiring slogan “Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader.” Additionally, we have the ‘UNIST Orchestra’ and the ‘UNIST Rowing Club,’ both of which have won numerous accolades at inter-university competitions.

Significant improvements have also been made to our campus amenities. The student dormitories have undergone complete renovations, and the UNIST Clinic & Pharmacy have been officially launched to cater to your healthcare needs. We have also made diligent efforts to enhance the quality of dining services on campus, ensuring healthy and affordable meals for all. In addition to this, we operate the ‘Youth Bus’ service, allowing you to explore nearby attractions during weekends, so that you can have a break from their studies and return refreshed.

Dear UNIST Freshmen!

As you embark on your journey at UNIST, embrace the sense of accomplishment that comes from planning ahead and utilizing your time wisely. We all have the same 168 hours in a week, and your future success depends on how you utilize that time. Study diligently, but at the same time invest your time in your physical and mental health.

UNIST envisions a new leap forward, aspiring to become a world-class research university, both in reputation and reality, by attaining a position among the top 100 universities worldwide. Your personal growth and development are integral to the success of UNIST. We, thus, urge everyone to actively participate in this endeavor and collaborate towards our shared goals. Together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you on embarking on your first year at UNIST. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet and interact with you in person on campus soon.

Thank you.