[2025 Matriculation] UNIST Welcomes Class of 2029!

The 2025 UNIST Matriculation Ceremony marked a significant milestone for newly-admitted undergraduates and returning students, ushering in a new academic year at UNIST. Held at the UNIST Gymnasium, the event was filled with excitement and optimism as the Class of 2029 commenced their academic journey.

The ceremony featured a formal academic procession, an overview of academic statistics, the Freshmen’s Oath, and the presentation of scholarship certificates. Members of the UNIST community were also treated to welcome remarks from distinguished guests and the heartfelt singing of the UNIST Alma Mater. UNIST President Chong Rae Park delivered a warm welcoming address, sharing encouraging messages with the incoming students.

The 2025 UNIST Matriculation Ceremony began with the march of the academic procession.

To enhance the festive atmosphere, the event included a variety of activities to welcome new students and their families. The freshman student council greeted the newcomers with refreshments from a food truck, while special performances from UNIST’s official orchestra, UNISTRA and the UNIST Faculty Choir engaged the audience. Vice President Sung Chul Bae of Academic Affairs also delivered a memorable performance in collaboration with the UNIST cheerleading club, UNICH.

A special performance by the UNIST cheerleading club, UNICH added to the festive atmosphere of the ceremony.

A total of 498 new students, comprising 468 in science and engineering and 30 in business administration, were officially welcomed to UNIST, joined by their families and professors who witnessed this remarkable occasion. The Oath of Freshmen was solemnly recited by student representatives Chang Jun Baek and Eo Jin Kim on behalf of their peers.

“UNIST pioneers are individuals who do not follow familiar paths, who embrace uncertainty, and forge new directions,” said President Chong Rae Park of UNIST during the ceremony. “As new students, you will become the key players in transforming the world through advancements in science, technology, and creative thinking.”

President Park delivered his welcome remarks at the 2025 UNIST Matriculation Ceremony, held on Friday, February 21, 2025.

To express gratitude, the UNIST Development Team set up a photo booth featuring the UNIST mascot plush figure dressed in academic regalia, further adding to the celebratory atmosphere, and presented it to donors.

Over 1,300 parents and family members attended to support the newcomers, with a surprise congratulatory video prepared by the freshmen’s parents eliciting emotional responses. A heartfelt message card was also delivered to each student, conveying warm wishes on their new journey. Following the ceremony, parents had the opportunity to gain insight into their children’s school life through guided campus tours.

“We warmly welcome everyone on this momentous first day at UNIST,” said Ara Jo, Team Leader of the School of New UNISTra, who organized the ceremony. “As UNIST pioneers, we are committed to cultivating a spirit of challenge and innovation, working together to emphasize academic and research excellence.”