Remarks by President Yong Hoon Lee: “Remember to take an active role in society!”

At the 2020 UNIST Virtual Commencement Ceremony, President Yong Hoon Lee emphasized the importance of taking an active role in society by saying “In the time of such adversity, your challenging spirit towards scientific and technological innovation will provide a gleam of hope in difficult times.”

For all the UNIST graduating Class of 2020, President Lee noted “As you embark on 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.” He continues by saying, “As you graduate and enter a new life stage, remember to take an active role in society. Your high-caliber expertise, combined with strong will, and determination will help us create a brighter tomorrow.”

Lastly, President Lee added, “Class of 2020, wherever you go, you can be sure a fellow UNIST alumni will not be far away, and your alma mater will always be here to support you. And we hope you stay connected and engaged with UNIST in the years to come.”

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 2020! We are incredibly proud of you and all of your accomplishments.

Today is the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to UNIST’s 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony.

Today, 1,325 graduating students will join in the family of over 5,800 UNIST alumni. It is also an exciting time for our high-caliber graduates of science and technology who stand poised to enter the next phase of their life journey.

Dear Graduating Class of 2020!

UNIST, which opened in 2009, has recently celebrated its 11th anniversary. Despite its relatively short history, UNIST has accomplished remarkable success both internally and externally over the past 10 years. Under the vision of “World-leading University to Advance Science and Technology for the Prosperity of Humankind,” UNIST has transformed the Gamak pond into the global hub for science and technology that now has the world’s attention.

As a result, UNIST has positioned itself to become one of the world’s leading universities for science and technology whose achievements have been recognized both at home and abroad. This would have not been possible without the ceaseless desire of the members of UNIST to pursue scientific discoveries and technological innovations.

UNIST’s spirit of becoming a leader of innovation is etched in our slogan, “First In Change”.

As you embark on 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.

Proud Graduates!

UNIST has made the difficult decision to conduct a virtual commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 in light of the continued threat of the novel coronavirus.

In the time of such adversity, your challenging spirit towards scientific and technological innovation will provide a gleam of hope in difficult times.

Indeed, researchers across the globe are working hard to develop a vaccine that would bring a permanent end to the coronavirus pandemic. Besides, the ever-evolving IT has enabled us to conduct an online commencement ceremony and communicate effectively in such difficult times.

As you graduate and enter a new life stage, remember to take an active role in society. Your high-caliber expertise, combined with strong will, and determination will help us create a brighter tomorrow.

Dearest Graduates!

Wherever you go, you can be sure a fellow UNIST alumni will not be far away, and your alma mater will always be here to support you. We hope you stay connected and engaged with UNIST in the years to come.

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

Thank you.

UNIST President Yong Hoon Lee