Remarks by UNIST President Mooyoung Jung: “You will always be an integral part of our UNIST community.”

“In life, there is no such thing as ‘failure’, only the ’process of success.”

President Jung delievered some valuable life lessons in his commencement speech at the 2018 UNIST commencement ceremony, held on February 12, 2018. His speech focused on how human-centered science and technology can better serve humanity.

To all graduating Class of 2018, President Jung said, “You have been excellent representatives of all this university stands for and I am confident you will continue to serve as exemplary citizens who enrich the lives of those around you, like a ray of sunshine at the end of a dark tunnel.”

He added, “Please take a moment to feel an enormous sense of pride and sheer joy in what you have achieved. You have every reason to be proud.”

President Mooyoung Jung shakes hands with a graduate as he presents her with an award for academic excellence.

Below is the complete commencement address by President Mooyoung Jung:

Dear Members of the Graduating Class!

Today, 957 graduating students will join a family of over 2,800 UNIST alumni. It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be able to share this important milestone with you. 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 year culminating into this day. Please also allow me to express my sincere appreciation to the parents and extended families of our graduates for their support and sacrifices these past four years.

I particularly convey our special thanks to President Moon Jae-in who is here today to witness this important milestone in your lives. We are greatly honored by your presence here at UNIST. Your presence has made this special occasion even more significant.

Investment in basic science, technology, and innovation is essential part to let people lead a more convenient, healthier, and happier life. There is a saying, “One brilliant scientist will not only save millions of lives, but also produce enormous economic gains.” Therefore, the cultivation of young science and technology leaders for the overall betterment of our lives must not be ignored.

Thus, the presence of President Moon in this special occasion carries important messages about the significance of science and technology, as well as the cultivation of future talents in science and technology.

Dear Members of the Graduating Class!

Today marks the beginning of another major milestone in your life’s journey. We are very proud of each and every one of you and are excited to learn more about your journeys in the months and years ahead.

However, a new world that awaits you is harsh. We are now on the cusp of a Fourth Industrial Revolution where the importance of ICT technology and integrated network capability are being emphasized. In this fast-changing world, we must embrace the change and most importantly improve your self-discipline in order to achieve your dreams.

Failure is inevitable in life, but you must never let fear of failure keep you from achieving your goals. Embrace failure as a part of the process which leads to achieving unprecedented success. In life, there is no such thing as ‘failure’, only the ’process of success’.

My last piece of advice is that you must have consideration and love for others. The fundamental purpose of learning is the prosperity of humankind. You have been excellent representatives of all this university stands for and I am confident you will continue to serve as exemplary citizens who enrich the lives of those around them, like a ray of sunshine at the end of a dark tunnel.

Dear Members of the Graduating Class!

There is a saying, “One can change nationality, but can never change educational background”. You have worked incredibly hard to get to this important transition in your lives. Please take a moment to feel an enormous sense of pride and sheer joy in what you have achieved. You have every reason to be proud. Today you leave this campus, but you will always be an integral part of our UNIST community.

Once again, congratulations on your successful achievements and wish you all the success in your future endeavors.

Thank you.

Mooyoung Jung
President, UNIST