[2026 UNIST Commencement] Voices of Class of 2026

The 2026 UNIST Commencement Ceremony took place at the UNIST Gymnasium on Monday, February 23, uniting families, friends, and distinguished guests to celebrate a defining milestone in the lives of 883 graduates.

During the ceremony, President Chong Rae Park conferred 202 honorary doctoral degrees, 334 master’s degrees, and 347 bachelor’s degrees. Since its establishment in 2009, UNIST has produced a total of 11,217 graduates in science and technology, including 1,665 doctoral, 2,742 master’s, and 6,810 bachelor’s degree holders.

At the ceremony, President Chong Rae Park conferred 202 doctoral degrees, 334 master’s degrees, and 347 bachelor’s degree holders.

Among the highlights of the ceremony were the speeches delivered by graduate representatives InJung Chung from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, JongBeom Kim from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, and Suraiya Hahan Liza from the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Through personal stories of entrepreneurship, research perseverance, and overcoming personal adversity, they embodied what the university describes as UNIST-Style Growth—a journey shaped not only by achievement, but by resilience, reflection, and purpose.

InJung Chung, a founding member of the UNIST student startup, Class 101, shared his journey of entrepreneurship

InJung Chung, a founding member of the UNIST student startup, Class 101, launched two ventures during his studies, successfully exited one company. After taking a leave of absence, he returned to complete his degree, graduating 12 years, graduating 12 years after first enrolling. Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, “When we focus only on what people say they like, we may overlook the real problems that need solving. Before searching for answers, fist ask yourselves whether you are seeking the right question.” His message encouraged graduates to prioritize thoughtful inquiry over immediate validation.

Graduate representative JongBeom Kim, recognized for notable research achievements in perovskite solar cells, shared his journey of research perseverance.

JongBeom Kim, recognized for notable research achievements in perovskite solar cells, spoke candidly about his early preoccupation with speed in research. “There were times when the faster I tried to run, the bigger the wall in front of me seemed,” he shared. Recounting how insights from everyday life became turning points, he emphasized, “What matters is not how quickly you arrive, but where you are headed and how deeply you reflected along the way.”

Graduate representative Suraiya Jahan Liza, who overcame cancer treatment during her studies, delivered a speech at the 2026 UNIST Commencement Ceremony.

Suraiya Hahan Liza shared her journey of resilience as an international student who completed her degree after overcoming cancer treatment. Navigating academic rigor while living far from home, she reflected on adapting to a new research environment, overcoming self-doubt, and building strength through collaboration and mentorship. “Growth does not happen in isolation,” she said. “It is shaped by the community that supports you and the courage to continue, even when the path feels uncertain.” She further encouraged fellow graduates to remain open to learning across cultures and disciplines, and to carry forward the spirit of perseverance and global responsibility fostered at UNIST.