Degree Recipients Honored at Cheonma Art Center Grand Hall on August 21, with Graduate Representatives in Attendance

150 Doctoral, 379 Master’s, and 817 Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded Across Colleges and Graduate Schools

YU Foundation Chair and Alumni Association President Join Ceremony to Offer Congratulations and Encouragement

[August 21, 2026]

 YU (President CHOI Oe-chool) held its commencement ceremony for the second semester of the 2025 academic year on August 21.

 The ceremony, held at the Grand Hall of YU’s Cheonma Art Center, was attended by all doctoral degree recipients from the Graduate School. President CHOI Oe-chool and Graduate School Dean SHIN Seung-hoon personally presented the graduates with their degrees and offered their congratulations.

 Individual commencement ceremonies were also held by YU’s colleges and graduate schools, including the Graduate School of Business and Public Administration, Graduate School of Environment and Public Health, Graduate School of Culture, Arts and Design, Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Engineering, and Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS).

 A total of 817 bachelor’s, 379 master’s, and 150 doctoral degrees were awarded at YU. Among the graduates were 347 international students, including 105 bachelor’s, 157 master’s, and 85 doctoral degree recipients. Following the commencement ceremony, the international graduates gathered at the Center for International Affairs for a farewell meeting to mark the conclusion of their studies and life at YU.

<International graduates gather at the Center for International Affairs for a farewell meeting following the commencement ceremony>

 In her congratulatory address, HAN Jae-sook, Chair of the Yeungnam School Corporation, said, “Graduates, after years of rigorous inquiry and reflection in your respective fields of study, you have finally reached this moment today. The knowledge and experience you have accumulated throughout this journey will become a valuable asset that goes beyond academic achievement and helps illuminate the future of our society and humanity.” She continued, “You are now standing at a new starting point, ready to face a new world. Do not be afraid of failure, never lose your willingness to learn, and continue striving as global leaders who contribute to humanity as individuals of the highest intellectual caliber. I hope you will use the academic achievements and spirit of challenge you have cultivated at YU to create positive change in society wherever you may be.”

 JUNG Tae-il, President of the YU Alumni Association, also offered his congratulations, saying, “Those of you standing here today are YU’s proud alumni, its greatest source of pride, and its future. You are now leaving behind the campus that has become so dear to you and taking your first proud steps as talents who will lead our society and as leaders who will shape the global stage.” He added, “I am confident that the profound insight and professional expertise you have gained at YU will provide you with the wisdom and strength to overcome any challenges and difficulties you may encounter in the future.” He continued, “The Alumni Association will always stand with you as a steadfast companion and source of support. I hope you, too, will carry your pride in YU deep in your hearts and work together for the continued development of your alma mater and the Alumni Association, centered around our community of 290,000 alumni.”

<From left: President CHOI Oe-chool, HAN Jae-sook, Chair of the Yeungnam School Corporation, and JUNG Tae-il, President of the YU Alumni Association>

 In his commencement address, President CHOI Oe-chool said, “The degree you hold in your hands today is a valuable culmination of your passion and hard work, as well as a meaningful symbol of your journey into the world. I offer my heartfelt congratulations and support as you take your first confident steps into the world with the pride of being a member of YU.” He continued, “The year 2026, in which we stand together today, marks an era of unprecedented transformation, as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are fundamentally reshaping every aspect of our lives and industries. Amid this rapidly changing environment, I hope you will develop the insight to understand the times and become ‘lifelong learners’ and ‘wise creators’—true Cheonma people who continually refine and develop themselves.” He went on to say, “For 79 years, YU has nurtured talented individuals who contribute to Korea and humanity, grounded in the founding spirit of President Park Chung-hee. As we look ahead to our 80th anniversary in 2027, YU is taking a further leap forward as a prestigious university on the global stage.” Finally, he emphasized, “You, our graduates, are the very people YU has sought to cultivate—‘talented individuals with warm hearts who contribute to humanity.’ I hope you will boldly embrace the changes brought about by the AI era as opportunities, take on challenges with courage, and go on to become leaders who contribute to solving the challenges facing our global community.”