A ceremony celebrating 100 years of business education at Yonsei University was both a salute to the past and a declaration of commitments that the Yonsei School of Business would continue to lead the way in business education in Korea and strive for leadership on the world stage.

Dean Hong Sung-Chan of the Yonsei University College of Commerce and Economics said, “The College of Commerce and Economics, which gave birth to many statesmen and global entrepreneurs, will put all its strength into producing the talented individuals who will lead the next 100 years.”

His commitment was seconded by School of Business Dean Donghoon Kim. “The beginning of commerce education started 100 years ago with Missionary Underwood’s insight into the future,” he said. “Now, in a new beginning, we’ll the lead the research and education of the School of Business with superior ability and judgment.”

Yonsei University President Jung Kap-Young said he was “thankful for the 100^th anniversary, and I hope the next 100 years will begin with the new Baekyangro and new School of Business building.”

Deputy Prime Minister Choi Kyung Hwan (entering class of 1975, an economics major), who is also the minister of strategy and finance, had high praise for Suh Kyung-bae (entering class of 1981, business major), the president of the Alumni Association of the College of Commerce and Economics and School of Business. He credited Mr. Suh’s tenacity for his success as the CEO of the AmorePacific Group and as head the alumni association.

Mr. Suh noted that past graduates of the College of Commerce and economics and the School of business “have developed Korea from an agricultural to an industrial economy. Now it’s time for our college to go beyond differentiation and develop into an excellent, grand college.”

Those pioneering graduates were also saluted by Yonsei University Alumni President Park Sam-gu (entering class of 1963, economics major). Mr. Pak, who is also the president of the Kumho Asiana Group, noted that “Yonsei is walking a path no other Korean university has ever walked before.”

The ceremony on May 30, 2015, was a joint celebration by the Yonsei University School of Business and the Yonsei College of Commerce and Economics. The 400 persons in attendance included alumni and their families, students, and faculty members.

The event began with lunch, and before and after the ceremony, there were lectures on economics, business, and applied statistics aimed at the children of the alumni.  Economics Professor Sung Taeyoon introduced difficult and complicated economic topics in a familiar and fun manner through tackling general topics such as how to rear a child as a high scholastic achiever and ways to effectively pass on one’s inheritance.

School of Business Professor Dongil Jung discussed how behind every great achievement is a leader who dreamed big, but that a dream only gains meaning when it turns into a reality. He said he hopes to become a person who would work continuously toward achieving his dream.

Lastly, Applied Statistics Professor Lee Hak Bae pointed out the false stereotypes many people have about big data and corrected these misunderstandings.

Cho Young-ro (entering class of 2011, business major), who attended the ceremony, said, “At a time when we’re celebrating the 100^th anniversary, I’m proud to be a Yonsei School of Business student. We’ll do our best so as not to allow the 100 years of achievement by the seniors fade away.”

Jung Byung-gyu (entering class of 1981, business major), an alumnus visiting the campus for the first time in a while, said, “I’m glad to have been invited to the 100^th anniversary celebration. After meeting the juniors, I feel hope toward the college and the future. I was able to celebrate the past 100 years and gain great expectation for the next 100 years.”