2022 Graduates, welcome to all parents, staff, and alumni who are also joining us online today for this ceremony.
 
   My heartfelt congratulations to all bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates graduating today in their caps and gowns. In addition, I would like to extend my congratulations to the families and professors who have warmly supported and guided them over the years.
 
   University graduation is a very decisive moment in an individual's life, when the individual has to finish their period of study and go out into society and stand alone. Please embrace this moment and enjoy this glorious challenge. You've worked hard all this time and even if you have any regret during your time as a student, I hope that you aim for a brighter future and move forward vigorously.  
 
   As the president representing the university, however, it is also true that I feel sorry for the graduates today. The operation of the university has been restricted for the past two years due to the corona virus, so we were unable to provide full services to members, compared to pre-covid conditions.
 
   Universities are platforms for professors and students to meet, communicate, and grow in a variety of ways. Various activities centered on the campus, such as classes, counseling, clubs, practice, and volunteer work, are very important factors for student growth and development. Over the past two years of non-face-to-face, parallel classes, and distance education, you have had to meet the world through a mask and adapt to a reduced university life. Now, the corona virus is on its last ride, but there is little by little hope that it will end soon. Universities also want to resume normal pre-covid operation on campus as soon as possible.
 
   Graduates, university graduation is a new beginning. Based on the various competencies you have learned and experienced so far, you must find your place in the new environment. You have to decide for yourself which career path you want to take. As a true adult, you will be in control of your individual actions and will be held accountable for their consequences.
 
   I want to bless you who are taking the first steps in adult life, full of success and happiness. It's clear to find what I'm looking for.

   First, you must arm yourself with hope and courage. The future is uncertain and unstable, but if a person is armed with clear values and follow the path of wise judgment and choice, the future will turn into a smooth journey.
 
   You have grown tremendously since you entered the school. Hallym's educational goal is to produce mature talents and professionals with competencies. Know what you want to do, what you can do, and what society requires of you. These three will be different. The way to choose a career is to harmonize them well and find the best common ground.
 
   The world is wide. The future may be different from today than you can imagine. I hope you do not get stuck in the past and choose a creative and challenging path in the new era. In this process, I hope you will constantly seek advice and communicate with experienced people around you.
 
   Hallym University wants to maintain relationships with its graduates. Hallym University will be open to all alumni as well as current students. Schools are a treasure trove of knowledge, communication and opportunities. Please make full use of this.
 
   The school will be open to Hallym alumni. E-mail and website will be opened as much as possible as channels of communication, and the school will support communication between alumni and each other. We will create many opportunities for alumni to visit the school regularly or from time to time to meet and enjoy with juniors, professors, and alumni. The library and lifelong education center will be significantly reorganized to become a platform that continues to supply liberal arts and knowledge to alumni. Please use the sports center and medical services. In addition, employment support, career change counseling, and start-up support will also be provided tailored to alumni.
 
   Hallym University's educational services will continue to alumni. I hope that the various competencies learned at Hallym University can help you to fulfill your chosen roles in society, but if you feel you are lacking something, or skills you wish to develop, please contact us again immediately. Practical training, language learning, presentation skills, club activities, business start-up consulting, etc. will be provided. Alumni support for start-ups will be specially strengthened. 

Hallym University will be a great partner for space support as well as investment and securing manpower. Graduates, in the process of enjoying today's glory and designing the future, however, we must always think about the underprivileged in society. 

You should be grateful for the benefits you have enjoyed and the support you have received from outside. I hope you find a way to actively reciprocate. We ask that you fulfill the true social responsibility of educated people by practicing social service in your own way during your career.
 
   Alumni and alumni families, Hallym University is changing. A better new 'New Hallym' is coming. I hope that everyone's wisdom will be gathered in this transformation. I hope that we can create the future Hallym together and share the pride of being the Hallym family together.
 
   We wish all graduates graduating today the best of luck and congratulations once again on their graduation.

2022. 2. 23.

Yanghee Choi, President of Hallym University

The original speech can be viewed here on Hallym Korean website.