After twelve years of excellent service and achievement, former President of Dongseo University Park Dong Soon passed leadership responsibilities to the newly inaugurated president, Dr. Chang Jekuk. Her official retirement occurred on February 28th, at which time she was appointed the Chancellor of the Dongseo Educational Foundation in recognition of her longstanding devotion and commitment.
In her farewell speech, Dr. Park mentioned three most memorable moments during her presidency. The first involved hosting the 2006 Presidential Summit at which presidents representing twenty-one sister universities from twelve countries participated and announced the “Dongseo Joint Declaration on a Global Education Network.” The second was the completion of DSU’s Global Village and Sports Complex, which offer students many fitness opportunities including swimming or playing soccer on the university pitch. The third was the opening of DSU’s American branch school in Fullerton, California.
Dr. Park said, “First I give thanks to God, who helped me fulfill the calling. I also will never forget and will continue to feel deep appreciation for all members of the dedicated Dongseo family who helped in developing our university and who shared with me the associated pleasures and pains.” She further encouraged the Dongseo family to make plans for the future by seeding with tears of joy, but to remember that all fruit is born only through the Will of God and always respect what God has given and do our best with a true heart. She closed her speech by saying, “I am pleased to retire from my presidential duties while I am still in good health. I hope to act as a ‘Mother for the Sa-sang district’, contributing to the development of the area.”
Chairman of the Board, Song Jung Je, said in his speech, “Dr. Park has made Dongseo University well-known and highly respected through practical leadership during two economic crises, the IMF and the global financial crisis. We give boundless appreciation for her hard work.” Representative faculty, staff and alumni association members, as well as students from the university council presented Dr. Park bouquets and a plaque of achievement to show their appreciation.
The program for the farewell ceremony included the showing of a video titled “12 Years of Working Together,” the introduction of the establishments, a handover of the school flag and other official proceedings. After the ceremony, a magnificent farewell reception was held at the lobby of UIT Building.