YU President holds regular lecture on 'Convergence Humanities'
Lecture titled ‘Features of Modern Society and Role of Universities’, discussion with students
“Courage and will power that does not fear failure will lead to success”
[September 13, 2016]
<YU President Noh Seok-kyun takes the podium as the first speaker for the 2016 second semester regular course, 'Convergence Humanities'>
YU President Noh Seok-kyun took the podium for the first time after taking office as the university president for a lecture on a regular course.
At 3 p.m. on the 6th, at Room 210 of the Commerce and Economics Hall, President Noh took the stage as the first speaker for 'Convergence Humanities', a regular general education course for the second semester of 2016. Mr. Noh spoke for 90 minutes under the topic, 'Features of Modern Society and Role of Universities'. All 300 students who filled the classroom to listen to Mr. Noh's lecture, who took the podium after a long time, listened carefully to each and every word.
Mr. Noh said, "Communication is essential to resolve the various social conflicts of modern society, and a perspective of humanities is needed for this." He added while emphasizing the importance of humanities saying, "I am placing close attention to humanities lectures such as the 'Humanity at 20 Years Old' that was newly established last year and 'Convergence Humanities'. We will further expand general education lectures so that students will gain more wisdom for life through the humanities."
At this lecture, Mr. Noh also displayed his abilities as an engineering student. Students responded well to his easy-to-understand explanations for scientific knowledge on the Big Bang theory and the features of molecules.
Mr. Noh, who was rarely able to have opportunities for direct communication with students on the college issues, also took the time for dialog with students through this lecture. Mr. Noh carefully explained in detail the recent major achievements and policies of the university that directly affect students such as the government's college financial support projects and student-oriented academic programs. He also introduced the history and spirit of YU and alumni in various parts of society to help students understand the identity of the university and to enhance their school pride. As the lecture went on to the university's history, current issues and policies that are usually not talked about in regular lectures, students showed more attention than ever.
Students who attended the lecture said, "I did not know how our school was evaluated in college evaluations, how we won so many national funding projects, and I also did not know that there were so many alumni doing great things in society. It was an opportunity to look back at our school and gain pride in our school." They added, "I hope that the university and the president of the university will communicate with students using various methods so that more students can go to school with a sense of pride and love for their school." Mr. Noh responded to this saying, "We will continuously communicate through the YU newsletter, college homepage and SNS. If need be, I will meet with students directly and speak with them."
President Noh stated, "I know that this is a period of uncertainties and concerns. The difficulties that the youths face now are obstacles that must be overcome, but it is also a driving force for success." He added, "There is no scheduled success and there is no accidental failure. Courage and strong will power that does not fear failure is the key to success," as he ended his lecture.
Meanwhile, YU has been receiving good responses from students since opening the 'Humanities at 20 Years Old' and 'Convergence Humanities, which are general education classes in humanities since last year. These humanities lectures that were prepared with the goal of having students ask themselves on more creative and hopeful paths, rather than spending their youths lost in thought and worries, are held as weekly marathon lectures by speakers related to humanities in various fields.
