"Thanks to YU where I worked for 30 years, I want to see my students in the international stage..."
[Apr 23, 2011]
A teacher's love for students even after retirement warms the hearts of onlookers
Honorary professor of YU, Lee, Young-soon (69).
Lee, who retired from her professorship at the Yeungnam University College of Music, Major of Voice, and currently lives in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, revisited Yeungnam University where she spent 30 years of her life after driving for over 4 hours on the morning of the 13th. She came to donate her savings to YU, which she saved from her pension every month since retirement so that she could spend it for her students.
She met with Lee, Hyo-soo, and gave her donation pledge of 100 million won and said, "I have only been able to save up 70 million won so far, but I will save more and donate 10 million won every year for three years to fill up the 100 million won. My retirement is set because of YU so this is the least I can do to show my appreciation," and added, "The happiest thing that I could want now is to see my students in the international stage."
On this, president Lee, Hyo-soo stated, "I am deeply appreciative of coming to college of music early in its years to contribute to the development of the voice major and of her great donation to foster students in the future," and added, "We will use this donation wisely according to her intent." Lee Eui-won, the dean of the college of music also expressed his gratitude saying, "The college of music is proud of her efforts to develop the college of music and to become a role model for us," and added, "We will repay her for efforts by fostering great students."
Her love for her students continues even after her retirement. She is famous for always visiting her students when they hold solo recitals regardless of the place and time to encourage and congratulate them. In early 2007, just before her retirement, she organized KATS (Korea Association of Teachers of Singing) with 20 professors and instructors from universities in the Daegu and Gyeonbuk. She chaired this organization for three years and after elevating it to an international society in 2009, she left her post as the chair, which was succeeded by her student Choi, Yun-hi, professor at the YU college of music, and is currently acting as an advisor. She visits Daegu to attend every meeting held once every three months.
"It's only natural for a teacher to want the best for her student," said Lee, while also adding, "I majored in singing because I loved it, and I was able to teach students at the podium afterwards. I've been blessed so I will live the rest of my life by giving what I can."
Honorary professor Lee, Young-soon graduated from the Seoul National University Department of Vocal Music in 1977 and taught students for 30 years at Yeungnam University, while also being the dean of the major of voice and the college of music.
