YU Department of Mechanical Engineering class of ‘64 donated 6.2 billion KRW in development funds for the alma mater and juniors
Recognized for contributions to the development of education in Korea
[November 4, 2020]
<Korea Former Chairman Lee Jong-woo (fourth from left) received the ‘Order of Civil Merit, Peony Medal'>
Korea Former Chairman Lee Jong-woo was honored by receiving the ‘Order of Civil Merit, Peony Medal’.
The ‘Order of Civil Merit’ is given to those with clear merits that contributed to improving the welfare of citizens and national development in the politics, economics, sociology, education, and academic sectors in the Republic of Korea. The Peony Medal is the second highest order of civil merit following the Rose of Sharon Medal.
Chairman Lee was recognized for his contributions to the development of education in Korea. Chairman Lee, an alumnus from the YU Department of Mechanical Engineering class of ‘64, donated real estate worth about 5 billion KRW in May of last year as development funds to his alma mater, YU. The university is using the development funds donated by Chairman Lee for renovating the science library, which was a key project of YU. Furthermore, Chairman Lee founded the ‘Songam Scholarship Association’ for juniors having difficulties with studies since 2002 where he donated about 1.2 billion KRW in scholarship funds. He thus donated a total of about 6.2 billion KRW in development funds for the alma mater and juniors. He also enacted the KAIST ‘Songam Future Scholar Outstanding Research Award’, continuously providing support for developing the domestic university education and research capacities.
At 1:30 p.m. on the 3rd, the medal bestowal ceremony was held for Chairman Lee Jong-woo. At this ceremony were present the Yeungnam School Foundation Chairperson Han Jae-sook, YU President Sur Gil-soo, YU General Alumni Association Senior Chairman Koh Dong-hyeon, as well as former governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do who also served as the YU General Alumni Association chairman to congratulate Chairman Lee receiving the medal.
Chairman Lee, who received a certificate and medal at the ceremony, said, “All I did was share a little with my alma mater and juniors because I wanted to repay what I received from our society and university. It is a great honor to receive this medal from the nation.” He added, “Practicing sharing even at a small level can serve as a lubricant to develop different parts of Korea. I hope that my juniors studying at YU can also do their roles in society and practice sharing."
<Korea Former Chairman Lee Jong-woo (left) and Mrs. Shin Gwang-soon (wife of Chairman Lee)>
Meanwhile, Chairman Lee also received a plaque after being selected as a member of the YU Chunma Honor Society on October 14. Chairman Lee not only made huge donations to YU’s development fund, but also serves as a director for the Yeungnam School Foundation, thus being recognized for his contributions to the development of higher education in Korea and to YU.
