Making a Meaningful Graduation Ceremony
SNU Division of Academic Affairs Plans a Novel Ceremony for Graduating Student

Until now SNU's graduation ceremony had a light atmosphere where students said goodbye and families came from all over the country to see the last of their proud sons and daughters in college. Yet there had been criticisms about the flower sellers densely lined up along every road and sidewalk, photographers looking to earn money with their hackneyed graduation albums, and vendors who suddenly sprouted up for the day and went home leaving trash and food waste all over campus.

The renowned Korean writer of"Song of the Sword", Kim Hoon, who visited the 53rd SNU graduation, even contributed an account of what he witnessed to a newspaper deploring how the president of SNU had"emphasized the importance of graduates serving the society to empty chairs".

However, the upcoming 65th SNU Graduation Ceremony, which is to be held on February 25 and during which almost 5000 bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degrees will be conferred, will be a different picture. The SNU Division of Academic Affairs announced through an official dispatch of the Office of Academic Affairs that this year's graduation ceremony has been designed to"move the hearts of everyone participating".

At one o'clock in the afternoon, the graduation ceremony will be opened with a chorus comprised of forty professors. This"Professors' Chorale" arranged especially for the ceremony, is currently putting all their effort into practicing the music they will sing next week under the direction of Kim YoungYul, SNU professor of instrumental music in the College of Music.

Following the opening chorus, Professor Seo HyeYeon of the Department of Vocal Music will give a solo performance. Then, Kim Rando, professor of consumer studies and resource management in the College of Human Ecology, who became a beloved mentor to college students nationwide through his recently popular book 'It Hurts Because You're Young', will give a graduation speech titled"Get Ready for Your Season", offering a piece of warm advice.

A meaningful video clip has been prepared as well. The video will feature heartwarming comments from the graduating seniors？ professors and friends, as well as commemorate the honorary graduate Lee Yong-Jun (Department of Architecture Studies), who died whilst on his community service trip to Tanzania.

Something special has also been prepared for the graduating foreign students, who are growing in number every year. The flag of every international student's native country will be hoisted on the farade of the ceremonial hall.

In order to amplify the emotions shared by the graduating students, the school will also encourage the participation of parents and relatives by sending an invitation to every student's household.

Through this newly organized graduation ceremony, everyone will be able to grasp the deeper meaning of a college graduation ceremony, as it marks the beginning of students' real adventure into the world.

February 18, 2011
Written by LEE BoYoung, SNU English Editor, bylee0708@gmail.com