No.163 / Apr 17, 2023
Ajou University recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a week-long commemoration, the Ajou Innovations Festival. Guided by core values such as respect for humanity, truth-seeking based on practicality, and uniting humankind for one global society, Ajou University has been committed to shaping the future and making a positive impact on society. The festival not only celebrated these traditional values but also introduced new values and goals, setting the stage for the next era of growth and innovation.
Ajou Innovations Festival: day 1 and 2 (April 10 and 11)
The Ajou Cherry Blossom Festival, on April 10 and 11, marked the beginning of Ajou University’s 50th anniversary week. Throughout the festival, students enjoyed taking part in a variety of activities like flea markets, food trucks, picnics, and activity booths. As the sun set on April 11, talented student performers and popular artists TradeL, GyeongseoYeji, and 10cm took over the stage. On the morning of April 11, Ajou University unveiled a digital history museum and presented a history book to the school in the Central Library. Additionally, two Ajou Colloquium Series were held. University professors and industry experts delivered academic presentations on the latest technological advancements in their respective fields.
Ajou Innovations Festival: day 3 (April 12)
The 50th anniversary celebrations at Ajou University were marked by a memorable event on April 12 at 2 p.m. in Yeonam Hall. Ajou University unveiled its development plan, Ajou Vision 5.0, which outlined the goal of becoming an innovative, future-changing institution through 24 strategic initiatives. The plan focuses on two main areas: academic and physical growth. The academic initiatives aim to provide a comprehensive learning environment, covering practical applications to Nobel Prize level research. The physical initiatives focus on campus growth based on a master plan to improve facilities and infrastructure. Moreover, a commemorative sculpture called the Ajou 50th Anniversary Wall, symbolizing the torch mark, was revealed in Yulgok Hall. Later in the day, Ajou International Conference began under the theme “The Roles and Innovations of Universities to Lead Future Society.” The conference featured prominent speakers like Thomas Frey and Ling San, as well as Ajou alumni professors, including Yun Hyun-jung a graduate of the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy, who studied at the University of Florida through Ajou University’s exchange program. Her success highlighted the significant impact of Ajou University’s exchange program.
Ajou Innovations Festival: day 4 and 5 (April 13 and 14)
The week continued with the Global Lecture Series on April 13, featuring a speech from the 2021 Nobel Prize winner, David W.C. MacMillan. Finally, on April 14, the Ajou Bio-Health Science Research Fair offered a speech from the 2022 Nobel Prize winner, Carolyn Bertozzi, promoting bio-medicine research on an international level and fostering academic exchanges with foreign universities.
Interviews of participants of Ajou Innovations Festival
Levy Anai Solan Surenthiran (exchange student, the Department of Business Administration)
A. I had a great time at the Ajou Cherry Blossom Festival, enjoying the food trucks and performances. Additionally, the International Conference was pretty nice. I’m really glad to be here and I appreciate the excellent care and support that I have received here.
Lee Seung-yup (3rd grade, the Department of Chemistry)
A. I attended all the lectures during the three-day conference, but the one given by David W.C. MacMillan on April 13 was the most impressive. David shared his life and research experiences, as well as stories about the day he received the Nobel Prize. One key takeaway from his speech was the importance of having confidence and passion in one’s work, which he emphasized as the key to achieving success. I hope that David’s message inspires all of us to approach our studies with confidence and passion.
Kim Su-hwan (1st grade, the Department of History)
A. I was particularly impressed by the Ajou International Conference, especially Thomas Frey’s speech. I’m excited about Ajou University’s plans for improving transportation and constructing new campus facilities, which display Ajou’s forward-thinking approach to education. I hope the university continues to provide a high-quality education environment for students through its ongoing development.
Ajou University is embarking on an exciting new chapter with its vision of “creation and innovation” for the next 50 years. To learn more about Ajou’s impressive achievements and upcoming events, visit the 50th anniversary commemorative website. Be sure to stay tuned for events like the International Day in October and join Ajou University in its journey towards a brighter future!
By Kim Ji-yeon, AG Reporter
jykim0502@ajou.ac.kr
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