2025 Academic Year Early Commencement Ceremony Held… 1,085 Make a New Start
President Je Emphasizes Uniquely Human Values and Spirituality in the AI Era
Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung’s Video Congratulatory Message

The 1,085 graduates completed their time of learning and took their first step into a wider world.

On the 12th, Sahmyook University held the 2025 Academic Year Early Commencement Ceremony at the Mission 70th Anniversary Memorial Hall (undergraduate) and the Hong Myung-gi Hall of the Johan Hall (graduate school) on campus.

The event was attended by President Je Hae-jong, Vice President Seo Kyung-hyun, Alumni Association President Oh Deok-shin, Woori Bank Institutional Group Executive Vice President Jo Se-hyung, as well as parents and guests, who celebrated the graduates’ new beginning.

At this commencement ceremony, a total of 1,085 people received degrees: △933 bachelor’s degrees △70 Ph.D. and 67 master’s degrees from the Graduate School △10 master’s degrees from the Theological Seminary △5 master’s degrees from the Graduate School of Business.

At the graduate school, the Outstanding Thesis Award was presented to graduates with excellent research achievements. The recipients were △Nagduar Suganda (Ph.D., Department of Nursing) △Ha Su-hee (Ph.D., Department of Business Administration) △Peng Yibo (Ph.D., Department of Business Administration) △Nicole Von Campomayor (Ph.D., Department of Convergence Science) △Kim Gwan-hyung (Ph.D., Department of Counseling Psychology) △Lee Min-jung (Ph.D., Department of Counseling Psychology) △Jang Hong-je (Integrated M.S.–Ph.D., Department of Physical Therapy) △Yoon Tae-hoon (Integrated M.S.–Ph.D., Department of Public Health) △Kim Eun-a (Integrated M.S.–Ph.D., Department of Environmental Horticulture) △Zhao Pengcheng (Integrated M.S.–Ph.D., Department of Integrated Arts) △Ye Sanhong (Integrated M.S.–Ph.D., Department of Integrated Arts) △Kim Eun-chong (Ph.D., Department of Music) △Jang Han-jin (Ph.D., Department of Music) △Cui Lijuan (Ph.D., Department of Music) △Li Yesha (Ph.D., Department of Music) △Cheng Yun (Ph.D., Department of Music), and others.

At the undergraduate ceremony, certificates of commendation were presented to graduates with outstanding academic performance. Lee Ji-seong (Department of Physical Therapy), the top student of the entire undergraduate class, received the Chairman of the Board Award; Seong Chae-young (Department of Counseling Psychology), the second-highest student overall, received the Woori Bank President’s Award; and Seo Ji-min, the top student in the Department of Environmental Design and Horticulture, received the Alumni Association President’s Award.

Jeon Seo-jin (Department of Health Administration), Chair of the 64th Student Council Emergency Committee, and Park Ji-min (Department of Early Childhood Education), President of the 65th Student Council, received Merit Awards.

Sixty international students from a variety of countries—including China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Liberia—as well as 11 students with disabilities, also had the honor of graduating.

In his address, President Je Hae-jong emphasized the importance of uniquely human values and spirituality amid rapidly changing times, including the spread of generative AI. President Je said, “AI can provide answers, but it cannot have a sense of problem awareness or take responsibility,” stressing that students should grow into individuals with reflection and ethical awareness rather than being swept up by technological advances.

He continued, “The heart of Sahmyook education, which encompasses ‘wisdom, spirituality, and physical strength’ (智·靈·體), is spiritual education,” adding, “A good conscience and an attitude of service will ultimately open your future. Wherever you are, remember the name of your alma mater and spread a positive influence in society.”

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung delivered a congratulatory message via video. Minister Yoon, who is also an alumnus of the first cohort of Sahmyook University’s CEO Program, said, “As Sahmyook people, I hope you will steadfastly uphold the values of truth, love, and service that you hold in your hearts. I wish you boundless glory and happiness in the days ahead.”