Dr Chung Completes Term as SNU President

The President of the Princeton Club of Korea, Dr. Chung Un-Chan *78, completed his term as President of Seoul National University. According to the JoongAng Daily, "He was the first president to complete the four-year term since the university started direct election of its presidents in 1991." Congratulations to Dr Chung on the achievement of this major milestone. The JoongAng Daily on July 20, 2006 ran an article entitled, "In a first, head of Seoul University finishes term." The full text and link follow. ~GC'85

Chung Un-chan, whose term as president of Seoul National University ended yesterday, reaffirmed his determination not to go into politics during the ceremony marking his departure. "I don't think any position in the world is comparable to the president of Seoul National University," Mr. Chung said. He was the first president to complete the four-year term since the university started direct election of its presidents in 1991. Previous university presidents had stepped down when they were appointed to government positions, or had to resign due to public scandals. The exception was Kim Chong-un, who retired without finishing his term when he reached his retirement age. During his presidency, Mr. Chung worked on university reforms. He began to impose a mandatory quota, requiring students from local high schools to be admitted based on their academic records instead of their scores on the national College Scholastic Ability Test, to balance the number of students from Seoul with those from other regions. He also reduced the size of the undergraduate student body and emphasized research and development. Mr. Chung is credited with raising 160 billion won ($167 million) for the university from donations. He turned the president's residence into apartment housing for professors. However, he was criticized when Hwang Woo-suk, the university professor of veterinary medicine, and other researchers in Dr. Hwang's laboratory were indicted on charges of embezzling research funds. In a speech during his farewell ceremony, Mr. Chung expressed regret for unfinished reforms. He tried to unite 19 departments into one general college, but the plan was scrapped after strong resistance from the departments. Mr. Chung will return to teaching as a professor of economics beginning in the fall. Lee Jang-moo, the newly elected president of the university, received his official appointment from President Roh Moo-hyun yesterday at the Blue House. He begins his term today. JoongAng daily Article

Vershbow Speaks at Reunions Dinner

Alexander Vershbow, the USA's ambassador to the Republic of Korea, was the keynote speaker at this year's Reunions Dinner. In an email from our very own Jongkyu Park, "About 60 alumni, students, matriculants, and parents enjoyed lecture of Ambassador Vershbow. It was such a successful event and I'm back to my office feeling quite relieved." Thanks, Jongku, for your hard work and dedication in organizing the event.

Princetonians were informed and entertained by Ambassador Vershbow (a Yalie), who at one point quipped, "Princeton has produced two U.S. Presidents, two Secretaries of State and almost as many diplomats and scholars as Yale!"

President Chung delivers an appreciation plaque on behalf of Princeton Club of Korea