▲ The Site of an Inauguration Ceremony (Photo from The Dankook Herald)

On September 7, the inauguration ceremony was held at the Music Hall in Jukjeon Campus of Dankook University (DKU) for 18th President Kim Su-bok and 19th President Ahn Soon-cheol. Many university officials and external guests, including Chairman Jang Ho-seong, Honorary Chairman Jang Chung-sik, and President of the Alumni Association Lee Sang-bae, attended the ceremony to see the inauguration of President Kim Su-bok to President Ahn Soon-cheol.

▲ The Site of an Inauguration Ceremony (Photo from The Dankook Herald)

The 18th President, Kim Su-bok assumed office in August 2019 and completed his four-year term. His achievements were for campus development by establishing an educational environment, developing the AI service DanAI selected for the campus innovation park project in Cheonan Campus, and attracting international exchange students. In his farewell address, he noted that our passion for the Dankook has become a big river symbolizing patriotism, independence, and freedom. He anticipated the fresh perspectives and initiatives new president Ahn Soon-cheol proposed and congratulated his inauguration. President Kim Su-bok concluded his 18th presidency, saying he would be a small wave from 20-year-old Dankookians (Students of DKU) to 70-year-old Dankookians. The 19th President, Ahn Soon-cheol expressed his gratitude for being entrusted with the honor of the presidential position. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he underscored the indomitable spirit and innovative DNA that have been the hallmarks of DKU's history. Also, President Ahn Soon-cheol proposed “The Dankook Innovation 5.0 Plan” to lead the way in innovative institutions for the Gyeonggi-do and Chungnam areas. He announced his strategy to grow DKU based on three innovation principles: strengthening university finances foundations, promoting innovation in education and research, and solidifying the global prominence and prestige of the university. He thinks that we need the collective strength and commitment of all Dankookians to begin vigorously for the international university that contributes to humanity. Meanwhile, to celebrate new President Ahn Soon-cheol, Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, Mun Choi, President of the University of Missouri, Song Zhong Min, Vice President of Yantai University, and Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin Special City, delivered the messages, adding further significance to the event.

   As we bid farewell to the 18th President, Kim Su-bok, for his dedicated service over the past four years, the Dankook Herald (DKH) eagerly welcomes President Ahn Soon-Cheol, who holds the promise of leading Dankook into an exciting new era. The DKH anticipates the journey ahead and wholeheartedly supports the university's ambitious leap into the future.