▲ 2024 New Year's greetings and Kick-off Ceremony (Photo from DKU Portal)

   To celebrate the year 2024, the year of the blue dragon (靑龍) symbolizing prosperity and abundance, The Dankook Herald has brought the New Year’s messages from Chairman Jang Ho-sung, President Ahn Soon-cheol, and president of the alumni association Lee Sang-bae to Dankookians (Students of Dankook university).

▲ Chairman Jang Ho-sung gives a New Year's address. (Photo from DKU Portal)

   The chairman Jang Ho-sung has chosen “Mah-go-so-yang (麻姑搔痒)” as this year’s four-character idiom that represents his New Year's wish. “Mah-go-so-yang” signifies a long-nailed fairy who scratches an itchy spot, meaning that one's desired goals will be achieved smoothly. Chairman Jang expressed his determination for all Dankookians to become a "Mah-go (itch-reliever)" for each other, overcoming challenging obstacles together, even in the difficult environment of the declining school-age population and frozen tuition fees. He emphasized pursuing challenges and innovation, aiming to create the best education and research system.

▲ President Ahn Soon-cheol delivers a New Year's address. (Photo from DKU Portal)

   President Ahn Soon-cheol has announced his commitment to the 'Dankook Innovation 5.0 Vision,' which aims to innovate educational research, position the university as a global institution, and foster sustainable development while expanding financial resources. He stated, "Innovation at Dankook University (DKU) is not just a choice; DKU must take pride in its strength and become a powerful institution.” As the new year begins, marking the 77th anniversary of the school's foundation, President Ahn Soon-cheol declared that the grand journey of 'challenge, creation, and innovation towards the 100th anniversary of Dankook's establishment' should commence. Expressing gratitude to those dedicated to the university's development, he also conveyed his hope that this year would witness DKU and its 240,000 alumni joining forces to transform the university into a globally prestigious entity.

   Lee Sang-bae, the alumni association president, expressed his aspiration to embody the spirit of a Dankookian who soars higher and farther toward goals, much like the mythical blue dragon. He also expressed his commitment to supporting hardworking juniors who pursue their dreams even in challenging times, vowing unwavering assistance to ensure they can study in an enhanced environment. He pledged to exert his best efforts in instilling pride among the 240,000 alumni as Dankookians, conveying optimism that we all find the strength and courage to take bold steps once again for the continued advancement of DKU.