Selected Speeches
Dr. Leeserved as the President of SNU from 2006 to 2010. These are selected speeches during his presidency.
5th Schofield Memorial Symposium (April 19, 2007)
HIT: 8571
Commemorative Address
By President Jang-Moo Lee
At the 5th Schofield Memorial Symposium
Seoul National University
April 19, 2007
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I welcome you to Seoul National University and the College of Veterinary Medicine on this special day. It is an honor to address the opening of the 5th Dr. Schofield Memorial Symposium, held to commemorate the 37th anniversary of Dr. Francis William Schofield's passing. I would like to extend my special welcome and deepest gratitude to today's invited speakers: Dr. David Prieur from Washington State University, Dr. Gregory Bohach from the University of Idaho, Dr. Soo-Jin Yang from the LA Biomedical Research Institute, and Ms. Shuana Hemingway, Second Secretary at the Canadian Embassy.
Dr. Schofield was an internationally respected scholar. One hundred forty-three research papers that he left at the Ontario College of Veterinary Medicine attest to his dedication to research. His scientific achievements and passion for education have fostered many aspiring veterinary scholars in Korea and continue to serve as a model for young students.
To the Korean people, however, Dr. Schofield, 석호필 박사님, means more than a renowned scholar. He called Korea his “home” and had an abiding love for the country all his life. After his arrival in Korea in 1916 as a medical missionary, he actively participated in Koreans' struggle for independence. Even after deportation by the Japanese authorities, he steadfastly endeavored to make known to the world the atrocities of Japanese colonial rule, thus contributing to Korean independence. And after his eventual return to Korea, he put into practice the spirit of brotherly love by teaching at Seoul National University, creating scholarships and taking care of the poor. Honored as the 34th national representative to energize the March First Independence Movement, Dr. Schofield left this will, which his gravestone bears: “When I die, please bury me in Korean soil. Please take care of the boys and girls and the poor that I once cared for.”
Dr. Schofield left many memorable sayings to his Korean friends such as “Education is preparation for greater contribution to society. It is at once an immense privilege and a heavy responsibility.” He also said, “On the surface of brick, we cannot see the water that was used to blend it. It is important, like the water, to sacrifice ourselves and not to make a display of ourselves.”
As Dr. Schofield ardently wished, Korea has carved a place for itself in the world, making great strides in various sectors. Such development, however, has taken a toll. We have lost much due to the growth-first ideology and the ensuing egotism. And admittedly, Seoul National University is not free from such charges. We too have focused on the transmission of knowledge to the extent of neglecting the true goal of education, which is raising leaders who can share their privileges with others and sacrifice themselves.
Now we should stress phronesis, or practical wisdom, to ensure that Seoul National University will educate and train true leaders who will practice their will to contribute to human peace and prosperity. Dr. Schofield, who bravely fought for social justice, lovingly cared for the poor, and fostered future leaders, is a model of the true intellectual in the 21st century that Seoul National University must emulate.
Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Yong Ho Park, faculty and administrative members, and students who prepared the visit to Dr. Schofield's grave last week and the Symposium today. I sincerely hope that this Symposium will serve as a valuable opportunity for the development of veterinary medicine in Korea. Let us continue to remember Dr. Schofield's lofty ideals and teachings. And let us strive together to realize the vision for Korea and the world that this great man and an eternal friend of Koreans had.
Thank you.
By President Jang-Moo Lee
At the 5th Schofield Memorial Symposium
Seoul National University
April 19, 2007
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I welcome you to Seoul National University and the College of Veterinary Medicine on this special day. It is an honor to address the opening of the 5th Dr. Schofield Memorial Symposium, held to commemorate the 37th anniversary of Dr. Francis William Schofield's passing. I would like to extend my special welcome and deepest gratitude to today's invited speakers: Dr. David Prieur from Washington State University, Dr. Gregory Bohach from the University of Idaho, Dr. Soo-Jin Yang from the LA Biomedical Research Institute, and Ms. Shuana Hemingway, Second Secretary at the Canadian Embassy.
Dr. Schofield was an internationally respected scholar. One hundred forty-three research papers that he left at the Ontario College of Veterinary Medicine attest to his dedication to research. His scientific achievements and passion for education have fostered many aspiring veterinary scholars in Korea and continue to serve as a model for young students.
To the Korean people, however, Dr. Schofield, 석호필 박사님, means more than a renowned scholar. He called Korea his “home” and had an abiding love for the country all his life. After his arrival in Korea in 1916 as a medical missionary, he actively participated in Koreans' struggle for independence. Even after deportation by the Japanese authorities, he steadfastly endeavored to make known to the world the atrocities of Japanese colonial rule, thus contributing to Korean independence. And after his eventual return to Korea, he put into practice the spirit of brotherly love by teaching at Seoul National University, creating scholarships and taking care of the poor. Honored as the 34th national representative to energize the March First Independence Movement, Dr. Schofield left this will, which his gravestone bears: “When I die, please bury me in Korean soil. Please take care of the boys and girls and the poor that I once cared for.”
Dr. Schofield left many memorable sayings to his Korean friends such as “Education is preparation for greater contribution to society. It is at once an immense privilege and a heavy responsibility.” He also said, “On the surface of brick, we cannot see the water that was used to blend it. It is important, like the water, to sacrifice ourselves and not to make a display of ourselves.”
As Dr. Schofield ardently wished, Korea has carved a place for itself in the world, making great strides in various sectors. Such development, however, has taken a toll. We have lost much due to the growth-first ideology and the ensuing egotism. And admittedly, Seoul National University is not free from such charges. We too have focused on the transmission of knowledge to the extent of neglecting the true goal of education, which is raising leaders who can share their privileges with others and sacrifice themselves.
Now we should stress phronesis, or practical wisdom, to ensure that Seoul National University will educate and train true leaders who will practice their will to contribute to human peace and prosperity. Dr. Schofield, who bravely fought for social justice, lovingly cared for the poor, and fostered future leaders, is a model of the true intellectual in the 21st century that Seoul National University must emulate.
Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Yong Ho Park, faculty and administrative members, and students who prepared the visit to Dr. Schofield's grave last week and the Symposium today. I sincerely hope that this Symposium will serve as a valuable opportunity for the development of veterinary medicine in Korea. Let us continue to remember Dr. Schofield's lofty ideals and teachings. And let us strive together to realize the vision for Korea and the world that this great man and an eternal friend of Koreans had.
Thank you.