Selected Speeches
Dr. Leeserved as the President of SNU from 2006 to 2010. These are selected speeches during his presidency.
2007 Global MBA Commencement (Aug. 17, 2007)
HIT: 9757
Congratulatory Address
By President Jang-Moo Lee
2007 Global MBA Commencement
International Conference Room, SK Hall
August 17, 2007
It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the first commencement ceremony of the Graduate School of Business. This is the day that you have all been waiting for, and the entire school shares your excitement.
Today is the culmination of hard work. But please remember that the credit is not yours alone. I refer not only to your families but also to the staff and faculty members who have guided your footsteps and thought processes. This day is not just yours to enjoy; it is a proud day for everybody.
Today’s ceremony is a commencement. It is not called a finale even though it marks the final step in your graduate experience here at Seoul National University. Today, you are completing a long, gradual transition from guided scholarship to a new phase as highly qualified independent professionals. The diplomas that you receive today are more than simple academic degrees. With them comes our acknowledgement of your new status as our peers. And, in the very traditional manner of this ceremony, we express to you our confidence that you are well prepared to become the leaders of everyone’s future.
The Graduate School of Business has equipped and prepared you for what lies ahead. Now, you must be willing to apply those skills and lessons to the next chapter in your lives.
Because the business world is constantly changing and information is expanding at lightning speed, to stand still means to fall behind. And history has taught us that those who are unequipped, unprepared, and unwilling to accept change will be left behind. Remember, we must educate and reeducate ourselves every single day. No doubt, you already know that this graduation is only a milestone on a long and enjoyable journey of exploration and education.
As the Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi put it, “No body of water on earth is larger than the open sea. Ten thousand rivers run unceasingly to the open sea, yet it never overflows.” His words of wisdom from 2,000 years ago are all the more relevant in a fast-changing world where opportunities come and go. The open sea has no walls.
Dear graduates.
We should venture into the open sea, where unlimited opportunities abound. With its shifting opportunities, the fast-changing world is wide open to you all. In your new relationship with your alma mater, please regard Seoul National University as your harbor in a rapidly changing world.
In closing, once again, congratulations to all of you, the Global MBA class of 2007. A great world awaits you and certainly will become greater thanks to your contributions. I wish each and every one of you the very best in your continuing adventure of life. Go forth to explore and discover new oceans with openness and courage.
The best of luck in your careers and lives. Thank you.
By President Jang-Moo Lee
2007 Global MBA Commencement
International Conference Room, SK Hall
August 17, 2007
It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the first commencement ceremony of the Graduate School of Business. This is the day that you have all been waiting for, and the entire school shares your excitement.
Today is the culmination of hard work. But please remember that the credit is not yours alone. I refer not only to your families but also to the staff and faculty members who have guided your footsteps and thought processes. This day is not just yours to enjoy; it is a proud day for everybody.
Today’s ceremony is a commencement. It is not called a finale even though it marks the final step in your graduate experience here at Seoul National University. Today, you are completing a long, gradual transition from guided scholarship to a new phase as highly qualified independent professionals. The diplomas that you receive today are more than simple academic degrees. With them comes our acknowledgement of your new status as our peers. And, in the very traditional manner of this ceremony, we express to you our confidence that you are well prepared to become the leaders of everyone’s future.
The Graduate School of Business has equipped and prepared you for what lies ahead. Now, you must be willing to apply those skills and lessons to the next chapter in your lives.
Because the business world is constantly changing and information is expanding at lightning speed, to stand still means to fall behind. And history has taught us that those who are unequipped, unprepared, and unwilling to accept change will be left behind. Remember, we must educate and reeducate ourselves every single day. No doubt, you already know that this graduation is only a milestone on a long and enjoyable journey of exploration and education.
As the Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi put it, “No body of water on earth is larger than the open sea. Ten thousand rivers run unceasingly to the open sea, yet it never overflows.” His words of wisdom from 2,000 years ago are all the more relevant in a fast-changing world where opportunities come and go. The open sea has no walls.
Dear graduates.
We should venture into the open sea, where unlimited opportunities abound. With its shifting opportunities, the fast-changing world is wide open to you all. In your new relationship with your alma mater, please regard Seoul National University as your harbor in a rapidly changing world.
In closing, once again, congratulations to all of you, the Global MBA class of 2007. A great world awaits you and certainly will become greater thanks to your contributions. I wish each and every one of you the very best in your continuing adventure of life. Go forth to explore and discover new oceans with openness and courage.
The best of luck in your careers and lives. Thank you.