The Ewha Haktang Farewell and Inauguration Ceremony for Chairperson Chang Myong-Sue and incoming Chairperson Eun Mee Kim took place on Wednesday, October 29th, at Lee San-bong Hall (ECC).
About 200 guests attended the ceremony, including executives and staff at Ewha Haktang, incumbent and former presidents, alumni and faculty members of Ewha Womans University, presidents of leading universities, and heads of government departments and major public agencies. The event opened with greetings from Hyang-Sook Lee, President of Ewha Womans University, followed by a congratulatory address by Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations. It then continued with a farewell address by former Chairperson Chang, an inaugural address by incoming Chairperson Kim, the presentation of an appreciation plaque, and a congratulatory performance.
In her opening remarks, President Lee stated, “I express my deep gratitude and respect to former Chairperson Chang Myong-Sue, for her 14 years of devoted leadership to Ewha’s development.” President Lee further added, “During her time as Ewha University President, incoming Chairperson Eun Mee Kim has strengthened Ewha’s global competitiveness through educational and research innovation under the spirit of ‘learning from the old to create something new’, and I am confident that she will open a new era for Ewha Haktang with her deep insights and graceful leadership.”
The eighth UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon remarked in his congratulatory address, “Ewha Haktang transcends the role of a mere educational institution – it embodies the living history of Korea’s modern age and stands as a guiding light of women’s rights and education. Thanks to Chairperson Chang’s keen insight and compassionate leadership, Ewha has established an even stronger foundation both internally and externally. Now, with Chairperson Kim’s strong initiative and inspiring leadership, I believe Ewha will continue to grow into a global educational institution, leading the new generation with renewed momentum.” He added, “I sincerely wish that Ewha will continue its invaluable journey as a beacon of hope – not only to the women in Korea, but to all humankind around the world – through integration and communication.”
In her farewell address, Chairperson Chang remarked, “In 2011, when I succeeded Chairperson Yoon Hoo-Jung, I felt more fear than pride in taking on this position, knowing that my predecessors and mentors had devoted their lives to leading Ewha. After 14 years, the fear still remains within me. And yet, I have continued to move forward toward Ewha’s bright future, recalling the resolute teaching of my mentor, Chairperson Kim Okgil, during difficult times – ‘There is no secret to success.’” She added, “I believe that incoming Chairperson Eun Mee Kim will lead Ewha successfuly into a new phase of development as a global leading institution, with generosity and deep dedication.” Chairperson Chang concluded her remarks by saying, “I truly believe in the eternal light of Ewha’s founding spirit – to nurture outstanding and talented women to make the world a better place.”
Chairperson Eun Mee Kim, who will lead Ewha Haktang from October 28th, stated, “The history of Ewha Haktang symbolizes the history of modern education in Korea and represents the journey toward recognizing the personhood of women and the hope of humanity. In 1886, when Mary F. Scranton opened the door to women’s education, Ewha became a signpost leading social change.” She also emphasized, “Ewha Haktang will serve as a central platform within the education ecosystem and as a solid foundation for the entire Ewha community, strengthening the institutional, financial, and ethical pillars of its affiliated institutions so that they may fulfill their missions.”
Chairperson Kim added, “The long-term vision of Ewha Haktang is to build a sustainable education ecosystem that illuminates the future of humankind through its values.” She concluded her remarks by emphasizing that Ewha’s path forward lies in achieving financial sustainability, establishing transparent governance and trust-based management, systematically enhancing the educational environment and campus infrastructure, strengthening social responsibility and public engagement, and maintaining Ewha’s identity while expanding its global reach.
