Ewha College of Pharmacy Mission Ministry Marks Its 40th Anniversary N
- Date2026.06.26
- 207
A Legacy of Prayer and Service, Passed Down to the Next Generation
Alumnae, Students, and Faculty Celebrate Alongside Ewha's 140th Anniversary
The Mission Ministry of the College of Pharmacy (hereafter the "College of Pharmacy Mission Ministry") commemorated its 40th anniversary with a special worship service held on Tuesday, May 12, at the University Church on campus, bringing together members of the Ewha community for a time of thanksgiving and fellowship.
The service celebrated both the 40th anniversary of the College of Pharmacy Mission Ministry, which was established in 1986 during Ewha Womans University's 100th anniversary, and the University's 140th anniversary as Korea's first institution of higher education for women. The occasion also marked the 10th anniversary of IaM (Frankincense and Myrrh), the College of Pharmacy's Christian student organization, providing an opportunity for alumnae, current students, and faculty members to reflect on a legacy of faith and service that has continued across generations.
Since its founding by Mary F. Scranton in 1886, Ewha has carried forward its mission of Christian faith and women's education. Established in 1945 as Korea's first modern college of pharmacy, the College of Pharmacy celebrates its 81st anniversary this year. The 40th anniversary worship service highlighted the community's enduring tradition of integrating professional excellence, faith, education, and service. It also reflected on how Ewha's founding spirit has been carried forward through the College of Pharmacy alumni community's ministries of prayer, missionary work, scholarships, and support for future generations.
Among those in attendance were Myung Kyung Lee, President of the Ewha Alumni Association; Eun Kyung Hur, President of the College of Pharmacy Alumni Association (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Class of 1987); Soo Kyung Kim, Director of the Mission Ministry (Pharmacy, Class of 1984); current and former alumni association presidents and Mission Ministry officers; alumni from Korea and abroad, including missionary alumnae; College of Pharmacy faculty members; and current students. Together, they celebrated the long-standing tradition of prayer and service within the College of Pharmacy community.
The event began with a worship service featuring praise, prayer, a sermon, and an offering, followed by a second session of thanksgiving and fellowship that included a video congratulatory message from President Hyang Sook Lee, congratulatory remarks, and commemorative presentations. Although many of the ministry's founding members have since passed away, participants honored their dedication and reflected on the values that continue to shape the Mission Ministry today. The celebration also included video messages from those unable to attend in person, allowing the community to share in the joy of the 40th anniversary.
In her video message, President Hyang Sook Lee said, "I sincerely congratulate the College of Pharmacy Family Prayer Meeting on reaching its 40th anniversary. I extend my deepest respect and gratitude to all the alumnae and senior members who have faithfully sustained this ministry of prayer and devoted themselves to Ewha and the College of Pharmacy over the years."
She continued, "The College of Pharmacy Alumni Association Mission Ministry's four decades of prayer and service are a precious legacy that keeps Ewha's spiritual foundation alive today. As we celebrate Ewha's 140th anniversary, I hope this meaningful year will usher in a new season of renewal and growth."
Dean Hwa Jung Lee of the College of Pharmacy also offered congratulatory remarks, saying, "I give thanks and glory to God for establishing the College of Pharmacy Alumni Association Mission Ministry 40 years ago, and I sincerely thank all of our alumnae who have faithfully continued this worship ministry throughout the years."
She added, "Through the prayers and generous support of the Mission Ministry, Ewha's College of Pharmacy will continue to strengthen its world-class research capabilities, lead the development of new medicines, and educate outstanding pharmacists dedicated to caring for both the physical and spiritual well-being of patients."
Current and former presidents of the College of Pharmacy Alumni Association, current and former Mission Ministry officers, alumnae and alumni missionaries, College of Pharmacy faculty members, and students gather for the 40th Anniversary Worship Service and Celebration of the College of Pharmacy Alumni Association Mission Ministry.
The Mission Ministry traces its origins to a prayer group formed during Ewha's centennial celebration in 1986 by alumnae Duk Hee Kim, Dong Sun Kim (Class of 1961), Geum Ran Joo (Class of 1964), and the late Professor Cho Duck Han, among others. Since its official establishment in 1992, the ministry has continued its mission through monthly worship services. Over the past 40 years, it has presented Bibles to incoming students, provided scholarships, and supported alumni missionaries serving in medical and educational missions in underserved regions of Korea and abroad, including Cambodia and South Africa. These efforts exemplify the integration of pharmaceutical expertise with Ewha's Christian values.
The celebration was further enriched by the publication of the 40-Year History of the Mission Ministry of the College of Pharmacy Alumni Association, Ewha Womans University, a commemorative volume documenting the ministry's four decades of service. The publication was made possible through the dedication of alumna Hyun Sook Jang (Pharmacy, Class of 1960), who led the Mission Ministry for many years, and Mu In Son (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Class of 1978), who compiled both the 30th anniversary history and this latest volume. The event also highlighted the historical significance of Hye Jung Choi (Pharmacy, Class of 1949), the oldest living graduate from the College of Pharmacy's first graduating class, whose remarkable legacy was recognized before attendees representing multiple generations.
Another highlight of the celebration was the 10th anniversary of IaM, the Christian student organization established in 2016 to commemorate the Mission Ministry's 30th anniversary. Through a variety of campus activities, IaM has continued to carry forward and expand the faith tradition established by previous generations. Looking ahead, the College of Pharmacy Mission Ministry plans to continue supporting worship services, scholarships, domestic and international missionaries, and the Christian student organization, fostering future leaders and strengthening the faith community across generations.