DGIST confers degrees on 179 graduates at fall 2026 commencement

DGIST President Lee Geon-woo delivers congratulatory remarks to graduates at the 2026 DGIST commencement ceremony. [DGIST]

The Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) held its fall 2026 commencement ceremony Friday, conferring degrees on 179 graduates — 46 doctoral, 74 master's and 59 bachelor's — in convergence science and technology.

Several graduates drew attention for their research achievements and clear sense of purpose.

Yang Seo-young, a doctoral graduate and member of DGIST's inaugural undergraduate class of 2014, recently published a paper in the international journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, which carries an impact factor of 81.2.

"I will share the precious findings I have gained through research with the world unconditionally, and become a driving force for the next generation," she said.

Jeong Eun-ho, the undergraduate student representative and recipient of the 2025 Next-Generation Engineer Award from the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, said "building up experience by staying focused on the task at hand is what matters." He added that he would "turn the happiness found as an engineer into happiness for the world."

DGIST graduates pose for a commemorative photo. [DGIST]

The ceremony also featured the conferral of an honorary doctorate in engineering on Pyeonghwa Group Chairman Kim Jong-seok for his contributions to South Korea's automotive parts industry. Kim localized key rubber auto components, generating trillions of won in import substitution, and supported joint research and talent development in robotics from DGIST's early days. The DGIST Alumni Association presented him with a special commemorative plaque.

DGIST President Lee Geon-woo urged graduates to embrace selfless leadership and lifelong learning. "The degree you receive today is a starting point for encountering new questions and finding answers in a wider world," Lee said. "Rather than following a predetermined path, I hope you will forge your own, and shape the future through bold challenges that do not fear failure."

DGIST has produced more than 3,100 graduates since its founding through its convergence education and research-focused talent development system. Alumni are active across academia, research institutes and industry both in South Korea and abroad.

nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com