First-ever special merit award presented since school's founding; president dons department jacket
'I learned the truth of May 18 here … treasure the time you have'
President Lee Jae Myung attended the 110th anniversary ceremony of his alma mater, Chung-Ang University, on Friday, receiving the school's first-ever special merit award and speaking candidly with students about his college years.
Cheong Wa Dae Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing that Lee attended the morning ceremony at Chung-Ang University, which selected him as the inaugural recipient of its special merit award to mark the milestone anniversary. "The president attended in person to share in this meaningful occasion and to communicate openly with his juniors," Kang said.
In his address, Lee reflected on how learning the truth of the May 18 Democratization Movement during his university years, along with the values of study and solidarity he experienced on campus, had become a foundation that changed his life. Looking back on his college days, he described them as truly precious and urged the students present to cherish their time, saying time is life itself.
He closed his remarks with words of encouragement: "To all of you at Chung-Ang — who live by truth and die for justice — I cheer you on and I love you."
During the ceremony, the student body president presented Lee with a department jacket — known as a "gwajam" — bearing his name on the sleeve, which he put on immediately. He then posed for photos holding a plush toy of the university's mascot, "Puangi." After the event, Lee readily obliged students and guests who asked for photos.
As Lee stepped outside the venue, students who had been waiting greeted him with cheers and applause, shouting "We love you, Mr. President," "Fighting, sunbae!" and "Stay healthy!" One student who got close to Lee said he was trembling with excitement.
Lee then strolled through the campus with school officials and students, taking in sights including Yeongsin Hall and Cheongnyong Pond. He greeted students and visitors waiting on the grounds, stopped for photos one by one, and waved goodbye as he left.
sunpine@heraldcorp.com
