Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  The United World Korean Women (UWKW) visited SUNY Korea on October 9th. On this day, SUNY Korea President Arthur Lee and Vice President for Administration and External Relations Pyung Ryun Yu met with United World Korean Women President Hyojung Lee and Secretary General Seyoung Park. Approximately 90 UWKW members toured the university's educational and research facilities and engaged in discussions about potential areas of collaboration between the two organizations. The United World Korean Women is a global network of Korean women actively engaged in various fields across the world, working to promote women’s empowerment and enhance their opportunities. Many of the delegation members emigrated in the 1970s and 1980s, making significant contributions to Korea’s development during challenging times while pursuing successful careers abroad. Among the members were those who had worked as nurses in Germany, along with other professionals in countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. SUNY Korea places great emphasis on the value of “Shared Prosperity,” living in harmony with others. Many years ago, South Korea was also a nation receiving help from many international countries, and now South Korea has developed to the point that it is capable of supporting developing countries. As an American university in South Korea, SUNY Korea shares its prosperity by selecting outstanding students from developing countries and providing scholarships for them to be able to receive high-quality education. In return, these students are empowered to become ‘History Makers’ who try to contribute to the advancement of their home countries. The delegation expressed strong agreement with these values and with exploring future possibilities for sustaining exchange and cooperation based on shared principles. President Arthur Lee remarked, “We are delighted to host such a distinguished group of Korean women leaders from around the world. I hope that this visit will not only strengthen the collaboration between our institutions but also lead to opportunities for broader global partnerships.”  

  On Monday, October 21st, 2024, SUNY Korea students celebrated National Hanbok Day through a special campaign, held by FIT students, in honor of Korean traditional attire. All students, staff, and faculty were able to join and celebrate this day. The event showed the cultural meaning of hanbok combined with its fusion into modern forms, merging the timelessness of this garment with the most recent fashion trends. Established by the Korean government in 1996, Hanbok Day is dedicated to preserving Korea’s cultural heritage and strengthening generational connections. This year’s celebration at SUNY Korea went beyond the traditional wearing of hanbok, with students from the Fashion Design Department crafting innovative hanbok pieces that combined historical elements with modern practicality. Their designs aimed to reimagine hanbok as an everyday fashion staple while maintaining its deep cultural significance. Through this celebration, SUNY Korea reinforced its commitment to promoting Korea’s cultural heritage while inspiring innovation in fashion. The event provided an important platform for future generations to appreciate the beauty of hanbok and contribute to its continued relevance in the fashion world.   Written by Student Reporter, Moldir Salim (moldir.salim@stonybrook.edu)

  SUNY Korea officially opened its newly renovated library and student lounge on October 21, 2024. The renovation, which began at the start of the semester, provides more modern facilities and a better environment for studying and relaxing. The library now includes more seating, improved lighting, and modern furnishings, while the lounge has been redesigned with comfortable seating areas and study-friendly spaces. The renovated library and student lounge now provide a perfect space to prepare for their upcoming exams while also offering a place to relax.  The newly designed lounge is located on the first floor of the building. It gives students a space to relax and hang out with their friends. Now that the lounge offers more comfortable seating and a casual environment, students can unwind or catch up with friends in between classes.  The second and third floors serve as study zones. On the second floor, a reading lounge is available as well as several group study rooms for students studying together. The third floor is operated as quiet study zones, designed for those needing a more focused environment. Reservations are required for all seats, except for the window study zones on the third floor, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve seats or group study rooms, students can use the kiosks located on both the second and third floors. Reservation can be made for a maximum of four hours at a time.  A major change made in conjunction with the renovation is that both the second and third floors are now open 24 hours, giving students more flexibility in their study schedules. Just remember to bring your SUNY Korea student or faculty ID to enter the library!            Written by Student Reporter, Yeongeun Ahn (yeongeun.ahn@stonybrook.edu)  

  On October 16th, SUNY Korea’s Museum of Modern Costume had the honor of opening its doors to showcase the work of Jaewon Park, a brilliant artist who has brought her Korean roots to life through fashion design. To celebrate the new exhibition, Resonance: 60 years of Jaewon Park’s Design Legacy, SUNY held a reception & ribbon cutting ceremony with faculty, staff, and students joining Jaewon Park in recognizing her remarkable career. The reception began with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Professor Linda Kim, during which 10 notable figures had the honors: Designer Jaewon Park, Museum Director Heisoon Shim, Vice Presidents Pyungryun Yu and Hamid Hefazi, Fashion Design Chair Mark-Evan Blackman, Fashion Business Management Chair Robin Baxter, President of the Fashion Group Korea Hyunmi Jang, and first-generation fashion designers of Korea, Taewook Jin, Eunhwan  Oh, and YounHyung Sul.  Following the ceremony, Heisoon Shim, Director of the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume, commented on the historical weight of this exhibition, stating, “Jaewon Park has been a pioneering figure in the world of fashion, having made significant contributions to elevating the level of Korean artwear by organizing Korea's first international fashion art biennale in the 1900’s.” Vice President Dr. Pyungryun Yu added a congratulatory remark, noting that the exhibition “beautifully showcases the creativity of Korean fashion. Today we honor the incredible legacy of Jaewon Park . . . who has shaped Korean fashion.” The opening ceremony closed with words from Jaewon Park herself, who shared some insight into the story behind the essence of her designs: “I worked with the belief that the most Korean elements are the most global. I expressed myself . . . using traditional Korean materials such as ink, Hanji paper, and ramie fabric, which I later developed into products.” Jaewon Park has been closely knit into the fabric of Korea's fashion legacy, participating in various fashions tours all over the world, joining the Korean Chapter of the World Fashion Group in 1992, and being awarded Fashion Person of the Year at the 1st Fashion Awards in 1995. It is SUNY Korea’s joy to house this collection for everyone to see. The Resonance: 60 years of Jaewon Park’s Design Legacy exhibition is being held in two parts, with PART 1: Black & White from October 16, 2024 to November 11, 2024, and PART 2: Colors being showcased from November 27, 2024 through March 7, 2025. Held in Academic Building A, B-101, come experience Jaewon Park’s unique story for yourself through her iconic pieces.   Written by Student Reporter, Kenessa Washington (kenessa_washington@fitnyc.edu)  

  SUNY Korea participated in the recent IGC Career Day event, which featured a series of mentorship sessions led by professionals from various industries and companies. The event took place at the Incheon Global Campus on October 12, 2024, hosted by all four universities (SUNY Korea, George Mason Korea, Ghent University Global Campus, and Utah Asia Campus). It began with a special introductory lecture on recruiting trends in companies, followed by a total of 12 mentorship sessions covering diverse fields such as tourism, marketing, finance and accounting, life sciences and technology, global sales, entertainment, aerospace, mechanical engineering, product planning, data science, cosmetics, gaming, and the F&B industry. This event offered valuable information and resources that are crucial for students preparing to enter the job market. To wrap up the day, there was a raffle draw, where students had the chance to win prizes of 60,000 won and 100,000 won. Overall, the IGC Career Day was a significant opportunity for SUNY students to engage with industry professionals, gain insights into various career paths, and enhance their preparedness for future employment.    Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)

  SUNY Korea will celebrate ‘Hanbok Day’ on October 21st as a new campaign with students from the Fashion Design Department at FIT. ‘Hanbok Day’ is a day to recognize the cultural significance of this traditional Korean attire, and to promote its preservation and development in fashion. This day was established by the Korean government in 1996, and it serves as an important occasion to honor Korea’s cultural heritage and strengthen bonds across generations. This day consists not only of wearing the hanbok, but goes beyond that into reviving the beauty of this Korean tradition with a modern touch. The Fashion Design Department at SUNY Korea FIT has come up with a variety of innovative ways to make Hanbok a more dearly loved attire in the fashion industry, contributing to its evolution from a traditional garment into a more modern and practical clothing. Through this project, the Fashion Design students have designed and crafted hanbok pieces, and invited students from Incheon to participate in this event. The event aims to provide an opportunity to learn and experience the history and values of the hanbok, so that the rich cultural heritage of Korea can be passed down to future generations.     In particular, this campaign will serve as a signicificant milestone as SUNY Korea FIT is taking the lead in celebrating Hanbok day and revitalizing Korean culture. FIT emphasizes that the hanbok should not only be worn on special occasions but also as a modern day clothing to demonstrate a new cultural identity and pride. Participation in this campaign is simple. Anyone can join by simply wearing a hanbok and sharing photos and stories on Instagram, hashtagging #HanbokDayFIT2024. Mark-Evan Blackman, the chair of the Fashion Design Department, stated, “I hope that everyone can take part in this journey of continuing to spread the importance and pride of the Hanbok to keep its legacy alive.”  

    A new exhibition, “Resonance: 60 Years of Jaewon Park’s Design Legacy,” will open at the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume on October 16, 2023. This special exhibition will run until March 7, 2024, and will be divided into two parts. The first part will feature the theme of “Black and White,” while the second part will resonate with “Color,” with around 30 outfits on display. Jaewon Park was the first Korean to host the International Biennale Costume Exhibition in the 1990s and is recognized for her contributions to the advancement of Korea’s artwear. The first part of the exhibition, “Black and White,” is inspired by East Asian art, particularly oriental painting, and features pieces made by twisting hanji (Korean traditional paper) and dyeing it with muk (Korean ink). This exhibition highlights a unique expression of East Asian art through fashion by contrasting black and white. The theme of the second part is “Color,” showcasing works that reinterpret obangsaek (the five traditional Korean cardinal colors) in a modern context. These pieces, featuring delicate handcraft techniques such as pleating and appliqué, blend tradition with modernity, illustrating the process of how handcrafted artwear evolves into practical fashion. President Arthur H. Lee delivered a congratulatory message, stating, “At our university, we strive for creativity and innovation across various fields, and this special exhibition reflects that spirit. I believe it will serve as an inspiration not only to our students but also to all visitors as they reflect on the artistic passion and legacy of Park Jaewon.” The SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume is open to the public from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays (closed on weekends and holidays). This exhibition will run from October 16 to March 7, with a scheduled closure from November 16 to 26. It will reopen with part two on November 27.  

  SUNY Korea has conducted a training program to strengthen school administrator capabilities in the age of AI digitalization in cooperation with the Seoul Bukbu Office of Education. The training program was held at Incheon Global Campus for two days on September 24 and September 26, and more than 160 people, including Lee Jeong-hee, head of the Seoul Bukbu Office of Education, 140 middle and high school principals, vice principals, and scholars, attended. The two lectures were provided by two professors from SUNY Korea. Neal Dreamson, a professor of Technological System Management, conducted a lecture under the theme of “Digital Transformation in Education” and Ryu Ji-hoon, a professor of Computer Science, did a lecture on "Intuitive Thinking and Speed of Thinking through AI." Through this training, principals, vice-principals, and supervisors were able to strengthen the capabilities that school administrators should have in the AI digital era and gain insights into the future of secondary education and the direction of school management. SUNY Korea will continue to cooperate with the Seoul Bukbu Office of Education on various programs, including training for school administrators and initiatives for students in the district.

  Linda Kim, professor of FIT, was named “Artist of the Year 2024” at the 2024 International Fashion Art Biennale. The theme of this year’s biennale was In Harmony with Nature: A Journey of Sustainable Fashion Art. Out of 77 fashion artists, representing 12 countries, Professor Kim was recognized for her exceptional contribution to sustainable fashion.  The 2024 International Fashion Art Biennale, hosted by The Korea Fashion & Culture Association, was held from September 11th to September 19th at the Oil Tank Culture Park, Culture Complex. The exhibition features thought-provoking sub-themes of Contemplation, Coexistence, and Embrace. The garments on display reflected extraordinary creativity and craftsmanship, offering a unique perspective on sustainable fashion.  Additionally, The Korea Fashion & Culture Association marked its 30th anniversary, having started with the first Gwangju Biennale in 1995.  

    On Wednesday, August 28th, SUNY Korea proudly appointed 11 new Student Ambassadors for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. President Arthur H. Lee presented each ambassador with a Certificate of Appointment, recognizing their commitment to representing SUNY Korea both on and off campus. The newly appointed Student Ambassadors will serve as representatives of SUNY Korea, embodying the university’s vision and mission wherever they go. Their role will involve promoting the university, assisting with events, and supporting fellow students throughout the academic year. The 11 Student Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 academic year are: Elisa Kim | Applied Mathematics and Statistics (Masters) Anza Amatya | Applied Mathematics and Statistics Seol Lee | Business Management Seyoung Choi | Electrical and Computer Engineering MinHee Kim | Fashion Business Management Jihye Chun | Fashion Business Management Gibson Katuma | Mechanical Engineering Diego Alejandro Alvarez Gonzalez | Mechanical Engineering Chunga Seo | Technological Systems Management Seohee Maeng | Technological Systems Management Sepehr Soheili | Technological Systems Management President Arthur H. Lee commended the students, stating, “Student Ambassadors are the face of SUNY Korea. They exemplify the spirit of our university and will contribute to fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for all. As the newly appointed SUNY Korea Ambassadors, representing both Stony Brook University and FIT, I encourage you to set the exemplary standards of what it means to be a SUNY Korea student wherever you go.” SUNY Korea looks forward to the impact these ambassadors will bring as they take on their new roles for the upcoming academic year.  

  On August 23, SUNY Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) to promote the development of talented students. The signing ceremony was attended by President Arthur Lee, SMOE’s Director of Education Policy So-yeon Joo, and other key representatives from both institutions. The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation in education and research, paving the way for various initiatives to nurture young talent. A key aspect of the agreement is the introduction of a special admission program aimed at providing scholarships and educational opportunities to academically gifted students facing financial difficulties. The program will offer a pathway for these students to receive a global education and grow into future leaders. President Lee expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to have this opportunity to discover and educate more outstanding students through our partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. We look forward to launching diverse programs together to contribute to the growth and development of these students." Director Joo, speaking on behalf of Superintendent Hee Yeon Joe, emphasized the significance of the MOU, saying, "This agreement will serve as a stepping stone for high school students in Seoul to gain invaluable global education. The introduction of the ‘Social Integration Admissions’ program is especially meaningful as it aligns with Seoul's educational vision of realizing ‘Innovative Future Education of Coexistence, Where Diversity Thrives.’" This collaboration marks an important step for SUNY Korea, providing more inclusive and global education opportunities for students in the Seoul area.  

  SUNY Korea successfully held its Fall 2024 New Student Welcome Week and the Fall 2024 Convocation Ceremony for the new students of Stony Brook University (SBU) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) from August 16th to the 22nd.  The new freshmen had the opportunity to dive into their first week as university students during New Student Welcome Week. The week was packed with welcome events, orientations, campus tours, and fun activities with upperclassmen. It gave students a chance to learn more about the university, get oriented, and make new friends. The Convocation ceremony, held on Thursday, August 22nd, was attended by over 600 students and parents. The ceremony featured a welcome address by SUNY Korea President Arthur H. Lee, congratulatory speeches by SBU Executive Vice President and Provost Carl Lejuez and FIT President Joyce F. Brown, followed by a student oath, scholarship awards, and a SUNY Korea pin ceremony. For this fall semester, a total of 231 freshmen from 24 countries, including Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, and Turkey, have enrolled, surpassing the target number for the fall intake. Notably, students from Chile, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Syria have joined the SUNY Korea community for the first time, bringing the total number of nationalities represented at the university to 69. In his welcome address, President Arthur H. Lee warmly greeted the new students, stating, “SUNY Korea is the place where you explore new ideas, collaborate with peers, and learn from the best minds in each field to pursue your dreams. Remember that dreams are the seeds for future success, and always approach opportunities with curiosity and an open mind.” Following the Convocation ceremony, the new students from SBU’s six majors—Technology and Society, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Management—along with students from FIT’s two majors—Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management—will begin their semester on Friday, August 23.

        SUNY Korea professor Neal Dreamson was named a Top Scholar (0.5%) by ScholarGPS in the categories of Digital Electronics and Pedagogy for his strong publication record, the impact of his work, and the notable quality of his scholarly contributions. Neal Dreamson, who teaches in the Department of Technology and Society, was ranked 73rd in the world in the field of “Pedagogy” and 32nd in the world in the “Digital Electronics” category.  ScholarGPS (https://scholargps.com) provides rankings of individuals and institutions overall (in all fields), in 14 broad Fields (such as Medicine, Engineering, or Humanities), in 177 Disciplines (such as Surgery, Computer Science, or History), and in over 350,000 Specialties (such as Cancer, Artificial Intelligence, or Ethics). Professor Dreamson stated, “Research originality comes when we think outside the box, moving away from competitive thinking within domestic systems and pursuing contributions based on humanism. This eventually leads to competitiveness in the international community.” Dr. Neal Dreamson received his Ph.D. in Socio-Cultural Philosophy from the University of Queensland. He contributes to the Incheon community through roles in various educational committees and conducts future education research with the National Education Commission.            

<From Left to Right: Wada Yoshiaki, Member of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan; Pyungryun Yu, Vice President of SUNY Korea; Kada Hiroyuki, Member of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan>   Two members of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan visited SUNY Korea on August 7th to discuss ways to promote global education between the two counties. The Liberal Democratic Party has shown interest in Korea for its highly developed semiconductor companies and STEM-focused education. They especially expressed high interest in STEM education and industry-academic cooperation at SUNY Korea, a representative institution of global education.  Pyungryun Yu, Vice President of SUNY Korea, attended the meeting with Wada Yoshiaki and Kada Hiroyuki, Members of the Republic Democratic Party of Japan. They discussed the background and status of the establishment of the Incheon Global Campus and SUNY Korea, as well as the current status of industry-academia cooperation and future prospects. Wada Yoshiaki said, "I was able to hear about SUNY Korea after a visit to the State University of New York (SUNY), meeting with the Vice Chancellor, and I am very happy to understand and fully discuss the successful educational model of Korean campuses. I hope we will show deep interest in the achievements of STEM education and seek ways to cooperate with each other for the development of global talent and industry-academia cooperation in the future." “We are happy to introduce the excellent education system and industry-academic cooperation model of New York State University to Japanese political and research officials through this visit,” Vice-President Pyungryun Yu said. "We look forward to developing relations in the future through exchanges between the two countries."

  On Monday, July 23rd, 17 students from the Fashion Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) were invited to the newly opened Chanel & Moi – Les Ateliers Seoul. This location marks the fifth Chanel Les Ateliers worldwide, a significant milestone for the brand as the number “5” has significant meaning for the founder, Gabrielle Chanel, making the Seoul location particularly noteworthy. Recognizing the growing demand for high-end fashion in Korea, Chanel opened this latest atelier to connect more closely with its customers. The place not only offers a wide range of exclusive services but also provides comprehensive after-sales support for all Chanel products. One of the highlights is the opportunity for one-on-one connections with one of Chanel’s ‘Tailor Apprentice,’ a top specialist who possesses an in-depth understanding of the brand’s unique characteristics. During their visit, the FIT students participated in Chanel’s first-ever ‘Career Day’ at the new atelier. They were given a tour of the workshop and introduced to a special Chanel’s Apprentice Program. This recruitment initiative aims to educate and inspire young talent, fostering a new generation of designers who will continue the Chanel legacy. They were also given the opportunity to connect with the tailors and ask one-and-one questions about what it is like working at Chanel. The event emphasized the importance of building trust and maintaining strong relationships with loyal customers, highlighting how crucial it is to offer exceptional service. For the FIT students, this was a unique opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of a leading fashion house and potentially secure employment to further develop their skills.