Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  Four students from the Department of Computer Science at SUNY Korea achieved three meaningful awards in the three biggest Hacks competitions at Stony Brook University in New York. These include “Best Sustainability Hack” in SBU Hopper Hacks 2024, “Best Social Impact” in SBUHacks VI, and “Best Integration of Customer Segmentation Utilizing AI” in Softheon Hack@CEWIT. These events were held online from January 29 to February 4, February 9 to February 11, and March 1 to March 3, 2024, respectively, at Stony Brook University. Biniam Markos, Eunwoo Choi, Ulukbek Aitmatov, and Younwoo Ki from SUNY Korea won the  “Best Sustainability Hack” as one team in SBU Hopper Hacks 2024. Hopper Hacks is a hackathon centered around social good, lasting 24 hours, and open to all students at Stony Brook University. SUNY Korea CS students were also awarded in the same competition in 2022. The same team also won the “Best Social Impact” in SBUHacks VI. SBUHacks extends over 48 hours, encouraging limitless creativity. During SBUHacks, students are tasked with pushing their boundaries and pursuing projects aligned with their interests. Additionally, Biniam Markos, Eunwoo Choi and Younwoo Ki from SUNY Korea, along with Alissa Burich, majoring in Business Management from SBU in New York, won “Best Integration of Customer Segmentation Utilizing AI” in Softheon Hack@CEWIT 2024, which is the second-place prize in this competition. Notably, SUNY Korea students have been consistently recognized in this competition, with another group securing the highest award last year. At Softheon Hack@CEWIT, participating students can develop software and automation solutions tailored for health insurers and governmental health agencies.   Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)

  SUNY Korea opened its door and welcomed 174 energetic students for the New Student Welcome Week (NSWW). The week, from February 16th to the 22nd, started with warm welcomes and introductions, providing a perfect platform for the new students to get to know each other and more about the campus life. From icebreakers activities to campus tours, and fun activities prepared by the upper classmates, students were able to make the most out of it. The week also included information sessions, allowing students to familiarize themselves with their professors, academic resources, and support services. The highlight of the NSWW was the Convocation Ceremony, a special moment marking the official entry of the Spring 2024 Freshmen into the SUNY Korea family. President Arthur H. Lee warmly welcomed students from 8 different countries, emphasizing, “As a member of this family you became an ambassador to the outside world.”   The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Carl Lejuez, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of Stony Brook University, who expressed gratitude to the students for choosing SUNY Korea. He highlighted, “We are shaped & improved by the students who choose to spend their educational career here, and the faculty who teach and produce scholarship and research. Welcome to a new semester of discovery.”   Welcome aboard, class of 2028! May you have a wonderful first semester at SUNY Korea.   Click here to watch the NSWW highlights

  On Friday, February 2nd, a total of 192 students and their family members participated in the Admitted Students Day hosted at the IGC Small Theater. This event was specifically crafted to introduce incoming students to SUNY Korea and our campus, offering a comprehensive overview of our academic programs, campus facilities, and the vibrant community we have cultivated. Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to engage in enlightening sessions, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and connect with current students, gaining valuable insights into the dynamic student life at SUNY Korea. Notably, incoming students had the chance to meet their future classmates, fostering connections and establishing a sense of belonging within our campus community. The Admitted Students Day served as an invigorating start to the upcoming Spring semester. The welcoming and informative atmosphere provided students with the confidence and enthusiasm needed for their imminent academic journey at SUNY Korea. From February 16th to the 22nd, newly admitted freshmen will participate in the New Student Welcome Week, receiving guidance through a week of orientation activities and concluding with the Spring 2024 Convocation on February 22nd.  

  On Monday, January 29, 2024, SUNY Korea Research & Business Development Foundation (R&BDF), GM Employee Foundation Korea, and Incheon Metropolitan City Education Superintendent solidified their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This strategic partnership aims to enhance cooperation in a "GLOCAL" (global + local) Research Project. The agreement underscores the commitment of both organizations to generate fresh knowledge and value through AI education, cultivate innovative ideas that embrace diversity, and embody the principles of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) along with a "GLOCAL" approach. The GLOCAL Research Project is a collaborative initiative where professors and students work together to generate innovative solutions addressing global challenges encountered by both multinational corporations and Green Climate Fund (GCF) companies, utilizing the capabilities of AI. Approximately 50 people joined the MOU ceremony, including SUNY Korea R&BDF Executive Director Min-Koo Han, GM Employee Foundation Korea Secretary-General Myongok Yoon, Incheon Metropolitan City Education Superintendent Do Seong-hoon, and other distinguished guests. The ceremony included presentations from four student academic clubs, each highlighting the results of their research projects developed over the past year. The event was marked by a congratulatory speech, followed by the official signing ceremony.

On Monday, January 22nd, SUNY Korea launched the Access to Excellence (AE) Program for the newly enrolled freshmen of the Spring 2024 semester. Scheduled to run from January 22 to February 2, the program is designed to offer comprehensive academic support, focusing on collegiate-level English and Math classes. During these two weeks, 52 incoming students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in coursework, connect with their peers, and integrate into the college community, aiding their adaptation to university life. The primary goal of the AE Program is to help the incoming students prepare both mentally and academically for the upcoming Spring 2024 semester. The program boasts a diverse curriculum, featuring a morning session dedicated to Academic Speaking & Writing (English) and an afternoon session offering a Refresher STEM Class (Math). In addition, students who demonstrate excellence in attendance and exhibit the most improvement in their grades will receive recognition and rewards. The AE program presents a unique opportunity for freshmen to elevate their scores in placement exams and establish a robust academic foundation for their journey at SUNY Korea.  

  SUNY Korea celebrated its Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, December 15th, 2023, in the IGC Auditorium. A total of 54 Stony Brook University students graduated from the AMS, BM, CS, ME, and TS departments: 50 Bachelor’s Degrees and 4 Master’s Degrees. During SUNY Korea’s Commencement Ceremony, the national anthems of both South Korea and the United States of America are played. This year, Haemin Kim, a student from the Computer Science department, had the honor of performing the national anthem with his amazing talent in guitar. The Commencement Address was delivered by SUNY Korea’s President, Arthur H. Lee, followed by Stony Brook University’s President, Dr. Maurie McInnis, and Dr. Haresh Gurnani, Dean of the College of Business at Stony Brook University. Junseop Lee, from the Mechanical Engineering department, was granted the opportunity to speak as the Valedictorian. President Arthur H. Lee congratulated the graduating students, stating, “Today is the day we celebrate your graduation! I hope you will carry with you strong determination and commitment to make your contribution to a better a world and to exemplify the best of SUNY Korea spirit.” President of Stony Brook University, New York, Dr. Maurie Mclnnis also congratulated the students, saying, “Congratulations to the class of 2023. As new graduates you will now be officially joining the community of Stony Brook University’s 210,000 alumni across the globe, full of friends and colleagues who can support all your ambitions and help celebrate all the wonderful things you achieve. We can’t wait to see the exciting future that stems from your unique level of thoughtful compassion and humility.” This year Haresh Gurnani, the College of Business Dean, from Stony Brook University, visited SUNY Korea to attend the Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremony. He also extended his congratulations to the students, expressing by, "In the globalized world we live today the significance of internal education cannot be overstated, SUNY Korea has provided you with a unique and enriching environment that transcends your graphical boundaries. Remember that graduation is not just an end, but also a beginning.” In closing, the Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremony at SUNY Korea was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the graduating students. As the graduates embark on the next chapter of their lives, may they carry the SUNY Korea spirit with them — a spirit of excellence, curiosity, and a commitment to making a difference. Congratulations, Class of 2023, and best wishes on your exciting journey ahead!   Click here to watch the Fall 2023 Commencement highlight video

  On Friday, December 8th, 2023 SUNY Korea donated 30,000,000 KRW worth of rice to the City of Incheon. The donation, equivalent to 8,960 kilograms (448 bags of 20 kg each), is a demonstration of SUNY Korea’s commitment to making a positive impact on the local community. The rice has been distributed among 21 different Social Welfare Centers in Incheon. Notably, the donated rice was grown locally in Incheon, exemplifying that the donation not only provides support to those in need but also actively contributes to the community. The Giveaway Ceremony was attended by President Arthur H. Lee, Provost Hamid Hefazi, and Student Ambassador Gibson Katuma. Representing the Incheon District, Mr. Jeong-Bok Yoo, the Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City, Daeheung Cho, President of the Association of Social Welfare Centers in Incheon, and Vice Presidents Kyung-im Lim and Jongsil Park were also present to acknowledge this donation. SUNY Korea, a global institution dedicated to providing high-quality education, has always emphasized the importance of social responsibility and hospitality, or as we call it, ‘Live with Others.’ This notable donation reflects SUNY Korea’s commitment to not only academic excellence but also instilling in students a profound sense of social commitment toward the community. As the holiday season approaches, SUNY Korea’s donation serves as a reminder of the value of giving. SUNY Korea hopes to enrich the lives of those in need and is dedicated to bringing a brighter future for all.

  On Saturday, December 2nd, the Math Competition Award Ceremony was held. The Math Competition took place last month, on November 11th, and not only SUNY Korea students but also high school students were allowed to participate. The required math levels that students needed to know were Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, and Probability. 65 students participated in this competition; 27 were SUNY Korea students, and 38 were students from 24 different high schools.  Six SUNY Korea students received awards. Jin Wook Lee, a sophomore majoring in Applied Mathematics and Statistics (AMS), won First Place. Two freshmen, Su Min Jeong from Mechanical Engineering and Jung Jae Park from AMS, won Excellence Awards. Lastly, Honorable Mention Prizes went to three AMS students, Seyoung Ki who is a sophomore, Hojoon Choi who is a senior, and So Won Park who is a sophomore.  In the Award Ceremony, many SUNY Korea faculty and students attended, including Provost Hamid Hefazi, Professor Hongshik Ahn, Chair of the Applied Mathematics and Statistics Department, and the student winners. Professor Ahn opened the award ceremony with a welcome speech, and Provost Hefazi gave a congratulatory speech and awarded the prizes.    Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)  

  The Incheon Global Campus Foundation (IGCF) recently organized the 2023 IGC Startup Idea Contest and Mentoring Event, allowing all students, graduates, faculty members, and staff at IGC to participate in this event. The competition welcomed creative submissions covering a wide range of subjects and business concepts. Numerous teams submitted their ideas, and nine teams were selected after going through the paper screening and presentation stages. Seven out of the selected nine teams were from the SUNY Korea community. SUNY Korea received several awards, including Best Award, Excellence Award, and Creativity Award. Team Onefi, whose members are Hosung Cheon and Sohee Park from SBU, won the Best Award with their idea, “Connection Middleware to Activate Simple Payment of Virtual Assets.” Team The Grid Laboratory, whose members are Hyungmin Park, Chanyoung Na, Byungchul Cho, Ryangjin Lee, and Joon Jeon from SBU, won the Excellence Award with their topic, “Brand Marketing through Games.” FIT student Mingyu Shin also won the Excellence Award with his item, “Safety Tripod Used by Throwing.” Lastly, Team Moongchi, Team K-ARE, and Team JM won the Creativity Award. Team Moongchi, whose members are Sunkyu Moh, Garim Won, Ikjun Chang, Eui-jin Jeong, and Sungwon Choi from SBU, submitted their documentation, titled “One-Stop Brand Launch Helper.” Team K-ARE, whose members are Jisub Lim and Seyeon Choi from SBU, submitted their idea, “Overseas Nursing Care People Matching Platform.” Team JM, whose members are Sungmin Lee, Gilho Kim, and Yunjeong Noh from SBU, won the prize with their idea “Platform that Connects Small-scale Producers in Developing Countries and Consumers in Developed Countries.” Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)

  On November 17th, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) of SUNY Korea launched a networking event for fashion professionals, which was held as part of the 1st Global Fashion Expert Training Program, at the Seoul Creative Fashion Studio of DDF Fashion Mall. Around 200 fashion professionals participated in this event, including brand managers, buyers, CEOs, designers, educators, marketers, merchandisers, and sales executives, representing 114 fashion companies and institutions. The event featured a distinctive dress code in which attendees “dressed their best with a hint of pink or red to accentuate their ensemble.” DJ music further enhanced the atmosphere, while MBTI and related activities facilitated a sense of openness and communication among the participants. It provided a vibrant platform for meaningful networking, fostering an exchange of ideas and information among the participants. Attendees shared valuable insights while sharing their expertise with participants. Professor Vincent Quan, the Program Manager and Chair of the Fashion Business Management Department at SUNY Korea-FIT, emphasized the need for collaboration and building a community among various sectors in the Korean fashion industry. He stated that the global advancement of Seoul and K-Fashion, while nurturing current and future fashion professionals, should be a priority. SUNY Korea emphasized the importance of collaboration and exchange in various sectors of the fashion industry through this event, aiming to contribute to the development of Korea's fashion sector. The ongoing '1st Global Fashion Expert Training Program,’ which commenced on August 22nd, is set to conclude with a graduation ceremony on December 9th at the SUNY Korea campus. The closing event highlights an intensive 16-week journey that has emphasized global fashion topics, a live fashion case study, and final project to be presented by participants.    

  The SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume opens a new exhibition, “Indigo Dreams in the Coral Kingdom," from November 29th, 2023, to March 8th, 2024. The FIT NDGC club, ATC Textile club, SBU Art class students, Utah's Film students, indigo-focused artists, a tufting artist, and a florist collaborated to create this wonderful exhibition that allows you to experience an enchanting world of naturally dyed indigo garments.   In a world where the deep blue seas and the coral kingdom face threats from pollution and the consequences of global warming, we invite you to join us on a journey to 'Indigo Dreams in the Coral Kingdom.' This exhibition celebrates the timeless allure of indigo-dyed garments while serving as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for sustainability and environmental stewardship. Join us in exploring the enchanting world of naturally dyed indigo garments, where the creative talents of FIT NDGC club, ATC Textile club, SBU Art class students, Utah's Film students, two indigo-focused artists, a tufting artist, and a florist have converged to bring this exhibition to life. 'Indigo Dreams in the Coral Kingdom' is not just an exhibition; it's a call to action, a testament to our shared responsibility, and a dream for a brighter, bluer, and more sustainable tomorrow.   Immerse yourself in the allure of indigo, appreciating its timeless beauty and the craftsmanship behind each piece. Beyond fashion, the exhibition extends into film, tufting art, and floral design—a testament to the diverse talents converging to raise awareness about environmental issues. As you explore "Indigo Dreams in the Coral Kingdom," take a moment for reflection. This exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our oceans and advocate for sustainability. It's not just an exhibition; it's a call to action—a collective dream for a brighter, bluer, and more sustainable tomorrow. Join us in this creative endeavor, where art meets consciousness, inspiring positive change for the delicate ecosystems of our coral kingdoms and deep blue seas. This exhibition will be closed from December 18, 2023 through January 1st, 2024, during the winter recess of SUNY Korea offices.

  As the year comes to an end, the grand finale, “2023 Year-End Party" was celebrated on Friday, November 24th, 2023. The Undergraduate Student Council (USC) and SUNY Korea's Student Services invited all SUNY Korea students, faculty, and staff for the much-anticipated 2023 Year-End Party. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘KINGSMAN’, and all members were dressed with charm and elegance in suits and ties, adding a spice to the event. The ‘Best Dressed Award,’ was presented to Hyobin Shin (Mechanical Engineering, SBU) and Jennifer Christiana (Fashion Business Management, FIT) for showcasing the best style of the night. Additional winners received ‘People of the Year’ awards, from votes that were collected prior to the event. Theses winners were recognized for their significant contributions to the SUNY Korea community. Lastly, the Lucky Draw session added a layer of excitement to the evening. During the event, many lucky attendees were able to win amazing prizes.  A highlight of the event was SUNY Korea’s ‘Got Talent Show,’ featuring performances from six teams – ECHO, Emesis, Delicatessen, Seunghun Lee, White Chamber, and Yoonji Min – who took the stage to compete for the grand prize. From musical performances to festive dance performances, the students were able to showcase their extraordinary talents. Via selection from our wonderful faculty and USC President judges, ‘Delicatessen’ (Haemin Kim, Computer Science, SBU) won first place in the ‘Got Talent Show’ with his amazing talent in guitar. Eddie (Seunghun Lee, Electrical and Computer Engineering, SBU) secured in second place in beatboxing and EMEIS (SUNY Korea dance club) won third place. As the SUNY Korea community came together to bid farewell to 2023, the Year-End Party’s program left an unforgettable memory to all. 1st Place: Delicatessen   2nd Place: Seunghun Lee   3rd Place: EMEIS     Check the 2023 SUNY Korea Year-End Party Video HERE  

    From November 23rd to 26th, the Incheon Art Show 2023 will be held at the Incheon Convensia Center, and this year, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is making a bold statement with its participation. Under the title "Contemporary Canvas," FIT's FD Department is set to showcase a vibrant and creative display, featuring more than 20 original digital artworks printed on T-shirts. The Incheon Asia Art Show is a platform for artists and designers to show off their art pieces. In this year’s Incheon Asia Art Show, ‘Beyond Asia Connect Global,’ around 700 domestic and international artists will be participating and operating booths. FIT's presence at the event underscores its commitment to fostering creativity and embracing the global art market. Visitors to the FIT booth at Convensia can expect to be captivated by a diverse array of curated graphic T-shirts, each piece carefully curated to reflect contemporary designs. The Modern T-Shirt allows individuals to express themselves while controlling their own personal narratives. This exhibition represents a collaborative work within the Fashion Design Department, showcasing the talent of the student, faculty, and staff designers. For those eager to explore the intersection of art, fashion, and technology, the Incheon Asia Art Show 2023 is the place to be. FIT's "Contemporary Canvas" exhibit promises to leave a lasting impression, offering a glimpse into the future of artistic expression and boundless possibilities. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this convergence of art and fashion at the FIT booth, along with a variety of many other artists.  

  On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, SUNY Korea students were granted a rare glimpse into the fashion world from one of the most famous fashion designers in South Korea. Chung Chung Lee, the CEO of LIE Collection and also the son of Sang Bong Lee, was able to join the Fall 2023 Career Talk to You, themed “Fashion in Passion”. Mr. Lee’s journey into the fashion industry is all about creativity. Throughout his talk, he emphasized the importance of having a profound passion in fashion. Also, he shared stories of collaborating with numerous brands, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Aston Martin, Swarovski, BMW MINI, Volkswagen, and many more.  His LIE Collection, short for “Life Is an Expression,” shows his innovative talent in each piece. Mr. Lee has curated numerous fashion shows around the world, including Paris, New York, Seoul, and Jakarta. He explained the intricate process of creating a fashion show, from designing each piece, shoes and accessories that fit with the clothing, and even guiding the models in expressing the clothing. As the session concluded, the students left with a newfound insight for the fashion industry. Chung Chung Lee’s journey has inspired many FIT students dreaming of a career in the fashion industry.   Chung Chung Lee and Vincent Quan, Chair and Professor of the Fashion Business Management Department  

In an insightful field trip organized by the CPA Study Group on Monday, November 13th, 15 enthusiastic members had the opportunity to visit EY HanYoung. EY HanYoung is a prominent player in the corporate accounting sector that provides consulting, assurance, tax, and transaction service. The event included a company overview, an engaging Q&A session with a Senior Accountant, and a comprehensive office tour. The study group's visit commenced with a warm welcome from EY HanYoung's staff, who introduced the firm and its areas of expertise. The participants were specifically notified that in addition to Assurance, there is a growing demand for foreign accountants in areas such as Consulting, Deals, and Tax.  One of the highlights of the trip was the Q&A session with a Senior Accountant at EY HanYoung. This session offered the students a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the daily life and challenges that account professionals face. Additionally, the office tour provided an inside look at the firm’s facilities and working environment, which was also a very unique opportunity for the CPA Student Group to be able to glimpse the dynamic and collaborative culture at EY HanYoung.  This field trip served as an important stepping stone for the future accountants of the CPA Study Group. The growing demand for foreign accountants will be a great opportunity for the students at SUNY Korea, where students are able to experience cross-cultural skills and earn global perspectives.