Degrees Awarded to 1,846 Graduates Across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programs
A Commencement Ceremony Where Everyone Celebrates—From Graduate Reflections to Alumni Congratulations

Seoul, August 21, 2025 – Dongguk University (President Jae-woong Yun) held the 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, August 21, at 11:00 a.m. in Namsan Hall. A total of 1,846 degrees were conferred, including 1,008 bachelor’s, 717 master’s, and 121 doctoral degrees. Awards for academic excellence and outstanding contributions were also presented on the occasion.

The ceremony was attended by key members of the university and board, including President Jae-woong Yun, Chairman Ven. Don Gwan of the Dongguk University Foundation, Sun-bae Moon, President of the Alumni Association, former Presidents Seok ku Song and Sung-yee Yoon, Foundation Secretary-General Jung Hak Ji, Vice President for Planning Youngsik Jeong, Vice President for Academic Affairs Yonghyun Kim, Vice President for Research Kyu-young Kang, Vice President for BMC Jung suk Sung, and Ven. Je jeong, Abbot of Jeonggakwon the Campus Temple.

This year’s commencement consisted of two main sessions and supplementary events. The first session, beginning at 9:30 a.m., was specially arranged for doctoral degree recipients, with President Yun personally presenting diplomas to all doctoral graduates in recognition of their academic achievements.

The second session, starting at 11:00 a.m., followed a formal program that included: the opening, Buddhist homage, national ceremony, academic report, presidential address, congratulatory remarks by the Chairman of the Dongguk Foundation, congratulatory speech by the Alumni Association President, honorary doctoral conferment, awards for meritorious service, degree conferral, graduation speech by student representative, alumni address, singing of the university anthem, The Four Great Vows, and closing.

In his commencement address, President Yun emphasized the Buddhist teaching of Jari-Ita (benefiting both oneself and others), reminding graduates to “live a life that contributes to the well-being of both yourself and others, applying the knowledge you have gained to society and growing together.” He further encouraged them, saying, “You are already accomplished Dongguk graduates, equipped with both competence and values. From today onward, I hope you will continue to be changemakers in the world under the name of Dongguk University. Always remember, Dongguk will remain a steadfast supporter and a warm place of return for you.”

Chairman Don Gwan, in his congratulatory remarks, said, “I sincerely congratulate you on the fruits of your long academic journey. Despite the uncertainties of the times, you have endured with perseverance and achieved meaningful results.” He added, “As Dongguk graduates, I hope you will carry wisdom that discerns complexity, compassion that empathizes with others, and perseverance that never ceases in growth—becoming role models who bring positive impact to society.”

Alumni Association President Sun-bae Moon also congratulated the graduates, saying, “Completing rigorous academic training and earning your degree is truly commendable. From this moment, it is time to illuminate the world with your own story.” He pledged the support of 350,000 fellow alumni, adding, “Approach every challenge ahead of you with intuition and courage. We will be cheering you on.”

During the ceremony, special awards were presented, followed by a graduation speech delivered by Seul-ki Kim (Department of Social Welfare Counseling) as the student representative. The alumni address was given by Minpyo Song, CEO of Coactus Inc. and founder of the accessible mobility service Silent Taxi, who graduated in Computer Science in 2012.

This year’s commencement also featured college-level degree conferral sessions, allowing graduates and their families to celebrate in a more intimate setting. Designated photo zones across campus created opportunities for memorable graduation photos. Reflecting the theme “A Commencement for Everyone Together”, the ceremony emphasized connection between graduates and alumni through shared reflections and celebratory speeches.

To further enhance the celebratory atmosphere, Dongguk University organized various side events for graduates. Photo walls, booths, mascot-themed installations, and balloon decorations featuring the university mascot Ako were set up around Seoul Campus, open until August 24. On the day of commencement, the symbolic “Elephant Monument Photo Event” was held at Paljeongdo Square, and graduates enjoyed the interactive program “Find the Walking Ako” for commemorative photo opportunities with the mascot.