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| The George Washington University Korea Alumni Association hosted a special reception on June 2 to mark President Ellen M. Granberg’s visit with a university delegation. Hwang Cheol-gyu, president of the Korea Alumni Association (left), presented a gift and posed for a photo with President Ellen M. Granberg. / Photo: George Washington University Korea Alumni Association |
The George Washington University Korea Alumni Association (President Hwang Cheol-gyu, 1998 LLM) hosted a well-attended reception at the JW Marriott Seoul on June 2 to celebrate President Ellen M. Granberg’s official visit with a university delegation.
The event brought together the GWU delegation, leading alumni in Korea, current students and parents to strengthen people-to-people ties and expand the global alumni network. The visit was especially meaningful as it was the first official trip to Korea by a GWU president in about 10 years.
◇ Hwang Cheol-gyu: “We will actively support our alma mater’s growth based on alumni unity”
In his welcome remarks, Hwang Cheol-gyu, president of the Korea Alumni Association and former chief of the Busan High Prosecutors’ Office and former president of the World Association of Prosecutors, stressed the association’s strong unity and pride.
Hwang introduced prominent alumni active across various sectors and pledged, “Through ongoing exchanges and cooperation, we will actively support the development of the Korea Alumni Association and George Washington University.”
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| The George Washington University Korea Alumni Association hosted a special reception on June 2 to mark President Ellen M. Granberg’s visit. President Granberg delivers remarks. / Photo: George Washington University Korea Alumni Association |
◇ President Granberg outlines university achievements and future vision
President Ellen M. Granberg, who took office in 2023, summarized the university’s major accomplishments since her inauguration and set out strategic priorities for future growth.
She presented a vision to strengthen GWU’s global competitiveness and expand its international partnerships, and she discussed plans to deepen collaboration with the Korea Alumni Association.
During the subsequent Q&A, President Granberg engaged directly with attendees, answered alumni questions and responded to parents’ remarks of appreciation. She paid close attention to practical concerns raised by a current student—such as student visa issues—and pledged to increase support for affected students.
About 130 alumni, students and guests attended, including former alumni association presidents alongside Hwang Cheol-gyu; Lee Hee-beom, former minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy; Joo Kwang-il, former chair of the National Grievance Committee; former National Assembly member Kim Yong-gyun; and Kim Sang-hee, former deputy minister of justice. The group represented politics, government, business, academia and the media.
Lee Hee-beom, a former president of the Korea Alumni Association who was named one of GWU’s “200 Monumental Alumni” in celebration of the university’s 200th anniversary, delivered a congratulatory speech that drew enthusiastic applause.
At the close of the event, the Korea Alumni Association presented a traditional Korean jewelry box and participants gathered for a group photo. Attendees continued conversations during a networking reception before the program concluded.
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| The George Washington University Korea Alumni Association hosted a special reception on June 2 to mark President Ellen M. Granberg’s visit. Attendees pose for a commemorative photo. / Photo: George Washington University Korea Alumni Association |
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