Let’s build a North Texas Hanyang University alumni association that shares close bonds and joy.

Progress report and business plan announcement … Discussion on conferment of honorary doctorate to Sponsorship Chairman Choi Myung-sup, hosting the World Hanyang Alumni Night in Dallas, etc.

The 2020 Alumni Association, hosted by the Hanyang University North Texas Alumni Association (President Lee Kang-il, hereinafter the Hanyang Alumni Association), was held on Saturday, the 22nd, starting at 5:30 PM at the Shady Valley Country Club Top Hall in Arlington.
Family and acquaintances attended the event alongside Hanyang University alumni, and their faces were filled with warm smiles as they greeted one another.
President Lee Kang-il, who served as the master of ceremonies, delivered opening remarks, saying, “Thank you for attending despite your busy weekend. I am happy to see alumni from the Class of ’58 to ’13 gathered together so affectionately today, and I am grateful that more alumni participated than usual.” Missionary Kang Dae-jin delivered the opening prayer. He prayed, “I thank God for connecting us among the many people in this world as alumni of one university, bringing us all the way to the United States, and guiding us to live our lives with one heart and one mind.” He continued, “Although we are lacking and weak, please guide our path so that we may all become alumni who live according to the Father’s will.”
Missionary Kang also prayed, “Please guide the alumni to gather with greater enthusiasm to joyfully praise the Father, and guide the alumni association to further develop.”
After the prayer, the Hanyang University alumni sang the university anthem together, expressing their affection for their alma mater.
Following this, alumnus Kim Jong-ryeol gave a brief explanation of the history of the Hanyang University Alumni Association.
Alumnus Kim, who is like a living witness to the history of immigration to Dallas, served as the 14th president of the Dallas Korean Association in 1983.

Alumnus Kim Jong-ryeol is sharing the history of the alumni association.

Alumnus Kim explained the history of the Korean community in Dallas, stating, “I first came to Dallas in 1975, and at that time, there was an annual event called the ‘Dallas Compatriots’ Night of Comfort.’ When I inquired about the Korean population at that time, I was told that there were approximately 2,000 Koreans residing there, including those in Fort Worth and Killeen.”
He continued, “At that time, Hanyang University alumni were reluctant to gather. Although we are actively operating these days, led by Alumnus Choi Myung-sup and honorary alumni, back then, we tended not to meet as frequently as alumni associations from other universities.” Furthermore, Kim conveyed, “At that time, the Korean business district in Dallas was not as developed as it is now, and there were no places to obtain information, so it was difficult to find a job without the help of fellow alumni. Amidst these circumstances, the alumni association was a truly great source of strength.”
In addition, Alumnus Kim conveyed words of encouragement and urging, “I hope we can all gather diligently in the future to become an even closer alumni association, and let us all lend our support to Presidents Lee Kang-il and Choi Myeong-seop, who are working hard.”
This was followed by self-introductions, updates on recent activities, and dinner. The alumni shared camaraderie over the prepared food, reminisced about old memories, and enjoyed a time filled with joyful laughter.

Following dinner, presentations on progress reports, alumni news, and the 2020 business plan took place.
Among the alumni news, the event that received the loudest applause and congratulations was undoubtedly the conferment of an honorary doctorate by Sponsorship Chairman Choi Myung-seop.
Chairman Choi, who was awarded an honorary doctorate in Business Administration from Seoul Christian University, attended the degree conferment ceremony held at the Crystal Hall of the AW Convention Center in Seoul on December 16 of last year. He shared his sentiments, stating, “It was even more meaningful to receive the honorary doctorate from President Lee Kang-pyung, who was my mentor. In particular, the congratulatory speech delivered by Hanyang University Chairman Kim Jong-ryang that day doubled the emotion and joy.” Chairman Choi, who currently leads the M&P Enterprise Group, expressed his deep affection for the university, saying, “I have never once forgotten my gratitude for Hanyang University accepting someone like me,” and added, “Even now, my heart gets choked up whenever Hanyang University is mentioned.”
Regarding the Hanyang University alumni golf gathering for socializing, Chairman Lee said, “We should set the gathering to twice a year, but I think it would be good to designate one as a regular meeting to celebrate a special day like the end of the year or the beginning of the year, and gather for the remaining time when there is an event or issue.”

Sponsorship Chairman Choi Myeong-seop (center) and his wife, and Vice Chairman Park Seong-sin (far right) presenting a bouquet.

Next, discussions were held regarding the election of the executive board. President Lee explained, “Currently, alumnus Park Sung-shin is providing great assistance as Vice President, but the position of General Secretary is currently vacant.” On this day, alumnus Kim Ji-yeon was recommended and elected for the roles of Treasurer and General Secretary. General Secretary Kim shared her thoughts, stating, “I believe it is essential to recruit young alumni for the development of the Hanyang University Alumni Association,” and added, “Whether in the role of General Secretary or Treasurer, I will do my best in the tasks entrusted to me and actively assist in initiatives that contribute to the advancement of the alumni association.”
Following this, President Lee presented the 2020 plans, stating, “President Kim Woo-seung and a delegation led by the Dean of External Affairs will visit Dallas from Korea from May 15 to 17. Additionally, the Board of Directors of the Hanyang University International Foundation will hold a meeting in Dallas, with many board members expected to attend, so I ask for a warm welcome from all alumni.”

Alumna Kim Ji-yeon, elected as the General Secretary of the Hanyang University Alumni Association.

Regarding the plan to host the 2022 ‘World Hanyang Alumni Night’ in Dallas, Chairman Lee stated, “We plan to proceed in May, but further discussions are still needed regarding the venue, hotel, and other details.” In this regard, Sponsoring Committee Chairman Choi remarked, “Hosting the World Hanyang Alumni Night in Dallas has been one of my dreams,” adding, “We are planning to hold the event to coincide with the opening of the event hall, which is scheduled for completion in September 2021.”
Furthermore, Chairman Choi urged, “The reason for visiting Dallas from Korea is for exploration and research purposes,” and requested, “This event is not achieved through the efforts of a single individual, but is being created together with the support of alumni and the executive committee, so I ask for your continued cooperation.”
For information regarding the Hanyang University North Texas Alumni Association and to apply for membership, please contact Chairman Lee Kang-il by phone at 254-681-6063.