UNIST Announces Virtual Commencement Ceremony for Class of 2021!

As COVID-19 cases surge in Ulsan with no clear ending in sight, UNIST has decided to hold a virtual commencement ceremony for the Class of 2021. Instead of the usual in-person graduation, the pre-recorded online celebration has been broadcasted and delivered via the official YouTube channel of UNIST.

The virtual ceremony, which took place on Thursday, February 18 at 4 p.m., honored the Class of 2021 and celebrated their achievements in a manner that is safe and complies with national health protocols. At the ceremony, a total of 658 graduating students joined a family of over 6,400 UNIST alumni. The pre-recorded ceremony will be available via UNIST’s official youtube channel later in the afternoon, and will remain available to rewatch at your convenience.

At the ceremony, President Yong Hoon Lee awarded 116 honorary Doctoral, 112 Master’s, 376 Bachelor’s degrees, as well as 54 Master’s from Specialized Graduate Schools. It turns out, since its opening in 2009, UNIST has a total of 6,494 graduates in science and technology, including 626 Doctoral, 1,305 Master’s, and 4,563 Bachelor’s students.

President Yong Hoon Lee expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2021, by congratulating the Class of 2021. In honor of their graduation, President Lee also offered his congratulations and thanks to the faculty and staff members of UNIST for their dedication and sincere efforts all through the years culminating in this day.

During his 2021 commencement speech at UNIST, President Lee noted “Quenching society’s thirst for innovative leaders is the “thing that has to be done” by highly-skilled graduates, such as yourselves as you stand who stand poised to enter the next phase of your journeys.”

He noted, “As you begin your careers—whether in academia, industry or public service—I know you will make the university proud. I am also confident that you will create the first and best possible outcomes in your respective fields.”

In his congratulatory remark, President Lee also urged the Class of 2021 to boldly face challenges with the spirit of ‘First In Change,’ as they have done throughout their time here at UNIST by saying “Your expertise, combined with strong will and determination, will help us create a brighter tomorrow.”

The online celebration, consisted of congratulatory remarks by Mayor Chul-ho Song of Ulsan Metropolitan City and Chairman Byeong Suk Park of Ulsan Metropolitan Council, Presentation of degree candidates by Dean Ji Hyun Kim of Academic Affairs, congratulatory messages to graduates by UNIST alumni, and graduation speech by student representatives. Despite the desire of graduates who want special photos with their cap and gown, UNIST has decided to not provide academic regalia rental services in light of the COVID-19 crisis.