Hallym University Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital

The following is a full-text of the congratulatory address by Dr. Dai-Won Yoon, Chairman of Board of Trustees, Hallym University, at the Affiliation Agreement Ceremony between Hallym University and University of Padova on October 18, 2010:-Ed.

Honorable Vice President Gnesotto, Vice President Martin, Professor Gallo, Professor Carafoli, Professor Sorgato, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen;

On behalf of all members at Hallym, I sincerely welcome you all from Padova, Italy, and thank you for kindly accepting our invitation to visit Hallym.

We create another milestone in our history today as we announce the first Italian partnership with the University of Padova. As one of the most time-honored institutions for higher education after the University of Bologna, the oldest university in human society, the University of Padova was open in 1222. Since 1405, its medical school began adopting the teachings of Averroes, an Islamic philosopher and physician of the Middle Ages, and different from Scholastic medicine, it established an empirical method.

This new approach promoted rapid advancement in epidemiology, pathology, clinical medicine, medical science, and anatomy. It also led to the successful establishment of modern medicine, historical lectures on clinical practice in 1543, and eventually the monumental creation of an amphitheater for anatomy classes in 1594.

With such a coveted history and tradition, the University of Padova has been enjoying a world-wide reputation in the academic fields of law, politics, medicine, mathematics, physics, pharmacy, engineering, and agriculture.

As a chairman of Hallym University, I feel it a great honor and a privilege to initiate a new affiliation with such a great educational institution in the world. Our new relationship will surely motivate the members of Hallym into enhancing their global competitiveness, a must for us to survive the fierce, unbridled competition. Now I am really encouraged because as a mentor and a supporter, you will guide us to grow to be one of the world-class universities.

Hallym University is a small educational institution with a relatively short history. Under the catchphrase, “Small but Great,” however, every member of Hallym, with a resolute will and a clear objective, has continued efforts to realize a vision, “Mighty Hallym.” Ultimately, our efforts are directed forward becoming the most competitive institution in specific areas.

We observe today a really important moment in our history. We are certain that the launch of international collaboration with you will become a springboard for another take-off.

I promise that we will commit ourselves to build an everlasting and productive relationship with you. Our encounter today will be contributory not only to promoting our institutional and national progress, but to advancing human society in the long run.

I wish to renew my sincere gratitude to Honorable Vice Rector, Dr. Gnesotto, Dr. Martin and all speakers who had kindly agreed to be here with us today.

Let me finish by hoping that your stay here will be most pleasant and productive.

Thank you.