Speaking in Wooweon Hall (우원관), Kangnam University alumnus, Kyungnam University Prof. Hyun Oe-seoung (현외성), congratulates KNU on 60 years of social welfare education.
(PHOTO: Lee Su-hyun)
Students, graduates, faculty, and special guests filled Wooweon Hall last month as Kangnam University’s College of Social Welfare celebrated 60 years of social welfare education.
The event began with a symposium that discussed “The present status of KNU’s social welfare education and suggestion for directions.” In the discussion, professors frequently mentioned the “globalization of social welfare education” and emphasized the necessity for practicums and employment in other countries. Many students empathized with this view since the influence of international cooperation in the social welfare field has only been growing. After the symposium, professors from the German School of Music Weimar gave a special performance, adding excitement to the celebration.
What does 60 years mean for the history of social welfare? Kangnam University Prof. Cho Jun-bae, director of the Kangnam Social Welfare Center, said that the history of Kangnam University’s social welfare education is the same as Korea’s history of social work. Social welfare in Korea was developed by training professional social workers, beginning with education at Kangnam University. “This is not just a festival at KNU,” says Prof. Cho, “but a meaningful event for the history of social welfare.”
Students had fun celebrating the 60-year anniversary, but also appreciated the seriousness of their mission. 3rd-year social welfare major Lim Ye-jin felt the 60-year history of everything she had been learning in her social welfare classes. “It makes me take pride in our school,” she said.