As Kangnam University president Yoon Shin-il looks on, retiring English instructor Kivubiro Tabawebbula shares his reflections with faculty and staff.
(Photo: Charles Ian Chun)
In an afternoon ceremony on August 20 in Wooweon Hall’s auditorium, faculty and staff bid farewell to four colleagues retiring from service at Kangnam University: Professor Kim Dong-gi from the Department of Education, administration department head Bang Jo-il and Department of Liberal Arts English instructors Charles Gordon and Kivubiro Tabawebbula. After Kangnam University president Yoon Shin-il offered his congratulations, three of the retirees (Gordon was unable to attend) delivered farewell remarks.
“Teaching is about learning what the students need,” Tabawebbula reflected. “Although we teach English, we’re also giving students skills that are going to help them to succeed in life.” Tabawebbula expressed his thanks to the university community and shared his impressions of Korea. “I came to Korea because of friendship. It is friendship that has been foremost in my mind, and I’ve been very impressed by the importance of interpersonal relationships here. I thank Korea for having the chance to learn about treating your colleagues with humility, consideration, and kindness.”