The Mason Korea community gathered to officially welcome all new and returning students at the first in-person Student Convocation in over two years. The event was held at the IGC Auditorium on Monday in adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
The ceremony began with a video message from George Mason University’s Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Mark Ginsberg. Mason Korea’s leadership, student president, and a special guest speaker from the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA) welcomed students from the stage.
“We have been seeing an increase in student numbers and academic performance every year,” said Kelley Chung, Associate Dean of Admissions and Government Affairs, adding, “I look forward to seeing our students succeed at Mason Korea and leveraging their experiences to pursue their dreams.”
Mason Korea’s Campus Dean Robert Matz, Academic Dean Shannon Davis, University Life Dean Yorgun Marcel, Student Council President Ilya Kim, and Mr. Doryan Ahn, Director of the Service Industry Division at IFEZA also delivered congratulatory remarks.
Referring to the pandemic-related challenges of the last two years, including a one-month delay of this Spring 2022 convocation, Campus Dean Robert Matz urged students to consider the value of their opportunities at Mason. “When things are easy, we sometimes take them for granted. Reflecting on the challenges that we have faced and that we continue to face makes our being together in person, learning and teaching here at Mason Korea, even more precious," he said.
Mason Korea returned to 100% face-to-face classes this spring for the first time since the pandemic. The University saw the highest new student enrollment in its history. In addition, over 100 international students are studying at Mason Korea this spring, adding to the diversity and vitality of the Korea campus.
For more photos from the ceremony, please click here.