Mason Korea welcomed new and returning students at the 2022 Fall Convocation held at the IGC Auditorium yesterday.
Nearly 200 Mason Korea students, leadership, faculty, staff, and US advisory board members joined the in-person celebration that officially commenced the new semester.
“Welcome Patriots, it’s great to be here,” said President Gregory Washington as he welcomed Mason Korea students on site for the first time. “You are the inaugural group of Mason’s second half century, and you have the benefit of starting or continuing your academic career at one of the top research universities and one of the most diverse universities in the US. You will indeed do great things and we will indeed be here to support and guide you,” he said.
“You are the most diverse and academically talented entering class in Mason Korea’s history,” said Admissions Dean Kelley Chung in her welcoming address. Dean Chung also highlighted key facts about the incoming class: a large number of students came straight from high schools in Korea and around the world, some transferred from other colleges and universities, and Mason Korea met its major quota in computational data sciences and economics for the first time this year.
Virginia State Senator Chap Petersen, who authored a legislation in 2010 to establish Mason Korea and currently serves as Chair of Mason Korea’s US advisory board, congratulated students and marveled at the fact that Mason Korea is now approaching its 10th anniversary. “It was a vision of many people that George Mason, a young and innovative university in Virginia, would expand and connect with the economy and people of South Korea and form a partnership that would benefit both people,” he said.
Mason Korea Campus Dean Robert Matz, Academic Dean Shannon Davis, and University Life Dean Yorgun Marcel also congratulated students. Student Council President Kieun Kwon welcomed fellow students as the student representative.
As no celebration is complete without performances, Mason Korea’s student band SKETCH and dance duo Nemesis captivated audiences with riveting K-Pop performances following the speeches.
A welcome reception followed the ceremony where students had a chance to interact with the community, including President Washington and faculty.
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August 25, 2022
