Isn’t it remarkable how a building can hold so many memories? We are standing in front of the Alumni Center. It is a place of connection and history. Specifically, this is a focal point for graduates.
Alumni associations are very active in South Korea. They foster a strong sense of community. These associations often manage significant funds. They use these funds to support their members and institutions. Some even own or rent spaces in expensive buildings. These spaces are exclusively for alumni events.
The Waseda University Alumni Association in Korea is one example. It was founded in 1947. It is the longest-established alumni association of a foreign university in South Korea. The association boasts nearly 1000 members. They host Tomonkai events every month. Tomonkai groups cater to diverse hobbies. These include golf, Buddhism, and footvolley.
These associations also offer valuable seminars. These seminars focus on social activities and career development. The goal is to help members improve their present and future. This particular association manages a scholarship fund. It supports Korean students selected by Waseda University. The association publishes the Waseda Korea newsletter annually. It shares activities with alumni and current students.
Since 1887 nearly 7000 Koreans have graduated from Waseda University. Korean graduates have significantly contributed to South Korea’s economic development. They have worked at companies like POSCO, Samsung Electronics, and Lotte. The Alumni Association in Korea has helped revitalize the relationship between South Korea and Japan.
The Alumni Center is trying to attract more members. The focus is on younger alumni under 40. They also interact with Uri Tomonkai. Uri means we or our. The association wants to make the Waseda network active.
Members appreciate the connections. They meet older and younger alumni. They participate in various events. These events include seminars on real estate and blockchain technology. They also have sports meetings. The yearly General Meeting is very popular.
Alumni associations provide encouragement. They also offer support. Members are proud to be Waseda graduates. These associations suspended activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. They resumed with year-end parties.
Alumni share memories of their school days. They also share new experiences. It is a great opportunity for everyone. Offline activities were restricted due to COVID-19. Members now look forward to meeting in person. They want to enjoy various activities.
Alumni association dues support scholarships. They also fund the 100-yen breakfast project. The dues support lectures funded by the Alumni Association. They support other activities that help the university. Dues-paying members receive the alumni association magazine. They are eligible for welfare services and facility use.
The WUAA plans various events. These events deepen connections between members. They bring back memories of school days. Certificates are issued for graduates. Alumni associations explain how to register or change personal information. They also explain how to create a WasedaMail address.
The Korean Alumni Association was founded in the mid-1970s. Kim Gak-jung founded it. The association has over 2000 University of Utah alumni. It fosters lifelong connections. It does this through social events, networking, and career resources.
NTU Alumni Association in South Korea was established in 2019. It provides a platform for alumni to reconnect. It establishes new connections. There are networking events and seminars. These activities allow alumni to interact.
So, as you can see, the Alumni Center is more than just a building. It is a symbol. It represents lifelong connections. It is a commitment to community.