Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  Dr. Pyungryun Yu has been appointed as Vice President for Administration and External Relations of the State University of New York, Korea (SUNY Korea), effective April 29, 2024.  Before joining SUNY Korea, he held various government positions including but not limited to CEO of the Incheon Global Campus Foundation (IGCF), Vice Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA), Secretary General of the Incheon Metropolitan City Council, Director General of Incheon Metropolitan City Government.  Dr. Yu brings a strong track record of experience in administration and external relations and his extensive and in-depth background will greatly contribute to the growth of SUNY Korea, enhancing all aspects of university administration, operations, and external relations. Throughout his career, Dr. Yu has been recognized for his outstanding meritorious service and exemplary leadership. During his tenure leading IGCF, Dr. Yu earned the highest grade (S) in the CEO performance evaluation conducted among government-funded institutions by the Incheon City Government (2023). He has also been awarded with the Order of Service Merit (2006), which is given to outstanding public officials, and a Presidential Commendation for Investment Promotion (2015).  Academically, Dr. Yu has lectured in Urban Administration at Inha University, holding a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the same institution, an MPA in Public Administration from the University of New Haven in the United States, and a B.C. in International Trades from Kyung Hee University in Korea. He passed the Public Administration Examination in 1994.   한국뉴욕주립대학교는 유병윤 행정대외협력부총장이 취임했다고 29일 밝혔다.  유병윤 신임 부총장은 1994년 행정고시에 합격 후 공직에 입문했으며 인천시 투자유치담당관, 국제협력관, 정책기획관을 역임하고 인천시의회 사무처장과 인천경제자유구역청 차장, 인천글로벌캠퍼스 운영재단 대표이사 등을 지냈다. 또한 경희대 무역학과를 졸업, 미국 뉴헤이븐대에서 행정학 석사 인하대에서 도시계획학 박사 학위를 받았으며 인천시 산하 출자출연기관 기관장 성과평가 S등급(2023), 투자유치공로 대통령표창(2015), 근조훈장(2006) 등을 수상한바 있다.

    The Alumni Mentoring Day event, held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at SUNY Korea C103, provided current students an opportunity to gain insights from ten notable SUNY Korea graduates (SBU & FIT). These alumni are now essential members of several Korean companies, like Banzai Living, Deloitte Anjin, Hanwha Global, Hyundai Motors, LG CNS, top IT company, Samsung C&T, Samsung Electronics, Thingsflow, and Musinsa 29cm. They generously shared their career paths, valuable job search recommendations, and strategies for developing skills in the workplace. During three mentoring sessions, students and alumni interacted on a wide range of themes, from industry-specific questions to individual career goals, fostering meaningful connections and broadening their professional networks. The format of the event facilitated intimate interactions between current students and alumni, allowing for personalized mentorship experiences. Participants were treated to lunch while being introduced to the accomplished alumni, who illuminated the pathways to success within their respective industries. Every organization that was represented has distinct perspectives on the dynamics of the Korean job market and the skills necessary for thriving in diverse professional environments. Furthermore, through conversing with SUNY Korea's notable alumni, students not only gained valuable insights but also enhanced their educational knowledge and improved their opportunities for the future.  The Spring 2024 Alumni Mentoring event demonstrated SUNY Korea's commitment to supporting the comprehensive professional growth of its students. Through the building of a connection between academia and industry, the event enabled participants to envision and follow career paths that fulfill them. Students obtained invaluable advice through open discussions and personal guidance, giving them the abilities and self-confidence to navigate the complexities of the modern labor market. As the university continues to foster such meaningful engagements, it strengthens its role as a catalyst for enabling the next generation of leaders and innovators.        Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (amirbek.zokirov@stonybrook.edu)  

  In a celebration of the extravagance and self-expression of the 1970s and 1980s, the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume unveils its latest exhibition, "Retro Party 7080." Running from April 17th, 2024, to May 31st, 2024, this exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant fashion culture of two iconic decades. The 1970s and 1980s are often remembered as times of boundary-pushing creativity, where fashion became a canvas for bold statements and individuality. "Retro Party 7080" captures the essence of these eras, highlighting the evolution of Korean fashion and the significant influence of designers from that time. At the heart of the exhibition lies a tribute to the transformative power of fashion. What was once considered niche or underground in the 1970s blossomed into mainstream trends, while the 1980s embraced excess and opulence like never before. From disco balls to power suits, every garment tells a story of innovation and cultural shift. The exhibition not only showcases iconic pieces from the past but also celebrates the enduring influence of 1970s and 1980s fashion on contemporary design. Through a curated selection of garments and accessories, visitors can trace the lineage of these decades, witnessing how their legacy continues to shape modern aesthetics. "We are thrilled to present 'Retro Party 7080' to our visitors," says Linda Kim, curator of the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume. "This exhibition is not just a journey through fashion history; it's a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the enduring spirit of the 1970s and 1980s." As visitors step into the exhibition space, they are transported back in time, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bygone era. From disco beats to neon lights, every element of "Retro Party 7080" is designed to evoke nostalgia and spark joy. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a dose of retro inspiration, "Retro Party 7080" promises an unforgettable journey through the golden age of fashion. Join us as we celebrate passion, nostalgia, and the timeless allure of 1970s and 1980s style.   Written by Maxine Cochanco of IVY Magazine

    A Spring 2024 Internship Panel event was held in SUNY Korea building C103. Jiyoon Kim (FBM) from FIT, and Suyeong Park (AMS), Sangbin Park (BM), and Hajung Seo  (TSM) from Stony Brook, participated in the panel to share their internship experiences with their colleagues.  Their stories, which shared their internship experiences in various fields based on their respective majors, provided a lot of interesting information for the students. First, Jiyoon Kim of FBM shared her internship experience at three fashion and marketing companies: EUNE, ZARA, and BY Sophie. She emphasized that she received support from the school when applying for these internships, and that the help from the Career Development Center was especially useful. She also advised her juniors to read emails from the Career Development Center carefully, and said that it would be helpful to thoroughly analyze each company's official website when writing their resumes. AMS major Suyeong Park introduced his experiences as a deep learning engineer at SPOIT. He shared his experiences in both academic settings and internships, and imparted specific advice to his juniors. Business major Sangbin Park shared his experiences as a marketing assistant for a home appliance company called Tefal. It was impressive to see him motivate his colleagues through his experiences. Finally, Hajung Seo of the TS department introduced her experiences as an administrative assistant at GSC, and conveyed tips on writing a resume as well as secrets to passing the internship. After sharing their useful experiences, there was time for students to ask questions and receive answers directly from the panel members. Internship panel events have become more frequent thanks to the panels that answer the questions of juniors with honest and concrete answers. Panel members also shared their difficulties, successes, and useful experiences from their internships. They talked candidly about the things they considered while choosing an internship and the differences between their respective experiences.  A large number of students attended the event, at which simple snacks were provided. The event delivered valuable information to the students while also giving them a chance to reflect on their experiences and think about re-organizing their academic lives. In addition, it was effective in promoting communication and bonding among students. An official of the student council said, "Through this internship review sharing event, we were able to receive helpful information, and it played a big role in network formation and motivation among students," adding, "We hope that such useful events will continue to be held in the future." This event provided valuable information to college students preparing for employment after graduation, and provided a place for communication to grow together by helping students who will have experience through internships. We hope that such useful events will continue to take place in the future. For the future, we hope for successful internships for all students and look forward to hearing about their positive experiences.   Written by Student Reporter, Suhyun Kim (suhyun.kim@stonybrook.edu)  

On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, SUNY Korea and General Motors Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU was signed by Arthur H. Lee, President of SUNY Korea, Hector Villarreal, President CEO of GM Korea, and Brian McMurray, President of GMTCK. Through this MoU, SUNY Korea and GM Korea plan to carry out various educational support activities, including hosting seminars on new mobility technologies, conducting mentoring sessions and internships, creating educational programs to lead future industries, and providing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education programs for local community students. President Arthur H. Lee stated that SUNY Korea is pleased to have the opportunity to enhance the capabilities required by global companies and grow into a future talent through our memorandum of understanding with GM Korea, especially considering our strengths in engineering and management. President Lee emphasized the common interests, particularly highlighting the contribution of people within the local community towards education and the automotive sector. Following his welcoming remarks, Hector Villarreal, President and CEO of GM Korea, added in his speech that GM Korea is looking forward to discovering more innovative and creative programs and supporting the development of talent to lead the rapidly changing future industries. Lastly, Brian McMurray, President of GMTCK, expressed excitement about the partnership with SUNY Korea, emphasizing the opportunity to collaborate with talented students and faculty.   Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)

  In their fourth semester, students of FIT at SUNY Korea are offered an internship course program that allows them to get first-hand experience in the working industry. Not only do they get to experience working in an actual company, but they are also trained in working ethics and future career skills. This year, the program has 15 Fashion Business Management students working in well-known global brands such as Sejung Company, bySophie, Banzai Living, and IPark Mall. Didier Dubot is a jewelry brand under Sejung Company and the department in which 2 FIT students were placed. At Didier Dubot, students were assigned tasks such as market research, brand analysis, and site reviews—all of which aligned with what they learned throughout their previous semesters. With this, students could apply the knowledge and skills they gained from their courses in a professional work environment. The interns were also tasked with a store visit, during which they examined Didier Dubot’s collections at Coex mall while also conducting a competitor analysis by browsing nearby luxury accessory brands.   Several students were asked about their experiences. Pamela Wang said, “Interning at the HDC IPark Mall at Yongsan, Seoul, I joined the Content Development Team and am working on planning pop-up stores.”   For Maxine Leye, “Working at the startup company Banzai Living Inc., there are many hats to wear as I get direct insight on how the beauty industry works from product research, packaging selection and digital marketing. Mindful creativity and effective time management are some of the key aspects of the internship.”  Arim Lee added, “At LIE Collection, I had the opportunity to apply the skills I learned in school, such as Photoshop and Excel, in real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience allowed me to grow professionally and personally, gaining valuable insights and proficiency.” Overall, the internship program offers students a valuable opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings and develop essential professional skills. The upcoming 'Internship Panel Event' on March 3rd, hosted by the Career Center, will further enrich this learning experience by providing a platform for students to listen as their fellow colleagues, who have experienced internships, share their insights and tips on how they were able to search for their internships, the application process, and how they plan to use the experience on their next career path.  Written by Meann Ho and Jennifer Christiana of IVY Magazine  

  On March 27th, 2024, more than 300 students from SUNY Korea, the University of Utah Asia Campus, George Mason University Korea, and Ghent University Global Campus gathered in the IGC Auditorium to hear a presentation by Hanwha Aerospace, the largest aerospace company in South Korea.  The event was organized to share information about career opportunities in the increasingly vital aerospace industry.   The key point made during the presentation is that opportunities to build a career with the Hanwha Group is not limited to engineering students alone.  Mechanical Engineering graduates might seem to the obvious candidates to work in these companies, but Hanwha Group is interested in majors from many backgrounds who can work in the many different divisions of their companies.  The presentation focused on the benefits of working in a large company and the concerns of young people entering the marketplace, especially regarding lifetime employment and the working environment. Hanwha was clearly interested in courting the more than 150 SUNY Korea students in attendance and building interest in this growing industry.  The students were clearly excited to hear of these opportunities for their future and gained crucial information for their future job-hunting efforts. Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)

Students from Stony Brook University’s Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program spent two Saturdays with scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory. Photo by David Rahner/Brookhaven National Laboratory.   Women in Science and Engineering students got a glimpse into life as a scientist at BNL As part of an ongoing collaboration between Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and Stony Brook University, students in Stony Brook’s Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program spent two Saturdays at BNL completing hands-on activities with scientists from the lab’s Physics Department and the Nuclear Science and Technology Department, and engaging in conversations with scientists about the passions, triumphs, and difficulties that come with a career in STEM. Click here to read the original article. 

On March 23, 2024, at the IGC Small Theater more than 80 students from SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, University of Utah Asia Campus, and Ghent University Global Campus gathered for the "Talk to Me in Korean" (TTMIK) event. This event aimed to immerse international students in the world of Korean language study and a deeper understanding of Korean culture. Throughout the event, students participated in various activities to improve their language skills and cultural awareness. From conversing in Korean to sharing personal stories from their experiences in Korea, students embraced the opportunity to expand their language proficiency. To add more involvement to the event, students demonstrated their proficiency by delivering speeches in Korean. Also, lunch was provided to students where they had their meal communally, further forging new connections, and improving their cultural exchange. In addition to practicing their language skills, students delved into various cultural activities, including the intriguing Korean Sentence Explorer and the challenging Korean Culture ‘True or False’ Quiz. These activities tested participants' knowledge and also sparked curiosity and dialogue surrounding Korean culture and the winner of the quiz won a prize by answering all of the questions correctly. The TTMIK event proved dynamic and exciting, promoting intercultural understanding and language skills among participating students. As the program came to an end, students took away an improved understanding of Korean culture and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the Korean language.   Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (amirbek.zokirov@stonybrook.edu)  

  Jessie Xu, Illustration ’25, has much to celebrate. She won first place in Bulgari’s Art of Living with Allegra Baciami: Passione contest, for her animated visual celebrating the luxury brand’s bestselling fragrance. Students were asked to submit their own idea in the medium of their major that captures the essence of the fragrance while also showcasing the legacy and heritage of the Bulgari brand. Xu created an animation, which will be used in an upcoming paid social media campaign with additional exposure during the end-of-year holiday season. She won a $2,500 prize and an internship with Bulgari. Alice Chekunova, Textile/Surface Design AAS ’26, received a $2,000 second prize, and third-place winner Ling Yin Liu, Illustration AAS ‘27 also won $2,000. Their creative concepts will also be included in the Bulgari paid social media campaign.   Click here to read the original article.

    On March 20, 2024, Room 203 in Building B at SUNY Korea buzzed with excitement for a special gathering. Students, professors, and staff came together to exchange knowledge and passion around a single book, representing diverse majors and backgrounds. This is the SUNY Korea Book Club, where the protagonists are its members. This book club convenes every Wednesday during lunchtime, from 12 PM to 1 PM, to listen to audiobooks and engage in in-depth discussions. Over the past four weeks, participants immersed themselves in one book, Kai Fu Lee's "AI 2041," sparking profound discussions on the advancement of AI, future technology, and its societal impacts. One of the greatest advantages of the book club is providing an opportunity to enhance English skills and listening abilities amidst busy schedules. For students, it offers educational value, while for professors and staff, it's a precious time to expand knowledge and gain new perspectives. Following the reading session, there's approximately 30 minutes allocated for group discussions. Professors, staff, and students mingle, sharing their thoughts and impressions freely, transcending ranks and age to understand and communicate with each other—a valuable opportunity. SUNY Korea ‘s book club is an open space where anyone can participate without any burden, in line with the purpose of "just showing up." In particular, since they are held during lunchtime, simple meals are also provided, minimizing barriers to participation.  The leaders of the book club emphasize diversity and inclusivity. Led by Professor Victor Reeser, staff member Chuck Robinson, and AMS major undergraduate student Jin Suk, each brings their unique perspectives and experiences to the group. The plan is to continue exploring knowledge through various books, including those from Harvard Business Review’s Must Reads on Leadership.  SUNY Korea's book club is not just an ordinary book club, but it is a community where people from various backgrounds come together to share knowledge and understand each other. Written by Student Reporter, Suhyun Kim (suhyun.kim@stonybrook.edu)    

  For the 11th consecutive year, Stony Brook University has been named a Tree Campus Higher Education Institution for efforts conducted during the 2023 calendar year. Tree Campus Higher Education, a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, honors colleges and universities, and their leaders, for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. Click here to read the original article. 

  English Proficiency in Korea More than half of the world’s population have one of ten languages as their native tongue. English, with about 400 million native speakers, is the third, after Chinese (1.3 billion) and Spanish (485 million). However, if we include people who speak English as a second language, the estimates of English-speaking populations range from between 1.5 billion to 2.0 billion. This makes English the most spoken language worldwide.  English is also the most influential language, dominating the fields of science, technology, medicine, business, art, etc. There are many reasons why English has become a universal language. The British empire, colonizing close to a quarter of the world’s population, had a significant role in spreading the English language, particularly in Asia and Africa. The emergence of the United States of America as a world power after World War II is another important reason. Technological and scientific development mostly originating in the US and some other English-speaking countries made English the dominant language of science and technology. This economic and technological power has also led to the spreading of English through news, entertainment, and social media.  As a result, English language proficiency can substantially enhance people’s career prospects, academic pursuits, cultural experiences, access to information, and ability to connect with people globally. Since the economic development of countries increasingly relies on information and global presence, for the foreseeable future English will remain the dominant global “lingua franca” (a language used by people with different native languages to communicate with each other. The EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) is the most common index used  to rank countries for English proficiency  It is produced annually by EF Education First, an international education company. The EF EPI 2023 edition was calculated using test data from 2.1 million test takers in 2022. The test takers were self-selected from 113 countries and territories. Countries’ English proficiencies are categorized as very high (12 countries), high (18 countries), moderate (33 countries), low (27 countries), and very low (23 countries).  The report finds that per capita, gross national income and innovation all correlate positively with English proficiency. Overall, Europe has the highest proficiency in English while the Middle East averages the lowest. While people in Engineering and Information Technology rank highest, on the average most industries have levels of English lower than they would need to work optimally (Moderate Proficiency or higher). Men’s English proficiency has outpaced women’s for the first time this year in Asia, driven by India and Thailand, with gender gaps of 21 and 32 points respectively. Expectedly, adults in their 20’s and 30’s remain the best English speakers in Asia. The top five countries, with scores between 625 and 661, are Northern European countries, except for Singapore (ranked 2nd with a score of 642, after the Netherlands with a score of 661). With a score of 525 South Korea ranked in 49th place in this survey, which is considered moderate proficiency. This represents a 13-spot drop from the previous ranking of 36th place in 2022. China and Japan also experienced declines of 20 and 7 spots respectively, ranking 82nd and 87th. Korean learners of the English language face many challenges in acquiring the language on a proficient level, even though English is introduced to children at an early age and many private programs teach English as extracurricular programs. Unfortunately, however, only a minority master the language on a proficient conversational level. The reasons seem to stem from cultural and social differences, the significant differences between the two languages: Korean and English, and the Korean Educational System. The EF-EPI report makes several recommendations for government and educational authorities to improve English proficiency. They include: • Consider the hours available in the curriculum and the proficiency level achievable for each major educational milestone. • Ensure that English is taught only by people who speak the language well • Adjust entrance and exit exams so that they evaluate communicative English skills. • Include English in the training for all new teachers. • Re-train English teachers in communicative teaching methods if they were initially trained using other methods • Assess the English skills of all public servants and provide training as necessary • Provide English language instruction in job centers and unemployment reduction programs. • Give adults access to lifelong learning programs. • Ensure that government-funded adult language courses are long enough and intensive enough for learners to meet their goals. • Develop standardized micro-credentials that certify course quality and improve skill portability. • Allow TV shows and movies to be shown in their original language, with subtitles rather than dubbing. Click here to read the article.

Angora goats at Van Hasselt Farm in the Karoo of South Africa. Photo courtesy of Frances Van Hasselt.   When Lorenza Wong took on responsibility for the Textile Development and Marketing capstone course, she rewrote it from scratch. Before this year, students had learned about luxury Italian fabrics, working with mills to spin silk and cotton fibers. “As much as I love Italian fabrics, I just feel like it had been done,” says Wong, adjunct assistant professor. Students told her they wanted to learn about sustainable textiles—and she realized they needed to start to understand farming. She wrote a brand new course that focused on craftsmanship, working with artisans, and forging a sustainable livelihood. Click here to read the original article.

  As anyone who attends FIT can tell you, the college is not exclusively about Fashion Design. There are many creative fields that all support the fashion world, and many of these talents are fostered here. As red carpet season comes to a close, we bring your attention to some of the FIT alumni whose work—styling, hosting, and yes, designing—has pleased audiences at this year’s awards shows.  Click here to read the original article.