Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

[SBU] L'Oréal Brandstorm 2024 Competition   [FIT] The Korea Distribution Association - College Student Idea Contest   Stony Brook University (SBU) and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) students of SUNY Korea have once again proven their talents and capabilities on the international stage, securing top honors in two prestigious competitions.   SBU Takes First Place in L'Oréal Brandstorm 2024 Competition Incheon Global Campus students have secured first place in the highly competitive L'Oréal Brandstorm 2024 local competition. The winning team was Sunghyun Shin, majoring in Technology & Society at Stony Brook University, Nayoung Kim, majoring Molecular Life Sciences at Ghent University Global Campus, and Bae Hasung, also studying Molecular Life Sciences at Ghent University Global Campus. Sunghyun Shin, expressing her gratitude, remarked “It was a great experience collaborating with fellow colleagues from the Incheon Global Campus students. Moreoever, being able to achieve 1st place among the top-tier Korean universities was challenging yet fulfilling.”  These students will now compete in the Loreal Brandstorm International Competition that will be held in the United Kingdom this June.   FIT Students Recognized for Outstanding Achievement in The Korea Distribution Association - College Student Idea Contest Meanwhile, Fashion Institute of Technology students received the ‘Idea Award’ in The Korea Distribution Association - College Student Idea Contest. Under the guidance of Professor Hyeyeon Jeong, the FIT team showcased their expertise in the field of distribution and marketing for Lotte Home Shopping. The winning FIT’s FBM department team members include Minseo Cho, Yujin Lee, and Chaeun Moon, whose dedication and creativity stood out among competitors. Their innovative ideas and strategic insights underscore FIT's commitment to nurturing future leaders in the fashion and business industries. Minseo Cho said, "We were able to differentiate ourselves from other students from Korean universities by providing creative and yet very profound ideas by utilizing the knowledge we learned in the Fashion Business Management classes. Despite all of us being first-year students, it was a great honor and a very meaningful experience to win such a competition." These remarkable accomplishments serve as a milestone for both SBU and FIT as they pave their future careers. By excelling on the global stage, they continue to uphold academic excellence and innovation that defines these renowned institutions.      

On the 8th of May 2024, SUNY Korea held the “Understanding the Digital Evolution” career talk with Ruby Kang, digital marketer from Cartier Group Korea.  Kang explained the importance of “Digital Marketing Defined by Real Industry” via three components: unexpected brand experience, 360 marketing strategy, and content driven customer engagement. She described the pressures working in the industry to create unexpected and innovative marketing campaigns, noting that although it was stressful, she nevertheless considered it to be a valuable experience as it challenged her to think outside the box.  Kang emphasized how crucial it was to adapt to the ever-changing consumers by appealing to them in unexpected ways. For example, she described her ideas in the “TB Monogram campaign”, where she proposed introducing a Burberry character: a deer with the iconic Burberry monogram. This project was a huge success, and the Kakao emoticon sold out within an hour of its release. Additionally, she described other campaigns such as the “B SURF” game, “#USEYOURFREEDOM” digital film, and dancing “Pop” AR filter to create publicity and appeal to the youth. Additionally, she shared her experiences in content creation for “The Imagined Landscapes Jeju” pop up, noting the importance of consistent and relevant content to persuade customers to interact with brands on a deeper level, establishing consumer loyalty.  A significant project she worked on was the Cartier HJ Event in Seoul, introducing their new fine jewelry collection. This event became one of their most successful marketing strategies as they invited well-known actors, actresses, K-pop idols, and talents with big market value to a fancy gala dinner. The digital marketing team made sure to maximize the content through teaser videos, photoshoots, and interviews. Lastly, she shared three key points on how to establish one's career: know your abilities, narrow down choices, and be well prepared.  Overall, the career talk highlighted the importance of digital marketing in creating a seamless experience for the consumer both online and offline. As digitalization continues to take center stage in our ever-changing market, it is crucial for brands to consistently adapt and refine their marketing methods in order to stay relevant and appeal to the public.    Written by Jennifer Christiana of IVY Magazine      

          On April 25th, 2024, the 2024 Spring IGC Career Event: EY Consulting Cyber Security Information Session was held at SUNY Korea for students of the Incheon Global Campus. EY Group is one of the top global accounting firms, providing assurance, consulting, strategy, transactions, and tax services. As a subsidiary of EY Group, EY Consulting changed its name and position to consulting as a Korean subsidiary of EY Group, and this can be seen for the purpose of providing comprehensive solution services from the stage of strategy establishment to implementation from the client's perspective. EY Consulting Korea currently has two branches in Busan and Seoul, and more than 31 of the top 100 companies in Korea are domestic clients. EY leads the establishment of strategies for building large next-generation systems and applying cloud technologies within the financial consulting area.  At this briefing session, EY Consulting was visited by 76 students from SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, Ghent University Global Campus, and the University of Utah Asia Campus. The topic was related to the cybersecurity job of EY Consulting, with explanations about what kind of jobs are suitable for STEAM majors, and how many different types of jobs can be done with EY Consulting. For IGC students who were highly interested in the job market ahead of employment, the cybersecurity consulting session at EY Group, which covered various tasks and departments with guaranteed expertise, was a very beneficial consulting session. Particularly, Business Management (BM) and Technology Systems Management (TSM) major students of SBU showed keen interest in this information session, given the relevance of their majors to the cybersecurity field.      Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)  

    “Creativity is intelligence having fun." Boyoung Lee quoted Albert A. Einstein during her presentation at the FIT Guest Speaker Event on Wednesday, April 24th. As the Chief Brand Officer and EVP of Brand & Creative Strategy at Shinsegae, Lee was able to share her experiences and insights in the industry as she spoke on the topic of “Building a Brand Identity.”  Lee emphasized the vital role of creativity in crafting a brand identity. She underscored the importance of infusing creativity into every aspect of the process, highlighting the need for innovative thinking and original storytelling. Throughout her presentation, she delved into the creative process, emphasizing her collaborative approach with her team. She emphasized the significance of cultivating relationships and fostering teamwork to achieve success in brand building. During the Q&A session, students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the industry and workplace. When asked about memorable projects, Lee emphasized the importance of relationships over individual achievements. In response to a question about the trend that is shaping the future of the fashion industry, she mentioned the integration of AI and its transformative potential. Rather than shying away from technological advancements, her team embraces innovation, seeking ways to leverage AI to enhance their creative processes. Furthermore, Lee generously shared recommendations for podcasts and books, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and personal development. Notably, she also shared insights into her role as a mother of two, acknowledging parenthood as a transformative experience that has enriched her leadership abilities. In today's dynamic business landscape, establishing a distinctive brand identity is essential for success. Boyoung Lee's insights into the creative process and the importance of storytelling offer valuable guidance for professionals seeking to carve out their brand identity in a competitive market.  

The chiller plant uses electricity to maintain a comfortable indoor climate at FIT. Photos by Smiljana Peros.   In the fight against climate change, individual action is important, but upgrading infrastructure makes a much larger impact. This spring, FIT installed a new energy-efficient air-cooling system that will make maintaining a comfortable indoor climate significantly less energy-intensive. This chiller plant will reduce energy costs by more than $1 million per year and reduce annual emissions by almost 1,000 metric tons—equivalent to the electricity consumption of 3,000 households. The old chiller was powered by steam created using fossil fuels. The new chiller is powered by electricity. Currently, New York City’s electricity is mostly derived from fossil fuels, but more renewable electricity is coming. For example, in 2026, New York City will receive a transmission line from Canada containing 100 percent renewable power. FIT’s goal, ultimately, is to reach zero emissions by 2050, in line with New York City’s Local Law 97, passed in 2019. Click here to read the original article.  

  Dr. Pyungryun Brian 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)  

  A team of students from FIT’s School of Business and Technology, representing the United States, developed an innovative retail concept and presented it at the Future Retail Challenge, an international student competition at the annual World Retail Congress, held in Paris April 15–17, with colleges competing from Amsterdam, London, and Lille, France. The FIT team comprised Megan Antkoviak, an International Trade and Marketing major from Beavercreek, Ohio; Prashita Bassi, a Fashion Business Management major from Lucknow, India; Jesse Cabble, an International Trade and Marketing major from Carle Place, New York; and Kaitlyn Hassan, a Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing major from West Palm Beach, Florida. Click here to read the original article.  

From left: Edgar A. Garrido, Dana Flores, Grismar Bueno, Renata Quijano, Mellány Sánchez, and Aldo Araujo. Image courtesy of MFIT.   When Dana Flores, Advertising and Marketing Communications ’22, arrived at FIT, she had three specific goals in mind: to meet the college’s president, Dr. Joyce F. Brown; to work with The Museum at FIT (MFIT); and to help Latinx fashion gain more media representation. A proud Mexican American, Flores, who was born in Houston and raised in Chicago, had a bilingual and binational upbringing. This gave her a strong sense of cultural pride as well as the confidence to exist in society’s majority culture. During her time at FIT, Flores wanted to create a space where fellow Latinx students could connect, network, and thrive. It became her mission.   Click here to read the original article.  

  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

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. addresses the ceremony honoring the 2024 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE) winners in Albany. Photo by Valerie Caviness/SUNY   Thirteen Stony Brook University students were honored by the State University of New York (SUNY) with the 2024 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE) — the highest honor awarded to SUNY students who have best demonstrated academic excellence and leadership. The awards ceremony was held April 11 in Albany, NY. The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 and acknowledges students who have received recognition for distinguished achievements. This year, 193 students from 62 campuses received this award. Nominations are sought for students who have best demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence within many aspects of their lives, including academics, leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, campus involvement, community service, research and development, and the arts. Click here to read the original article.   

A rendering of The New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island in New York City.   Stony Brook University students are invited to compete in the first-ever Climate Exchange AI Innovation Challenge, where teams from eight universities will present cutting-edge solutions to stormwater management challenges faced by New York City. The Challenge is presented by The New York Climate Exchange along with its partners: Stony Brook University, City University of New York, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES), IBM, Moody’s, New York University, Pace University, Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Washington. Students will develop stormwater management solutions using IBM’s watsonx.ai technology and the Call for Code platform, Moody’s insights and datasets, and GOLES’s community touchpoints. Stormwater management is critical in enabling coastal resiliency efforts and an important component of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ recently announced Green Economy Action Plan. Click here to read the original article. 

  The QS World University Rankings — a leading organization for international rankings — rated the world’s top universities by subject area, and once again placed Stony Brook University’s Physics and Astronomy program in the top 100, coming in at #99. Eight other subjects placed in the top 300 globally: Natural Sciences (#191), Mathematics (#151-200), Geology (#201-240), Geophysics (#201-240), History (#201-230), Biological Sciences (#201-250), Computer Science and Information Systems (#251-300) and Psychology (#251-300). To produce the rankings for this year, QS analyzed the reputation and research output of almost 5,000 institutions. From this group, 1,561 were ranked across 55 narrow subjects and five broad subject areas, creating more than 19,100 entries. Click here to read the original article. 

    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)