Twenty leaders cut the ribbon signifying the inauguration of the new dormitory building of Sahmyook University, Seoul, South Korea, on June 22, 2020. This shows that the current pandemic cannot stop Sahmyook University from advancing. There is always a mission to accomplish.
The new dormitory stands on the same location of the old smaller one that was demolished to provide space for the new building. This new five-story women’s dormitory can accommodate 290 students, with different room types: single, double and triple occupants. With this new addition, Sahmyook University can provide lodging for 1,553 students.
Dr. Kim IlMok, president of Sahmyook University, stated in his speech: “We want to restore the image of God through these facilities.” He was referring to all dormitory buildings: Zion, Eden, Salem, and the newest one Peniel. It was named Peniel as a remembrance of Jacob’s victory as he struggled with the Angel of the Lord by the ford of Jabbok, where He saw God and was preserved (Genesis 32:30). The dormitory is a sign of God’s glory shown to the campus. It is an acknowledgement that without God, mission cannot be accomplished. This was emphasized by Pastor Hwang ChunKwang, president of the Korean Union Conference (KUC), in his inauguration speech, quoting Psalms 127:1, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” This is true not only for building a physical structure, but also in accomplishing God’s mission.
Dr. Kim SiYoung, president of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), reminisced about the years when he was studying at Sahmyook University. “We did not have a great building as this, and yet students enjoyed their study and dormitory life.” He added, “Our dormitory facilities are built to protect young people from worldly influence.”
In line with what he stated, the university president explained that Peniel dormitory is intended to be a center of residential college of the university. Residential college is a combination of living and learning, which provides effective holistic education and various educational programs, so that students can experience creative and self-leading studies for becoming persons who are mission-minded, vision-oriented, and passionate about Christ. This is planned to promote the driving-motto of the university, namely MVP, which stands for Mission, Vision, and Passion.
Attending the ceremony were conference presidents, KUC officers, NSD officers and Education director, some former presidents of the university, government representatives, the architects, and other key persons in the construction.
The ribbon was cut, and the dormitory is ready. The mission has to be accomplished with clear vision and passionate spirit of service. This school year, Sahmyook University has enrolled 5,517 undergraduate students and 458 graduate students. These are all candidates for heaven!
News article by Richard A. Sabuin, NSD Education Director