Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  Each semester, SUNY Korea's student club “MATE” prepares a theatrical performance for students, faculty, and staff at the Incheon Global Campus. This semester, the club hosted a two-day performance on May 28th and 29th, running from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM each night, with a total runtime of approximately two hours. Around 100 people attended each performance. As a part of the Incheon Global Campus Union of Clubs, this semester’s MATE consists of 23 members.  This semester’s production was “How Are You,” a musical theater piece featuring several musical numbers aimed at captivating the audience’s attention. The storyline revolves around a main character who regrets hearing about his past love’s news of marriage. An angel appears to offer him a chance to revisit the past and change his future. In the end, altering the past proves to be no easy task. Despite the main character’s inability to win back his love, he discovers valuable insights throughout the journey; similarly, the female protagonist also achieves a happy ending. Sooyeon Lim from FIT, the director for this semester, concluded the production with a message for the audience, emphasizing the significance of the present moment. She remarked, “The past is behind us, and the future remains unknown, making the present crucial. It is our past that shapes our present existence, supporting us to live every moment carefully, without wasting a single one.”   Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)  

EDP 404 students present their capstone project.   During the Spring 2024 semester, students in the Environmental Design Project class (EDP 404) worked with the Faculty Student Association (FSA) as their client to apply the skills they learned into a real-world context of reimagining an outdoor patio space for West Side Dining and the Shore Club at the Student Activities Center (SAC). The project presented a thrilling blend of simplicity and complexity. The challenge: transform the West Side Dining patio into a vibrant, welcoming haven for students to spend their time while ensuring the space is easy to maintain. Meanwhile, for the Shore Club patio, the task was to envision a dynamic space next to the food trucks that serves as a cheerful entry point for students arriving by bus and to craft concepts for extending the Shore Club’s ambiance outdoors for special events and socializing. The SBU Eats dining program is eager to expand these outdoor dining areas and plans to use the innovative ideas from the EDP 404 students to shape future construction projects. Students met with FSA Executive Director Diana Kubik to obtain context about these sites, why these spaces are not functioning up to their full potential, possible constraints, and the plans for the future. As the project progressed, students were provided feedback to develop their ideas further. Click here to read the original article.  

  On May 24, 2024, the SUNY Korea quad became the vibrant stage for the NDGC Spring Fashion Show, inaugurating the Spring Festival with a stunning display of student innovation and artistry. The Natural Dyeing Garden Club (NDGC), operated by FIT students, presented its annual showcase featuring garments dyed with natural pigments and minerals. This year’s theme, “Futuristic Florals,” brought a unique twist to the traditional concept of spring florals, blending natural beauty with forward-thinking design. At 5 PM, the fashion show commenced, drawing an eager crowd to witness the creative efforts of the students. Fourteen models took to the runway, each donning outfits that combined the organic charm of florals with modern, futuristic elements. The color palette was a standout feature, with vibrant tones of pinks, purples, and yellows dominating the collection. These colors, derived from natural dyes, highlighted the students' commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness in fashion. The runway was thoughtfully arranged: a chiffon fabric curtain marked the entrance for the models, while the paths were lined with delicate chiffon fabric and adorned with scattered floral arrangements, enhancing the thematic essence of the show and adding an ethereal touch as the models made their way onto the runway. As the models walked along the SUNY Korea quad paths, they paused to pose on a glass pedestal, allowing the audience to take in the intricate details and craftsmanship of each garment. The juxtaposition of natural elements with futuristic design principles was evident in the flowing dresses and structured pieces, each telling a story of creativity and innovation. The show reached its peak with a celebratory finale, where the designers joined their models on the runway. The group received enthusiastic applause from the audience, marking the end of a successful event that highlighted the talents and hard work of the FIT students. This walk-off moment symbolized the collective effort and collaborative spirit that went into creating the show. The NDGC Spring Fashion Show, with its “Futuristic Florals” theme, not only showcased the extraordinary talents of FIT students but also emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry. It was a fitting start to the Spring Festival, setting a high standard for the events to follow and leaving the audience in awe of the innovative fusion of nature and futuristic design.   To watch the Spring Festival video, CLICK HERE Written by Maxine Cochanco of IVY Magazine

  SUNY Korea's Undergraduate Student Council (USC) and Student Services organized the 2024 Spring Festival on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the SUNY Korea Quad. The event was open for all to attend and welcomed more than a thousand students from all IGC universities. The festival featured a variety of events such as club booths, a fashion show, student performances, lucky draws, and special guests. In addition, there were food trucks with various traditional Korean foods for students to enjoy, in addition to the festival itself. The festival’s club booths were a distinctive part of the event, involving students in a variety of activities where they collected stamps. Booths were set up by the university departments and student clubs, providing services such as photo sessions, paint-by-numbers, leadership quizzes, free coupons, perfume-making, and other engaging activities. Once participants collected stamps from different booths, they were eligible for prizes, enhancing their enjoyment.  The Spring Festival of course could not be complete without student performances, the range of which was varied, from dances to performances consisting of both Korean and classical instruments. Numerous students won cash prizes in a lucky draw that raised excitement and enriched the joyful atmosphere of the evening. The main part of the festival was a fantastic musical event, headlined by an impressive line-up of special guests including BOL4, EPEX, fromis_9, Kid Milli, and Younha. Every performer brought their unique style to the stage, and each of them captivated the audience with cheerful performances.  Special guests offered participants dynamic musical singing, vibrant and fiery songs, rap, and powerful captivating duets. The diverse performances created an amazing musical night for all attendees. Reflecting on the event, the Spring Festival was a huge success, giving attendees an unforgettable opportunity to take part in a highly anticipated night. The festival offered an enjoyable break before students' final exams, leaving them excited and thrilled about upcoming activities. The 2024 Spring Festival demonstrated the active campus life at SUNY Korea alongside creating a strong sense of community and friendship among participants. The efforts of the USC and Students Services with the sponsorship of the IGC Foundation to create such an anticipated event ensure the Spring Festival’s continued success in years ahead.   To watch the Spring Festival video, CLICK HERE   Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (Amibek.Zokirov@stonybrook.edu)   

      On May 25, 2024, SUNY Korea successfully held an Experience Day for prospective parents. This briefing session was an important opportunity to connect prospective parents and their children's academic futures. The event was organized as a venue where faculty and staff members participated in person to provide detailed information on the university entrance process, as well as information by departments and student support programs. The session kicked off with a welcoming speech and proceeded with department explanations, guidance on admission screening, and introduction of student support programs. In addition, it played a big role in solving the questions of prospective parents through the Q&A session. This event was attended by faculty members of each department and provided in-depth explanations for each department. In particular, the explanation of the characteristics of each department and career prospects received great attention from prospective parents. In addition, the admissions department staff provided detailed information on the admission process, documents to be submitted, and official grade information, which helped prospective parents with practical aspects when preparing for admission. The parents-to-be who attended evaluated the presentation as very informative. One participant expressed her feelings, saying, "It was good to get much more specific and practical information than I vaguely knew about SUNY Korea." Another participant said, "The preparation process for admission was very difficult, and I received a lot of help through today's presentation." SUNY Korea plans to regularly hold briefing sessions for prospective parents in the future. A staff from the admissions office said, "We know that many prospective parents have a lot of interest and concern about entering college. We will continue to provide various information to ease the anxiety of prospective parents." The Experience Day was an important opportunity to raise interest in SUNY Korea and help prospective parents prepare for college entrance in a more systematic manner. In the future, SUNY Korea plans to strengthen communication with prospective parents to provide more information and support.   Written by Student Reporter, Suhyun Kim (suhyun.kim@stonybrook.edu)

  The 33 students who developed this year’s Textile Development and Marketing capstone project, titled “Farm to Fabric,” describe it as “a heartfelt letter from nature, asking us to slow down and appreciate the journey of our clothes, from the field to the fabric.” The newly revamped course, taught by Adjunct Assistant Professor Lorenza Wong, focused on slow fashion and collaboration with the farmers and spinners who create and develop fibers. The students worked with four fibers—abacá, piña, mohair, and Jacob wool—from the Philippines, South Africa, and Upstate New York. They made yarn out of the fibers, learned about spinning, and even dyed many of the fibers with natural colorants derived from FIT’s rooftop Natural Dye Garden. Click here to read the original article.

“Never forget where you came from,” were the closing words of retail legend Mickey Drexler in his FIT commencement address in Central Park on May 22. Each of the six industry leaders invited to speak at this year’s commencement ceremonies shared stories from their past to help graduates navigate their future. Here are some of their lessons.  Click here to read the original article.  

  On Thursday, May 23rd, SUNY Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FGC Partners. FGC Partners is a startup accelerating company headquartered in Incheon, led by CEO Jeonglim Lee. FGC Partners specializes in guiding and advising emerging companies. CEO Lee, also a prominent professor at Seoul Venture University where President Emeritus Choon-ho Kim serves as president, has been actively mentoring SUNY Korea students and alumni, a role suggested by Dr. Choon-ho Kim. CEO Lee, whose illustrious career includes a tenure at Shinsegye before venturing into entrepreneurship with FGC Partners, is keen on fostering talent and providing enriching opportunities for students. In light of this, this partnership aims to facilitate collaboration in several key areas: discovering industry-academic research projects, providing internship opportunities for SUNY Korea students, and allowing for on-site company visits and mentoring sessions.   

    On May 22nd, 2024, the Career Development Center (CDC) at SUNY Korea hosted a workshop on crafting effective resumes. David Choi, the Founder of DCHOI Global, delivered a lecture titled “Resume: Let's Fill in the Blanks,” aimed at helping students prepare for employment after graduation. As the final event of the semester, it attracted a large number of students eager to enhance their job application skills. The CDC, a unique department at SUNY Korea, is dedicated to supporting students' employment and career development. Many students utilize CDC services to secure internships during vacations, and the center has a strong track record of helping students find internships and jobs. This special lecture focused on writing a compelling self-introduction letter for job applications. During the session, students learned how to articulate their academic and extracurricular achievements and tailor their resumes to specific job opportunities. David Choi emphasized the importance of strategic formatting and filling in each section of the resume effectively. The goal of the lecture was to empower students to navigate the job market confidently and make a strong impression on potential employers.   Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)

  On May 22nd, President Arthur Lee and the Vice President of Administration and External Relations Pyungryun Yu at SUNY Korea attended the Republic of Azerbaijan's Independence Day ceremony at the Grand Hyatt in Seoul. This event commemorated independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, first declared in 1918, and saw participation from numerous representatives of embassies and organizations in Korea. The attendance of President Lee and VP Yu highlights SUNY Korea’s commitment to fostering and enhancing international relationships. The event provided a great platform for the university’s leadership to interact with global counterparts and explore potential areas for cooperation and partnership. SUNY Korea’s involvement in this event underscores its dedication to global engagement and its proactive approach in seeking new opportunities for academic and cultural collaboration. As the university continues to grow and evolve, such initiatives are meaningful in establishing SUNY Korea as a leading institution with a strong international presence.  

  Check out these photos from this year’s Graduating Student Exhibition, featuring the capstone and thesis works by students in 16 of the School of Art and Design’s 17 majors. (The only program not represented in the exhibition is Communication Design Foundation AAS, though its influence is felt throughout the show since the degree is required for many of FIT’s BFA programs.) Featured here are works by graduating students in Toy Design, Fine Arts, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Fabric Styling, Footwear and Accessories Design, Photography and Related Media, Jewelry Design, Menswear, Spatial Experience Design, and Textile/Surface Design. Click here to read the original article.  

    On May 10th, the IGC Research Showcase was held at the Incheon Global Campus. The day was packed with students and faculty, featuring a total of 104 posters. The event was a vibrant platform for sharing research findings, where faculty and students presented their work through posters and oral presentations. The IGC Research Showcase featured categories for faculty and graduate students, undergraduate students, and creative arts and demonstrations. SUNY Korea made a significant impact at the event, contributing 25 posters: 20 from undergraduate students and 5 from faculty and graduate students. At the end of the event, the celebratory award-giving ceremony was held and this year’s first place was awarded to SUNY Korea students Eun Jae Lee, DaeRyeon Choi, Jungmin Lee, Mijin Lee, and Hyobin Shin, all from the Mechanical Engineering Department. Their research topic focused on an AI Smart Farm for Households with Growth Optimization. Their project showcased the forward-thinking and practical applications of AI in everyday life, particularly in optimizing household farming. The annual IGC Research Showcase serves as an academic forum for students and faculty to present their research topics to fellow colleagues, gain exposure for their work, and network with peers. With participation from all four universities, a diverse array of unique projects was presented throughout the day, providing attendees with ample learning opportunities.  

Stony Brook University’s 64th annual Main Commencement Ceremony took place Friday, May 17, attended by the largest number of graduates ever. Photo by Isabel Epstein.   More than 7,700 Degrees and Certificates Conferred Stony Brook University’s Class of 2024 celebrated in front of an enthusiastic crowd full of family and friends at the 64th annual Commencement Ceremony May 17 at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. Four years ago, many of the undergraduate students had their high school graduation exercises minimized or canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which also affected the start of their college years. So for many of the students receiving their degrees, this was the first time they could be recognized for their academic achievements in front of the people who helped and supported them along the way. And support them they did — the largest-ever main commencement ceremony crowd filled the seats at LaValle Stadium surrounding the candidates gathered on the field. An overflow area in Frey Hall was provided to allow guests the option to watch the festivities via livestream. Click here to read the original article.

Lily McInerney, a senior journalism major with a multidisciplinary cultural analysis concentration, placed seventh in the nation in a recent Hearst Journalism Awards competition. McInerney placed in the multimedia category for a story that she began working on in January 2023. Humanity behind History tells the story of a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor and how she came to terms with and shared her experiences. The piece goes beyond the term survivor and seeks to humanize subjects by explaining the interests and hobbies of those who suffered deeply.  Click here to read the original article.  

[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.