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"Write the Life You Want”: James Rhee on Agency and Kindness at SUNY Korea With the world changing so fast and becoming less stable, it is easy for us to lose our agency. On September 30th, 2025, Global CEO and National Bestselling Author James Rhee, founder of the Red Helicopter and Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship at Howard University, visited SUNY Korea for a distinguished Seminar on how to reclaim agency and lead with kindness. The event drew distinguished guests from the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, local high school teachers, and members of the SUNY Korea community, with opening remarks by the Dean of Academic Affairs. Rhee, a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law and the former Executive chairman who led the celebrated turnaround of Ashley Stewart, framed the talk around a simple tension: the world is changing faster than our ability to feel in control. In moments like this, he said, people chase perfection, outsource judgement to leaders or smartphones and forget their own authorship. What is Agency? “Agency means you are not a puppet, you choose, you act, you own the outcome,” he explained. True agency blends autonomy, competence, connection, and trust. To visualize this balance, Rhee offered his signature red helicopter metaphor. A helicopter is loud and crashes more often than a plane, but it can move in six directions and, crucially, it can hover. Having agency does not mean being the best at everything, but rather, being balanced. He added, “The best pilots make constant micro adjustments,” an image for how agentic people lead through times of uncertainty. Additionally, he argued that kindness is not soft; it is structural. “Kindness is an investment in someone’s agency,” he said. It is not direct, not merely “nice,” it creates positive externalities known as goodwill, that disperses in teams and communities. As he succinctly put it: “math + kindness = truth.” In kind environments, ego and fear diminish, brains expand, and creativity rises. That matters in a future where what’s most human – empathy, judgment and “jeong” (정) – will be our advantage. The talk was threaded with his personal story. Growing up between cultures, Rhee shared how external success once left him feeling less agentic and even less Korean. Reclaiming agency, he said, is often painful and requires courage: confident people ask for help; insecure cultures punish it. Agency is not fear based, and we must be confident and curious. We cannot have agency if we do not trust ourselves, and we cannot be kind to people if we are not kind to ourselves. He closed with a challenge: “The ultimate act of agency is to write the life that you want. If you can lead yourself, you can lead others. What is your red helicopter story?” Rhee encouraged students to listen to their own inner voice and refuse to let others silence it. The process of linking past, present and future with balance, connection, measurement and goodwill, is the journey of agency itself. SUNY Korea thanks James Rhee for his impactful seminar and for setting us on a mission to discover our agency and to lead with kindness. Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)
2025.10.02 Hits 418
[Student Reporter] SUNY Korea Hosts IGC Career Exploration Day: Non-STEM Edition Students came to the Incheon Global Campus on Saturday, September 27, 2025, to participate in the Fall 2025 IGC Career Exploration Day: Non-STEM Edition at the University of Utah Asia Campus. The all-day event gave students the chance to learn about non-STEM career options, gain insights from professionals within their field and participate in hands-on workshop sessions to develop career-related skills. This event had two paths to offer support to students on different levels of their college life. Track A was focused on 1st and 2nd year students looking across different majors and career paths, with a focus on explorations, and was held in the morning. Students received an insight into different careers in Marketing, Business Data Analytics, PR/Communications, Human Resources, Sales, and Finance. The students left with a foundation level of knowledge of these fields in order to facilitate their discovery. Track B was immersion and preparation focused; aimed at juniors and seniors joining the workforce, it was held in the afternoon. The juniors and seniors acquired hands-on training, portfolio building and guidance on employability skills. Students had opportunities to engage with practitioners from organizations like BENOW, S-Core, LG CNS, Gate Gourmet, and Hyundai Steel. At various points in the mentorship sessions, students were able to ask questions, establish rapport, and concurrently develop the skills and techniques tailored for them; while in the workshops students were able to create resumes, practice interviewing skills and learn about job search strategies. The IGC Career Exploration Day: Non-STEM Edition reflected SUNY Korea's commitment towards preparing its students for success and facilitated the students in exploring options and taking positive strides towards their future profession. Written by Student Reporter, Moldir Salim (moldir.salim@stonybrook.edu)
2025.10.01 Hits 525
[Student Reporter] Louis Vuitton Korea Inspires the Next Generation of Fashion Business Leaders On Wednesday, the reputable luxury fashion house ‘Louis Vuitton’ invited students from all four IGC campuses to learn about the unique career opportunities at Louis Vuitton Korea. FIT Korea was honored by this groundbreaking event brought together by the Fashion Business Management Department, which welcomed students from all the IGC universities. Celebrating innovation, creativity and the future of fashion in South Korea, event featured three main segments: an MoU Signing Ceremony, presentations by representatives from the Human Resources, Merchandising, and Retail Learning & Development departments, and concluded with a networking session. Before the main event began the hallway outside the event hall was transformed into an interactive space where Louis Vuitton boutique artists hosted a live trunk painting demonstration. Students were invited to join and even take part in the painting process, gaining a close-up look at the and artistry that embody Louis Vuitton’s heritage. The lecture hall was packed with curious and interested students, sandwiches in hand, some standing at the back because of the packed capacity or simply to get a better look. Guest speakers from Louis Vuitton Korea walked students through the house’s rich history via a series of fun quizzes and captivating storytelling. The presentation also touched on Louis Vuitton Korea’s own role within the global company and the range of career paths available. The guest speakers showed what working at Louis Vuitton can be like. After the presentation, the Q&A session began, where many questions were answered, including internship tips and how Louis Vuitton stays relevant despite many shifts in consumer trends. Some of the more memorable questions: “How does Louis Vuitton balance the demand for newness and innovation with the fundamental need for enduring luxury especially with shifts in consumer behaviors and the rise of digital platforms?” “That will take me a year to answer. In short, many luxury brands value and highlight their heritage, DNA and their unique strength. A lot of brands are coming up but not many luxury brands. The shift in consumer behavior, we try to understand that. The new Gen X and Gen Z are important to understand because they are a part of the industry. It's as much you as it is us. We don't want to fulfill every single trend, but rather we try to position ourselves and highlight our strength in the market. We think it's more important to do that than get persuaded by each trend." - A representative from Louis Vuitton Korea What initially drew you to working with Louis Vuitton? “I asked myself whether this job is giving me energy or making me lose my energy. Before joining LV, I worked for the government in finance. During that time, I realized that I really enjoy getting information and solving numbers and problems, but I hate repetition, so I got sick of it. I wanted excitement and engagement in my work. Then, I started to work for Louis Vuitton and now, it has been 18 years since I started working here." - Another representative from Louis Vuitton Korea The afternoon wrapped up with a lively networking session, where students were able to talk directly to all the representatives. For the students, this was a rare chance to witness the intricate work behind a world class luxury brand. As a Fashion Business Management student, I felt inspired to work harder and to stay curious in the hopes of being able to work for or create a brand like theirs. I can imagine the other people sitting next to me felt the same. The event also highlighted how the FBM Department is helping shape us into the next generation of leaders in the global fashion business. Judging by the buzz in the hallways afterward, Louis Vuitton’s campus visit didn’t just inform students about career options but also inspired them to imagine their own future in fashion. Through this partnership, both institutions have agreed to continue collaborating in the future to foster talent and strengthen industry-academia cooperation. Written by Student Reporter, Maral Naranbaatar (maral_naranbaatar@fitnyc.edu)
2025.09.29 Hits 662
SUNY Korea Library Featured in Brique Magazine The SUNY Korea Library has been featured in the latest issue of Brique Magazine, a renowned Korean publication dedicated to architecture, design, and innovative spaces. The article, titled “The Meeting of Circular Architecture and Modern Learning Environments – SUNY Korea Library,” highlights the library’s unique architectural design and its role in fostering a collaborative, student-centered academic atmosphere. The SUNY Korea Library, designed to be more than just a place to study, also serves as a hub of intellectual growth, innovation, communication, and interaction. The library allows students, faculty, and staff to connect, reflecting SUNY Korea’s vision and mission to empower global leaders through high quality education as well as community. Brique Magazine highlighted the library’s thoughtful design in keeping the circular shape while remodeling the inside to a modern innovation space. They praised how the space meets the evolving needs of today’s students while staying rooted in SUNY Korea’s global vision for education. This recognition marks a significant moment for SUNY Korea. To read the full article, visit Brique Magazine’s website
2025.09.26 Hits 752
198 New Students Join the SUNY Korea Fall 2025 Convocation Ceremony On August 21, SUNY Korea welcomed 198 new Stony Brook University and Fashion Institute of Technology students at the Convocation Ceremony held in the IGC Auditorium. This Fall 2025 semester, SUNY Korea welcomed students representing 17 different countries, including Korea, the United Sates, Singapore, Canada, and Vietnam. Notably, Mexico was added to the list for the first time, bringing the total number to 71 nationalities. The program began with President Arthur Lee’s welcome remarks, followed by congratulatory messages from two representatives from Stony Brook University and Fashion Institute of Technology, Carl Lejuez, Provost and Executive Vice President of SBU and Chairman of SUNY Korea LLC, and Joyce Brown, President of FIT. The ceremony continued with the recitation of the Student Pledge, scholarship award ceremony, and the traditional SUNY Korea pinning ceremony. In his welcome remarks, President Lee encouraged the incoming students’ new journey, saying, “As representatives of SUNY Korea, believe in your innate talents and dream big. Do not be afraid of challenging yourself in your respective fields, whether that is fashion, business, or engineering. Learn from your failures and continue growing. Go beyond academic learning and embrace a life-changing growth.” The new students from Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Business Management, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Technology and Society from Stony Brook University, and Fashion Business Management and Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, will begin their first day of classes on Friday, August 22.
2025.08.22 Hits 2555
Lecture Halls in Academic Building C Renovated Over Summer SUNY Korea is pleased to announce the renovation of its lecture halls in Academic Building C, completed over the summer break. During the thirteen years since the campus first opened, these three halls have served as a foundation for student learning, growth, and discovery. The recent renovation includes replacing the original carpet flooring with modern, durable deco tiles. The upgrade enhances hygiene and creates a more professional and welcoming environment for lectures, presentations, and academic events. We look forward to seeing the impact these improvements will have on the academic experience of our students and faculty.
2025.07.31 Hits 2380
Exploring Boundless Possibilities: Vice President Tardis Johnson Presents FIT’s Expansive Opportunities In a recent seminar, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Tardis Johnson led an engaging and insightful discussion about the diverse academic and career opportunities available to students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The talk emphasized one central message: FIT is much more than just Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management. SUNY Korea FIT students can continue their studies after earning an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in either Fashion Business Management (FBM) or Fashion Design (FD) by applying to FIT programs in New York or Italy. While FBM and FD remain foundational majors, students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of degree programs, from jewelry design and menswear to material design and fashion styling, reflecting the dynamic nature of the fashion and creative industries. “Students often enter FIT thinking about only one or two pathways,” he noted, “but there is so much more to explore such as textile design, marketing, journalism, fashion forecasting, and even social media strategy.” Among the many opportunities discussed were: Art History and Museum Professions: ideal for those interested in the business and curation side of art. Entrepreneurship: for students aspiring to launch their own businesses or fashion brands. Home Products Development: a multibillion-dollar industry focused on the creation of essential items used in homes, distinct from interior design. International Trade and Transportation: a key area within Fashion Business Management that focuses on logistics and the global movement of fashion goods. Textile Development and Marketing: crucial for understanding the fabrics and materials that designers rely on in their work. Vice President Johnson emphasized that students have the freedom and support to pursue whichever path aligns with their interests. However, he encouraged everyone to be proactive: “It’s important to do your research and talk to faculty members, many of whom come directly from the industry and can offer unique insights.” He also explained the process for students considering a change or continuation of their studies at the upper division level. After applying for graduation from an associate program, students can explore a wide variety of bachelor’s degree options at FIT. Some programs may require additional coursework or prerequisites, so planning ahead is essential. These requirements are subject to change, so please refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information: https://www.fitnyc.edu/academics/academic-divisions/index.php. Programs requiring additional coursework include: Advertising and Marketing Communications (AMC) Advertising and Digital Design Animation, Interactive Media & Game Design Direct and Interactive Marketing Film and Media Fine Arts Footwear and Accessories Design Illustration Interior Design Packaging Design Photography and Related Media Product Management Spatial Experience Design Technical Design Toy Design Art History and Museum Professions The seminar concluded with a call to action: students are encouraged to explore the full list of undergraduate programs on the FIT website, speak with professors and advisors, and consider new and emerging industries that align with their passions and strengths. Watch the full interview to learn more: CLICK HERE
2025.07.17 Hits 4646
Japanese City Council Members Visit SUNY Korea to Explore Global Education Collaboration On July 3, three members of the Liberal Democratic Party from the Sapporo City Council in Japan visited SUNY Korea to discuss ways to promote global education and enhance mutual academic exchange between the two countries. During the visit, the council members received an overview of SUNY Korea’s cutting-edge academic programs in AI, robotics, and global fashion – fields in which the university has taken the leading role as the first American university at the Incheon Global campus. They were also provided with a campus tour, with the council members expressing great interest in how SUNY Korea attracts and nurtures top global talent, not only in STEM but across a range of fields. The council members included Iijima Hiroyuki, Kojima Yumi, and Yamada Ichiro, alongside SUNY Korea Vice President for Administration and External Relations Pyungryun Brian and other university officials. The meeting included in-depth discussions about the founding and establishment of SUNY Korea and the Incheon Global campus, university-industry cooperation, and future prospects for educational collaboration. Kojima Yumi stated, “It was a meaningful opportunity to visit SUNY Korea, see its successful educational model firsthand, and explore opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to building a productive relationship through continued cooperation.”
2025.07.09 Hits 3552
SUNY Korea Hosts AI-Focused Training for Gangwon Middle School Principals On June 19, SUNY Korea conducted a special training session in collaboration with the Gangwon Middle School Principals’ Association, that was targeted at preparing the future of education in the era of digital transformation. Held over two days from June 19 to 20 at Songdo International Business District, the session brought together over 100 middle school principals for the in-depth discussions and learning. As part of the training session, Professor Johng-Ihl Lee from the Department of Technology and Society and also the Vice Executive Director for the Research and Business Development Foundation (R&BDF) delivered a lecture titled “10 Useful Tips for Understanding the Advancement of AI.” Through this training session, the principals gained a deeper understanding of the direction of education and technological trends in the era of digital transformation, as well as valuable insights to guide future school operations and educational innovation. Building on this collaboration with the Gangwon region, SUNY Korea aims to broaden its partnerships with education offices and schools not only in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon, but across the country, to support education innovation and regional cooperation.
2025.06.26 Hits 3988
[Student Reporter] SUNY Korea Spring 2025 Commencement & AAS Exhibition On June 13th, 2025, SUNY Korea celebrated a momentous day, beginning with a commencement ceremony for the Spring 2025 graduating class at the IGC Auditorium. Together, the graduates of SUNY represented seven departments: Computer Science, Technology and Society, Mechanical Engineering, Business Management, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Fashion Business Management, and Fashion Design. This wide array of majors was just one aspect of their diversity- students came from over ten different countries, representing the global reach SUNY Korea has worked hard to cultivate over the years. Professor Hamid Hefazi served as the anchor for the event, beginning with a warm welcome to the graduates and their friends and family who came to celebrate their accomplishments. Arthur H. Lee, President of SUNY Korea, gave a congratulatory speech, reminding the new graduates that they are part of a large network of successful alumni all over the world, working towards a brighter future. Their achievements - whether earning an Associate's, Bachelor's, or pursuing further education - were made possible by their dedication and perseverance at SUNY Korea. Carl Lejuez, Provost and Executive Vice President of SBU and Chairman of SUNY Korea LLC, once again joined the ceremony this year to deliver a congratulatory message to the graduating class. He reminded the graduates that they are now part of a global alumni network of over 200,000 members from the State University of New York (SUNY), and encouraged them to stay connected and support one another through mentorship and shared experiences. SUNY Korea welcomed a special guest this year: Tardis Johnson, Associate Dean of Student Academic Support and Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success at FIT, who traveled from New York City to give a speech to the FIT graduating class in Incheon, South Korea. His invigorating speech emphasized the honor it was to graduate as an alumnus of one of the best fashion schools in the world, praising their hard work and encouraging them to keep being true to themselves and their creative sides. The ceremony concluded with the awarding of certificates to the graduates, many of whom received honors such as Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude—a testament to the strong academic ethic SUNY Korea students have maintained throughout their time here. Among these academic stars, FIT’s Minhee Kim, a Fashion Business Management graduate, and SBU’s So Won Park, an Applied Mathematics and Statistics graduate, were appointed Valedictorians of their respective schools. Following the ceremony, FIT Korea welcomed guests to view the incredible work of the graduating Fashion Design students at the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume. Among the many beautiful garments designed by the graduates, designers Yoonseo Han and Anežka Rysavá were selected for the ‘Critic Awards’ by Jaewon Park, a renowned trailblazer in the growth of the Korean fashion industry, in recognition of their beautiful and thoughtful handiwork. During this ceremony, Professor Mark-Evan Blackman gave a congratulatory speech to the graduating class, leaving many students in tears after having shared so many memories and sleepless nights creating these pieces with the others in the room. The close bond between the Fashion Design professors and graduates was evident, shaped by months of collaboration at SUNY Korea. The Fashion Design faculty honored the commitment and hard work of their graduating students by giving them a gift of appreciation, a heartfelt end to a lovely student showcase. (Critic Awards to Yoonseo Han and Anežka Rysavá) The journey of these SUNY Korea graduates doesn’t end here–some will enter the professional world, while others will continue their studies in the United States and beyond. Regardless of their next steps, their shared experience here at SUNY Korea links them together. We proudly wish them a farewell as they become history-makers around the world. Congratulations, Class of 2025! Written by Student Reporter, Kenessa Washington (kenessa_washington@fitnyc.edu)
2025.06.18 Hits 4973
[Student Reporter] Young, Wild, & Free: SUNY Korea’s Spring Festival Brings Campus to Life The SUNY Korea Quad was filled with excitement and energy as people gathered for the SUNY Korea Spring Festival, “Young, Wild, & Free,” which took place on Friday, May 23. The annual spring event served as a rich celebration of youth, creativity, and community. Kicking off at 3 p.m., the festival grounds came alive with interactive booths hosted by various student organizations. Activities ranged from paint-by-numbers mural painting to a shoe toss, mini-putt challenge, and more. Students also served refreshing food and drinks, including bingsu (a Korean shaved ice dessert), jeon (Korean pancakes), and lemonade. All booths were designed to engage visitors while promoting student-led initiatives. A standout event at the festival was the student-organized fashion show led by the Natural Dyeing Garden Club (NDGC), which showcased sustainable garments created by FIT students using naturally dyed fabrics. Students modeled these pieces down the runway to a backdrop of alternative electronic music. A set design featuring caution tape and distressed fabric emphasized the show’s central theme: “Dystopian Manifesto.” As the sun set, the festival's main stage lit up with engaging performances that captivated the crowd. The evening began with student performances from dance teams EMEIS and GLO, along with live music by student bands DYNAMICS and White Chamber. As night fell, the professional musical lineup took over, featuring some of Korea’s top artists and rising stars: LeeHi, known for her soulful vocals and emotional ballads, had the audience singing and swaying in unison. LUCY, a youthful band, showcased their fresh and vibrant rock-pop sound with a performance that left the audience energized. 1chika delivered a mesmerizing performance that highlighted his vocal skills and emotive style. The “Young, Wild, & Free” Spring Festival was a joyful celebration and a reflection of SUNY Korea’s dynamic campus culture. Through student creativity, exciting performances, and shared school spirit, the festival created lasting memories for all in attendance. As finals loom, the event served as a timely reminder to students of the strong and supportive community they share on SUNY Korea’s campus. Written by Student Reporter, Isabella Cruz (isabella_cruz1@fitnyc.edu)
2025.06.04 Hits 5985
SUNY Korea Stony Brook Launches New Master’s Degree Program in Data Science SUNY Korea Stony Brook is pleased to announce the launch of the Master’s degree program in Data Science. In an increasingly data-driven world, data science has become essential across all industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, government, and media. This new program is designed to meet the growing demand for professionals who can extract insights from data and be leaders in the digital age. Jointly offered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, the program combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical training. It is delivered entirely in English at SUNY Korea Songdo campus and can be completed in 3 to 4 semesters. Students will gain expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and real-world problem solving. The curriculum emphasizes ethical data practices and effective communication of technical results, preparing graduates for impactful careers in both academia and industry. An information session will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 7 PM KST, both in-person and online. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot. Applications for Fall 2025 are now open. For application and admission details, please visit here. For inquiries, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at gradadmission@sunykorea.ac.kr or +82-32-626-1353~4.
2025.05.20 Hits 6164