Ewha Womans University Celebrates 140th Anniversary with Alumni Family Search Event
Ewha Womans University recently held the “Ewha Family Search” event on the 7th to commemorate its 140th anniversary. The initiative aims to identify and honor families that have multiple generations of alumni from the university. This unique program highlights the deep-rooted connection between the institution and its community, showcasing how the values and legacy of Ewha have been passed down through generations.
The event was open for applications starting in April, and after a month-long period, the university identified 40 families where at least three generations of direct relatives have graduated from Ewha Womans University. Additionally, nine families were discovered where ten or more relatives, including cousins, have attended the institution. This is the third time the university has organized such an event, following similar initiatives in 2006 and 2008 to mark its 120th and 130th anniversaries, respectively.
A Gathering of Generations
The event brought together Ewha Womans University President Lee Hyang-sook, Ewha Womans University Alumni Association President Lee Myeong-kyung, 35 selected alumni families, and approximately 120 participants. Attendees ranged from current students to a 93-year-old alumna, all sharing stories and memories of their time at Ewha.
President Lee Hyang-sook emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Ewha Womans University’s 140th anniversary is a history created by the devotion and passion of numerous Ewha people who have loved and protected Ewha in every era.” She added, “Today’s event is an opportunity to collectively confirm how Ewha’s values and spirit have been passed down within the community of families, beyond individual achievements.”
A Legacy of Four Generations
One of the most remarkable families recognized during the event is Park Ju-mi’s, whose family spans four generations of Ewha alumni. Park, 23, is part of a lineage that includes her great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and herself. Her great-grandmother, Jang Myeong-hee, graduated from Ewha Women’s College’s music department in 1940 and worked as a music teacher in Daegu during the Korean War evacuation.
Her grandmother, Park Seon-kyung, graduated from the French literature department in 1967. Park recalls her grandmother often sharing stories about her college days, including the challenges of studying without proper textbooks.
A Tradition of Education
The third generation, Park’s mother, Lee Han-na, graduated from the chemistry department in 1992. She shared that her father supported her education, considering it natural for women to pursue higher learning. Growing up, she heard her maternal family say, “Send her to Ewha,” which naturally led her to choose the university.
Park Ju-mi, the fourth generation, graduated from the sociology department in February and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at Ewha Womans University. As a child, she dreamed of attending Ewha while touring the campus with her grandmother and mother. She expressed pride in continuing the legacy of Ewha, stating, “Although the times were different, all family members learned and grew at Ewha. I will carry on the spirit of Ewha demonstrated by the previous generations.”
A Family of 18 Alumni
Another standout family is that of the late Jeon Young-hee, whose family includes 18 graduates from Ewha Womans University. Despite her passing in January due to illness, her daughter Chae Yoon-ji mobilized the family to honor her mother’s legacy. Jeon graduated from the foreign language education department in 1969 and served as the head of the Saemaul Undong Seodaemun District Association for 12 years, leading community development and volunteer work for vulnerable groups.
Chae recalled her mother’s contributions, saying, “My mother was the first female head of the Saemaul Undong Seodaemun District Association. She was a person who demonstrated fearless female leadership.”
A Culture of Excellence
Chae, who graduated from the vocal music department in 1996, shared that in her family, retaking exams to enter Ewha Womans University was considered normal. Her older brother married an Ewha alumna, and two of her nephews also graduated from the same department. The family has produced graduates from various majors, including decorative arts, Western painting, sculpture, piano, and physical education, with many working as educators.
Chae, now a lecturer at Ewha Womans University, said, “We take pride in continuing our academic pursuits generation after generation on the foundation where women’s education has flourished.” She added, “I want to convey to Ewha families that as we have done well keeping up with the times, we will continue to do so in the future.”
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