CHANGWON — Changwon National University has reopened its central library as the Choi Chung-kyung Library, named after the Gyeongnam Steel chairman who has donated a total of 2 billion won (about $1.4 million) to his alma mater.
The university said on the 20th that it completed renovation work on the central library and held a naming ceremony and plaque unveiling on the first floor of the building that day. Choi's donations to the university development fund, including money for this renovation, now total 2 billion won.
Choi, who earned his doctorate at Changwon National University, has supported his alma mater for more than 30 years, serving as chairman of its school foundation association (giseonghoe), chairman of its support association and honorary chancellor.
Choi's giving has also extended to education, culture and the arts in the region. He funded the construction of a dormitory and gymnasium at Changshin High School in Masan, established the Songwon Scholarship Foundation at Changwon National University, and took part in founding the Gyeongnam Opera Company and the Gyeongnam Jazz Orchestra. A former chairman of the Changwon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he currently chairs the Gyeongnam Committee for Social Integration.
The renovation also reconfigured the library's interior. The central library, which draws about 700,000 visitors a year, is open to local residents as well as university members. The school converted space previously devoted mainly to studying into a multipurpose cultural venue with reading, rest and exhibition functions. An exhibition area was created in the first-floor lobby, and space for reading and relaxation was set aside on the second floor.
"The wealth that business people achieve is not the work of one person alone, so returning part of it to society and letting that sharing lead to greater development for society is a precious value our society should carry on," Choi said. "I hope this becomes a starting point and a priming force that draws younger business people's interest in university development and brings about more giving."
"Beyond the size of the amount, the sincerity of Chairman Choi's feeling toward the region and his alma mater is resonating strongly with our members," a university official said. "We expect it to serve as an occasion for breathing new life into a stagnant environment for regional universities."