This April 26th marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of founding POSTECH president Dr. Hogil Kim. An accomplished nuclear physicist, Dr. Kim was a visionary leader who was responsible for laying the foundation for POSTECH to become a leading research university.

 During his eight years as president, Dr. Kim led POSTECH to become a world-leading university by recruiting top high school graduates and hiring world-class faculty members. He was also a leader in the construction of the Pohang Light Source, the only light source in Korea. His innovative thinking spurred other Korean universities to turn its focus increasingly towards research-oriented education.

 Dr. Kim earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Seoul National University in 1956 and his doctorate from the University of Birmingham, England in 1964. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Kim was the past president of the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association of America and the former vice president of the Korean Physical Society. The broad human network he had fostered helped invite world renowned Korean senior professors to POSTECH, a major contribution to the successful launching of the university.

 To commemorate Dr. Kim’s death and honor his many contributions to POSTECH and to the science and engineering fields, POSTECH will host events during April 26th and 30th. The POSTECH community is invited to honor Dr. Kim with a visit to his gravesite in Jirye, Andong-city on the morning of Saturday, April 26th.

 Events honoring Dr. Kim will be held throughout the day on Wednesday, April 30th. A commemoration ceremony will be held at 10am on the first floor of the Hogil Kim Memorial Hall in front of Dr. Kim’s bust sculpture. The Pohang Accelerator Laboratory will give a tour and photo exhibition in commemoration of Dr. Kim starting at 11am. The Campaign for Hogil Kim Fund will host a luncheon at the Grand Ballroom of the POSCO International Center for invited guests. A commemorative forum chaired by former POSTECH president, Dr. Sunggi Baik, will be held at the conference room of the POSCO International Center from 2 until 4pm. The day will end with a commemorative speech titled “POSTECH’s Continuous Adventure” by POSTECH alumnus, Mr. Sukwoo Lee (’87), at the International Conference Room (1st floor) of the POSCO International Center at 5pm. 

 Events are open to POSTECH faculty, staff, and students as well as invited guests.