Honorary Degree Conferred On President Of Seoul National University During Colorado State University Commencement Celebration
Friday, May 2, 1997
Note to Editors: To set up an interview with Dr. Jungho
Sonu, call Michelle Rovang at (970) 491-6432.
FORT COLLINS--A major figure in South Korean higher
education will receive an honorary degree during commencement
exercises at Colorado State University May 17.
Jungho Sonu, president of Seoul National University and 1973
alumnus of Colorado State, will be conferred an Honorary Doctor
of Science degree by President Albert Yates at the all-university
ceremonies in Hughes Stadium 9-10:30 a.m. May 17. Nationally
syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman will deliver the commencement
address.
"Dr. Sonu's tremendous accomplishments in the sciences are a
tribute to his dedication, hard work and capabilities," Yates
said. "His achievements reflect the highest credit on Colorado
State and on higher education in Korea."
Sonu is known for landmark contributions in hydrology and
engineering. He graduated from Colorado State with a doctorate in
civil engineering, specializing in groundwater science and
engineering, and returned to Korea in 1974 to assume the post of
professor of civil engineering at Seoul National University.
Sonu's teaching and research in groundwater and hydrology
led to his involvement in engineering projects and the eventual
construction of major dams in Korea. He was elected or appointed
to offices including the Korea National Committee on Large Dams,
the Korea Society of Civil Engineering, the Korean Water
Resources Association and the Ministry of Construction.
As a leader in higher education at Seoul National
University, Sonu became associate dean of Academic Affairs,
director of the University Library, dean of engineering and vice
president. He helped guide the university into becoming a major
research institution among national and international educational
systems.
Sonu's nomination was lauded by Korean officials, including
the Prime Minister, and he has enjoyed strong support from
colleagues at Colorado State who remember him as a visionary
scholar and a fine example of the high achievements shown by
graduates from the College of Engineering.
"As a student, Dr. Sonu had a reputation as one of the
sharpest and most dedicated students in the department," said
Neil Grigg, chairman of the department of civil engineering. "His
appointment to the presidency of Seoul National University
actually came as no surprise -- his entire career has been
devoted to teaching and research and to the advancement of higher
education in Korea and throughout the world."
Sonu was inaugurated 50th president of Seoul National
University in March 1996.
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