Yonsei’s 126th Anniversary—“A big step towards becoming a worldly respected university for academic excellence” The 2011 Yonsei Faculty and Staff New Year Gathering was held on Jan 3rd at the Centennial Memorial hall with over 400 faculty and staff members. The gathering opened with a New Year prayer by Chief Pastor of Yonsei University, Park Jeong-se—“We pray for Yonsei to continue fulfilling its role as a Christian university, illuminating the world and leading a history of freedom.” In his speech at this event, President Kim Han-joong said, “The academic excellence of Yonsei has been proved by the capability and effort of all Yonsei faculty and staff members. We have now set new goals towards developing into a worldly respected and truly profound university. It will take the collaboration of all Yonsei members, including myself, professors, staff, students, and alumni. This bonding will empower Yonsei and generate synergy.” A special performance of Dvorak’s Op. 87 Piano Quartet was given by Professor Vincent de Vries, Professor Kim Hyon-ah, Professor Kim Sang-jin, and Park Hye-jun.