Drew Giplin Faust, president of Harvard University, talks during a press conference session on March 22. Photo by Kahng Sun-woo.
Drew Gilpin Faust, the first woman president of Harvard University and Lincoln professor of History, visited Ewha on March 22. President Faust was awarded the title “Distinguished Honorary Ewha Fellow” in recognition of her efforts to promote women’s rights and status as a distinguished scholar. President Faust then gave a public address under the theme of “Educate Women; Change the World.” “I really appreciate the effort of Ewha community,” president Faust said. “Ewha and Harvard have a long-lasting relationship through Ewha-HCAP (Harvard College in Asia Program) and Harvard Summer School, and it is a meaningful award especially for me, since Ewha is one of the most powerful women’s universities in Asia.” Ewha president Kim Sun-uk welcomed the visit of president Faust through her welcome address. “Ewha and Harvard share two common values: veritas (truth) and change,” president Kim said. “With this honor of awarding ‘Distinguished Honorary Ewha Fellow’ to president Faust, the two universities will strengthen global partnership and work together to develop female education.”President Faust emphasized women education in her address. “Malala Yousafzai, a 15-year-old girl in Pakistan, was shot in the head by Taliban for defying a ban on girls’ education,” president Faust said. “After recovery, Yousafzai said she was ready to sacrifice herself for the sake of girl’s education. We should not let this tragedy happen ever again.” After the public address, president Faust participated in a press conference held in the Korean Music Hall. President Faust advised university students on their future and employment. “We who run universities are very concerned that our students are able to find employment and not cast a drift in the world,” president Faust said. “But I am also very concerned about how students will adjust to such a rapidly changing world. I think it is important that education creates habits of mind, intellectual skills and ability to think critical ways and enables students to adapt in a world that is going to present surprises to all of us.”
