"Unlike the past when only the large sum of donations could be made, KUPC allows regular, small donations,” Choi Won Suk, the manager of KUPC, proudly said. The purpose of the recent establishment of the KUPC Lounge, located near the Central Plaza, is to promote donation with the purpose of scholarship and students’ welfare improvement. Donators can join KUPC simply by donating at least 10,000 won every month, which is worth two or three cups of coffee, and participate in a campaign promoting KU’s development.

Currently, one of the dramatic changes made by KUPC is in the sector of scholarship program for exchange student programs of KU. There were no existing scholarship programs for KU students who wished to participate in those programs. That is, students from low-income households were burdened with the costly expenses of the exchange student program. “Thanks to KUPC donators, 19 students who were in need of financial support were able to be provided with air fare, living expenses, and lodging expenses,” Choi remarked.

KUPC is not an individual institution, but is a campaign managed by the Korea University Fund Raising Department (KUFRD). People can join the donation program by filling out the form and sending it by text message, by text message, online, phone, or fax. There are also several options prepared for diverse donators.

 

Donators can choose from registering for one account and a million won donation to 1905 accounts and special patronage. Also, givers can select if they want tenure patronage or a temporary one. Not only KU alumni, but anyone who is willing to contribute to the development of KU is welcome to participate. Actually, KUPC does not target students that are currently enrolled in KU since the majority of them have not started their economic activity yet. Members of KUPC can confirm if their donations have been used for the right purpose by downloading the form from the KUPC website or the accounting information enclosed with the newsletter.

Although it does not perfectly coincide with the original purpose of donating, KUPC actually provides the donators with some benefit. “To express our gratitude, we provide the participants with newsletters of KUPC, free parking on campus, and the KUPC Lounge. We are also planning on sending simple KUPC badges along with newsletters,” Choi commented. They are ceaselessly striving to maintain the strong bonding between KU and the patrons.

Meanwhile, there has been some dispute regarding the persistence of the KUPC Lounge, with some voices complaining that the lounge deprives students of their space for practicing autonomy. This, however, turned out to be a misunderstanding, as all KU students are also allowed to use the lounge. “I sincerely want to resolve the misapprehension of the students related to KUPC Lounge,” Choi said. “KUPC Lounge does not ostracize enrolled students. Since the genuine purpose of KUPC lies in betterment of KU and student welfare, any KU student, as well as the KUPC members, are welcome to visit the lounge any time,” he added.

Choi also showed gratitude for all the participants of KUPC. According to him, KUPC is on its way of endless exertion to live up to the expectation of people who love KU. Anyone who wants to patronize KU’s development, even people who do not have a direct relationship with KU, are always welcome to knock on KUPC’s door to make a seismic change.