▲ Photograph Provided by KU Communications team. From left Professor Emeritus Woo Jong Cheon (Seoul National University), Woo Hyeong Gyu, KU President Kim Byung Chul

On August 29, Professor emeritus Choi Deok Gyeong (School of Medicine) made a billion won donation to her school in hopes of quality education of medical school, with her son Woo Jeong Cheon, her husband Woo Hyeong Gyu, and current President of KU Kim Byung Chul attended at the President office of KU.

As the first graduate of Gyeongseong women’s college of medicine – the prototype of KU medical school – which operated under Japanese colonial regime, Professor Choi was the pioneering leader in the field of western medicine – the field which faced public apathy and, at times, skepticism throughout modern Korean history.

She is an iconic female doctor who has made a big footprint in the history of medicine. Not only did she devote herself to her teaching duty but she served as the first chairperson of an alumni association of the medical school, through which she pushed for women participation in the academic field.

Professor Choi who is 95 year old this year, despite her frail health condition, still remains committed to educating posterity. Before her decision to donate lifelong savings, she also appeared at the lecture room – named after her in honor of her dedication to the school – located in the KU medical school, to take part in the ceremony.

“We deeply appreciate her concern and care to the school, and will utilize the resources wisely to provide better learning environment to students, who will soon be touched by her sincerity.” Said Kim Byeong Cheol the president of KU

Woo Jong Cheon, her first son who is now a professor emeritus at Seoul National University, briefly summed up how he felt by saying “very meaningful contribution that reaffirmed her love for the school. Her lifelong hope to make contribution to the school is now realized.”

Though many titles – from the professor at KU to the chairperson of the Korean Female Doctor Association – follow her reflecting her coups in the medical field, she is now a benevolent donator, further glorifying her immaculate path as a doctor, and mother.