2025 Fall Semester POSTECH Mathematics Kick-Off Day

The event was hosted by Professor Jaehoon Jung, the department chair, who opened the program with welcoming remarks. This was followed by an introduction of faculty and staff members, and then a formal welcome of the new undergraduate and graduate students. Each new student was individually introduced and received a personalized traditional name stamp as a symbolic gift. The new students also shared a few words expressing their aspirations and determination as they begin their journey at POSTECH.

The program continued with a presentation reviewing the department’s major achievements and events from the first half of 2025. Brief overviews of the department's affiliated research centers—PMI, MINDS, CRT, and CM2LA—were also given.

A short awards ceremony recognized recipients of the Excellent Teaching Assistant Award and the Graduate Research Fellowship. A group photo session and a raffle draw followed, contributing to a warm and cheerful atmosphere.

To close the event, a light-hearted and creative activity was organized by the undergraduate student president. Using ChatGPT, a trending AI tool, the student recreated portraits of faculty members in the distinctive art style of Studio Ghibli. Attendees were invited to guess which professor each drawing depicted, which generated laughter and enthusiastic participation from the audience.

Dinner was served starting at 6:00 PM, during which participants enjoyed casual conversation and strengthened their connections within the department. The Kick-Off Day successfully marked the beginning of a new semester and served as a meaningful occasion to build community and look ahead to continued academic and research excellence.