Outgoing U.S.Ambassador Mark Lippert Visits Yonsei

 

-Cherishes Special Ties with Yonsei

 

 

 

 

On January 20, outgoing U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert and his family paid a visit to Yonsei before returning to America. Ambassador Lippert was appointed to the post by then-President Obama in 2014. Despite serving for just over two years in Seoul, he became very popular among the South Korean people, while also establishing special ties with Yonsei.

 

After being attacked at a breakfast function in Seoul on March 5, 2015, Ambassador Lippert underwent a successful surgery at Yonsei’s Severance Hospital. Following his recovery, he delivered a special lecture at Yonsei on the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Later, to express his gratitude for the university’s medical care, he donated the “Lippert Tree,” which is located near the entrance of Baekyangro. Last September he attended the Yon-Ko Sports Festival while wearing a blue Yonsei jacket. Furthermore, both of his children, Sejun and Sehee, were born at Severance Hospital.

 

During his farewell to visit to Yonsei, Ambassador Lippert said: “I am very grateful that Yonsei and my family have created special bonds, and I am also thankful for Yonsei’s support and contributions to my work during my time in South Korea. I would like to continue our special ties even when I return to the United States.” He added: “If allowed, I would like to come back to South Korea to teach at Yonsei University.” In response, Yonsei President Yong-Hak Kim said: “Yonsei will always welcome you with open arms, and we hope to further deepen our ties in the future.”

 

Ambassador Lippert took a photo with his family and Yonsei Student Ambassadors in front of the Lippert Tree and said the very Korean phrase “Hwaiting!”