Seoul is home to more than 2,000 Michigan State University alumni, including Konkuk University President Jongpil Won, a College of Engineering alumnus, who was appointed Konkuk’s 22nd president last year. Won was also named president of the Korean Spartans Alumni Association in the spring.
This year, Won invited Spartans from across the globe to Konkuk’s campus for an extraordinary international reunion, which was held May 16-18. The Global Spartan Reunion weekend in Seoul brought generations of Spartans together for the first international reunion in more than seven years.
Campus light posts were adorned with MSU banners, including a huge horizontal banner at the entrance of Konkuk’s campus that greeted MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, College of Engineering Interim Dean John Papapolymerou, other university leaders and alumni.
“Attending the Global Spartan Reunion in Seoul was a truly inspiring experience,” said Papapolymerou. “It provided a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with our distinguished alumni and celebrate the far-reaching impact of Spartan Engineers. From innovative technologies to sustainable solutions, their work is shaping a better future across borders and industries.”
Among the College of Engineering alumni in attendance were Souad Benromdhane,who earned a doctoral degree in environmental engineering, and Myung Keun Chang , who earned master’s and doctoral degrees in environmental engineering.
Benromdhane traveled to Seoul for the reunion from North Carolina, where she is a senior environmental engineer and physical scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency. She brought her niece along with the intention of inspiring her to become a Spartan.
“MSU is rooted in an openness to international programs. It is a welcoming place for students from all over the world,” Benromdhane said.
Chang, who in April received the 2025 Joon S. Moon International Distinguished Alumni Award, led Samyang Water Systems Co. Ltd. in Seoul and, most recently, acted as chief consultant for privately owned environmental consulting firms Gnaymas Consultants and Waves to Oceans Ltd.
“Alumni connections — whether across the street or across the globe — are what make a university community come alive,” said Mike Wallace, senior director of Development and Alumni Relations for the college. “Spartans and Spartan Engineers are everywhere and we work hard to ensure they stay connected with us in ways that are both personal and meaningful.”
Highlights of the global event included educational sessions led by MSU faculty members and alumni, a special “Spartan Harmony” concert performed by College of Music alumni, networking events, and an extraordinary dinner, featuring Korean cuisine.
Read more about the 2025 Global Spartan Reunion.
Learn more about College of Engineering alumni Jongpil Won, Souad Benromdhane, and Myung Keun Chang .
Original story by Beth Brauer appeared on the International Studies and Programs website.
Written by Judi Melena Smelser
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page