Ewha Womans University launches 140th anniversary fundraising campaign

A promotional poster for Ewha Womans University's 140 anniversary / Courtesy of Ewha Womans University

Ewha Womans University began its 140th anniversary fundraising campaign with the inauguration of the Ewha 140th Anniversary Development Supporters’ Committee, Thursday.

The campaign aims to raise 140 billion won ($95 million) to strengthen the university’s long-term financial foundations and spread a culture of philanthropy across its academic community.

According to Ewha Womans University, the launch event highlighted Ewha’s commitment to advancing its mission of inclusive innovation and civic engagement. Ahead of the formal kickoff, university officials said they had already raised a total of 60 billion won, laying the early groundwork for broader participation.

About 100 committee members and prospective donors attended the ceremony, including co-chairs Kim Young-ja of the Seungsan Nanum Foundation; Kim Eun-mi, chair of the Ewha Hakdang Foundation; Lee Myung-kyung, president of the Ewha Alumni Association; Ewha University President Lee Hyang-sook; and Jang Myung-soo, former chair of the Ewha Hakdang Foundation.

The program featured an introduction to the university’s vision, an overview of the development supporters’ committee, remarks by the co-chairs, special performances and a reception. Organizers said the event was intended to foster a shared understanding of Ewha’s future goals and the significance of its 140-year legacy.

A spokesperson added that Ewha has been preparing since 2025, designating the milestone as the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

The 140th anniversary steering committee chaired by the university's president has coordinated seven subcommittees focused on academic programming, commemorative events, publicity, fundraising and facilities, archival work and publications, performances and exhibitions.

Commemorative activities are planned throughout May, including the university’s official founding date. Over the course of the month, the university will host academic symposia, exhibitions and performances designed to involve Ewha students, faculty and alumni in the celebration.

They are also launching a dedicated anniversary website to showcase the institution’s achievements over the past 140 years and outline its strategic vision for the future under the theme of “Leading an era of inclusive innovation.”

“The anniversary provides an opportunity to share Ewha’s 140-year history and traditional values with the world and create a forward-looking festival that unites all members of the Ewha community,” Ewha Womans University President Lee Hyang-sook said in a press release.