U Asia Campus

#Giving Hope: UAC Receives the 2024 Pumassi Award for Outstanding Community Service


Gregory Hill, Chief Administrative Officer of the University of Utah Asia Campus, delivers his acceptance speech after receiving the 2024 Pumassi Award.

 

The University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC), led by Chief Administrative Officer Gregory Hill, has been honored with the 2024 Pumassi Award by the H2O Pumassi Movement Headquarters. This recognition celebrates UAC’s consistent dedication to volunteerism and community service, embodying the spirit of compassion and mutual aid.

 

The award ceremony took place on December 3rd, 2024, at the National Assembly Hall in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, during the “2024 Year-End Appreciation Night” hosted by the H2O Pumassi Movement Headquarters. Gregory Hill attended the event in person to accept the award and a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the University of Utah Asia Campus.

 

Since 2022, UAC has been carrying out a variety of community service initiatives through its student volunteer group, “Pumassi With U.” These activities include supporting the National Assembly Children’s Festival as volunteers, organizing a thank-you letter campaign to honor Korean War veterans, and hosting Pumassi Camps for marginalized children, such as descendants of ethnic Koreans from Central Asia and children from multicultural families residing in Korea. These initiatives have not only helped students discover the value of service but have also contributed to fostering harmony and development within the local community, earning widespread praise.

 

In his acceptance speech, Gregory Hill expressed his gratitude, stating, “Utah is known as the most service-oriented state in the U.S., and the spirit of compassion and volunteerism is at the core of our campus and educational philosophy. At the University of Utah Asia Campus, we will continue to help our students grow into responsible leaders who contribute to the global community through the values of service and giving.”

 

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the University of Utah Asia Campus, which offers the same curriculum and degrees as its main campus in Salt Lake City. UAC continues to establish itself as a leading global education institution while prioritizing community engagement. Through volunteerism and meaningful partnerships, the campus is strengthening its connection to the local community and accelerating its growth as a premier American-style educational institution in Korea.

Looking ahead, UAC plans to expand its “Pumassi With U” program and other community-focused initiatives, further promoting the spirit of pumassi—mutual aid and cooperation—throughout Korea.