Dr. Avison, who laid the foundations for Yonsei University, honored with new headstone in Canada on 70th anniversary of his death

[Financial News] A new headstone has been erected at Dr. Oliver R. Avison's gravesite in Canada on the 70th anniversary of his death. He dedicated himself to the development of modern medicine and higher education in Korea and laid the foundations for Yonsei University (Oliver R. Avison, 1860–1956).
Yonsei University said on the 26th that it held a ceremony on the 17th (local time) to mark the installation of a new headstone at Hillcrest Cemetery in Ontario, Canada, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Dr. Avison's death. Hanwha Ocean and Dr. Avison's family joined forces on the cemetery restoration project to honor his achievements as a figure known as the father of modern medicine in Korea and to reflect on the historic ties between Korea and Canada.
Hanwha Ocean began working with Dr. Avison's family in February this year, and in March, Eo Seong-cheol, president of Hanwha Ocean's Special Ship Business Division, visited the gravesite in Canada in person to discuss restoration plans. At the family's request, a new headstone was erected alongside the original, which bears the inscription “KOREA” and reflects the deceased's affection for Korea, while the original was preserved intact.
Dr. Avison was a key figure who helped lay the foundations of early Yonsei University alongside Henry Appenzeller. During his tenure as principal of Yeonhi College and Severance Medical College, he established the country's modern medical education and higher education systems. The medical and educational traditions he built were carried on by the Severance Union Medical College, and in 1957, Yeonhi University and the Severance Union Medical College merged to form what is now Yonsei University.
Kim Se-hun, director of the Dong-Eun Medical Museum, attended the event representing Yonsei University, and Yonsei University President Dong-Sup Yoon sent the family a letter expressing his gratitude.
In the letter, President Yoon wrote, “Dr. Avison was a person who dedicated himself to medicine, education, and humanitarian service, leaving a significant mark on Korean society,” and added, “The values and spirit he put into practice continue to serve as important guideposts for Yonsei University as it advances scholarship and social service today.”  

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