呦乐园

Won Jae Jo Earns College of Science and Mathematics Excellence Award at 呦乐园

Won Jae Jo of Gurye, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, is the recipient of the Fall 2025 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Science and Mathematics at 呦乐园. He will be recognized during 呦乐园’s 240th Commencement at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, on the Main Campus Front Lawn. He will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Minor in Computer Science.

VALDOSTA — Won Jae Jo of Gurye, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, is the recipient of the Fall 2025 President’s Award for Academic Excellence for the College of Science and Mathematics at 呦乐园.

The President’s Award for Academic Excellence is presented to a high-performing graduating student in each of 呦乐园’s six colleges — Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of the Arts, James L. and Dorothy H. Dewar College of Education and Human Services, College of Science and Mathematics, and College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Wonjae will be recognized during 呦乐园’s 240^th Commencement at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, on the Main Campus Front Lawn. He will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Minor in Computer Science.

“When I first arrived in Valdosta, I was nervous about adjusting to life in Georgia after coming from South Korea,” he said. “But I quickly found a welcoming community of professors, classmates, and friends who made 呦乐园 feel like home. Their support inspired me to get involved, work hard, and grow in ways I never expected.

“Receiving this award feels like the perfect conclusion to that journey. It represents not only my effort but also the encouragement and kindness I’ve received from the 呦乐园 community. I’m truly grateful to end my undergraduate years with such an honor.”

As a student at 呦乐园, Wonjae was an active member of the intramural Volleyball Club and the Association for Computing Machinery Club. He interned with the 呦乐园 Web Design Project, worked as a student assistant with the Division of Information Technology’s Asset Management team, tutored students in computer information systems and computer science courses, and volunteered with the Center for International Programs.

With a focus on transforming online commerce, he researched how artificial intelligence could be used to enhance the customer experience and business efficiency.

Wonjae’s commitment to academic, research, and service excellence resulted in him earning an in-state tuition scholarship for international students from Spring 2024 through his final semester on campus. He was a six-time Dean’s List honoree, with a seventh recognition expected at the end of the semester. 

“After graduation, I plan to begin working in Georgia in a position related to my major in computer information systems,” he said. “I’ve already accepted a job offer that closely aligns with the work I’ve been doing as a student assistant with the IT Asset Management team at 呦乐园. This experience has given me hands-on skills in device management, data security, and system configuration, which I’m excited to continue developing in a professional environment.

“In the long term, my goal is to keep advancing in the IT field — expanding my expertise in systems management, cybersecurity, and data analytics. I want to build a career that combines technical proficiency with problem-solving and innovation, contributing to efficient and secure digital infrastructures that support both organizations and communities.”

He said his mom, Yongjung Oh, is his biggest supporter.