TCC Trip Establishes Ties with Suseong University, City of Daegu
For decades, Tacoma Community College (TCC) has welcomed students from around the world to its Tacoma and Gig Harbor campuses, recognizing that international students strengthen cross-cultural understandings, enrich our communities with global perspectives and experiences, and advance scholarship and career opportunities.
In December of 2025, TCC and Suseong University, located in Daegu, South Korea, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), establishing the foundation for future collaboration. On Aug. 15, a delegation from TCC and the Washington-Tacoma Korean American Association traveled to Daegu to formally recognize the partnership, deepen institutional relationships, and identify priorities for future cooperation.
A TCC delegation, comprised of TCC President Ivan L. Harrell, II, three other TCC leaders, and Jun Yi, of the Washington Tacoma Korean American Association, will meet with the President of Suseong University and other university officials. This visit, paid by private funds, is an important way for TCC to establish new, additional partnerships that expand opportunities for students.
Areas of discussion may include student exchange programs, workforce development, English language programming, faculty collaboration, and implementation of future program opportunities. Nursing is a specific interest, and TCC offers a comprehensive nursing program.
“For Tacoma Community College, Suseong University represents an excellent partner,” Dr. Harrell said. “The University’s emphasis on technical education, industry collaboration, and workforce preparation closely aligns with TCC's mission of preparing students for careers in a rapidly changing global economy.”
Exploring a Friendship City Relationship
Later this same week, the delegation will meet with City of Daegu leaders, including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the Director of Foreign Affairs and Trade Division. The cities of Tacoma and Daegu are exploring the possibility of a Tacoma-Daegu Friendship City relationship. Tacoma has had a long history of relations with South Korea, including a sister-city relationship with the city of Gunsan since 1979.
As a gesture of goodwill to expand a partnership between both Cities, the Daegu Metropolitan City has invited the Tacoma Delegation to attend the Opening Ceremony of the World Master Athletic Championship in Daegu on Aug 21.
“With South Korea as a key U.S. ally, and with Daegu as South Korea’s fourth largest city, partnerships like this can create new opportunities for economic and academic advancement in our community,” said Jun Yi, senior vice president of the Washington Tacoma Korean American Association and vice chair of the City of Tacoma Sister City Committee (Gunsan). “South Korea’s strengths in technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries align with Washington state’s workforce needs. This visit is a valuable opportunity to meet with key leaders in Daegu, strengthen our relationships, and position the City of Tacoma and TCC as globally engaged partners.”
“Tacoma is a city built on its international roots,” added Mayor of Tacoma Anders Ibsen. “This partnership between TCC and Daegu deepens our city’s connections to the great people of South Korea, and will provide fantastic opportunities for international exchange.”
About TCC’s International Program
As part of its commitment with expanding intercultural learnings, TCC holds partnerships with other global universities, including China, Denmark, Japan and Puerto Rico, and has held cultural exchange programs in China, Japan and Vietnam. More than 200 students from around the world attend TCC each year.
“We recognize it is important to build academic relationships throughout the world,” said Dr. Harrell. “With Suseong University, we share the same values and goals with our academic priorities and workforce mission. This partnership will benefit our students, faculty, employees and our community.”