The diploma of the first Korean to graduate from a U.S. university has been donated back to the University of Maryland by one of his descendants.

The 120-year-old diploma earned by Pyon Su was given back to the school in an event at the Student Union Center attended by university Vice President Linda Clement, other officials and members of the local Korean society.

Clement welcomed the return of the diploma, saying Pyon had a historic life that was very important to the university and the Korea-U.S relationship.

The diploma, dated 1891, had been stored in near-perfect condition after Pyon received it.

Pyon took part in the failed Gapsin Coup of 1884 and sought exile in Japan afterwards. He moved to the U.S. in 1886 and entered the University of Maryland’s forerunner, Maryland Agricultural College, the following year.