The alumni association of Providence University in Northern California held its 41st annual meeting at the Crown Hall in Santa Clara on May 3rd, attracting a large turnout of alumni from the Bay Area and overseas Chinese community. Deputy Director Zhu Yongchang from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco and Deputy Director Cai Jiahua from the South Bay Overseas Education Center were among the distinguished guests who attended to offer their congratulations, creating a lively atmosphere at the event.
President Zhang Meiling expressed her gratitude in her speech, highlighting the mutual support and encouragement among Providence alumni in Northern California. She thanked all past presidents, executives, and volunteers for their dedication over the 41 years, making the alumni association a vibrant and warm community. She emphasized the future plans to enhance alumni exchanges through both online and offline activities, aiming to introduce more Bay Area residents to the stories of Providence University.
In a video message, President Lin Siling of Providence University praised the strong bond among Providence alumni in Northern California, demonstrating the unity of overseas Providence alumni. She also congratulated President Zhang Meiling for being appointed as the Vice President of the Northern California College Alumni Federation, bringing honor to the alma mater. Additionally, the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs also conveyed their blessings to the alumni through a video message.
During his address, Zhu Yongchang acknowledged the challenges of sustaining an alumni association overseas and congratulated President Zhang Meiling on her leadership role, symbolizing the continuity and growth of the association. Cai Jiahua mentioned the significant contributions of Providence alumni in the Bay Area Chinese community, not only in maintaining alumni friendships but also in serving as an important bridge for exchanges between Taiwan and the local community.
The annual meeting featured a diverse program, including alumni exchanges, traditional Chinese dance performances, raffles, and charity sale activities that energized the attendees. The organizers expressed special thanks to China Airlines for sponsoring two airline tickets as the grand prize, which received enthusiastic support from the alumni. Contributions and sponsorships from alumni and businesses from various locations further enriched the event.
First-time attendee and Vice Group Leader at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Zhang Wenrong, shared with Epoch Times that his experience at Providence University, especially during the transition period when the university began admitting male students, brought a sense of nostalgia as he navigated interactions with female classmates upon joining the campus. He humorously likened his first-time participation in the alumni association to the nervousness and excitement of starting school, while also expressing surprise and admiration for the 41-year establishment and active operation of the Northern California Alumni Association, experiencing firsthand the unity of overseas alumni.
A highlight of the day was a wellness lecture by Dr. Huang Yanhao, President of Baishui University. With years of clinical experience in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, Dr. Huang emphasized the importance of health and weight management for modern individuals. He highlighted the principles of traditional Chinese medicine focusing on individual constitution for dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Huang recommended simple methods like assessing body temperature through heart rate and incorporating ingredients like coix seed and poria cocos to regulate digestion and dampness for daily health maintenance.
Emphasizing the significance of breakfast in daily nutrition, Dr. Huang suggested the intake of adequate quality fats, such as avocados, to promote bile secretion and maintain bodily functions. He also recommended pairing ingredients like turmeric, black sesame powder to boost immunity.
Dr. Huang introduced several easy wellness practices, including recommending “super slow jogging” as a simple and feasible exercise method suitable for busy individuals to develop a daily workout routine.
Established in 1985, the alumni association of Providence University in Northern California has been a pillar of connection and support among its members. Founded by Sister Marie Gratia Luking of the Providence Sisters of the United States, Providence University began as the Providence School of English for Women in 1956, later restructured as the Providence College of Arts and Sciences for Women in 1963. In 1987, the university relocated to Shalu and was rebranded as Providence Women’s University. In 1993, it was renamed as Providence University, admitting male students for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its history. ◇