The Northern California Chung Yuan University Alumni Association held its 40th anniversary annual meeting on the evening of April 26th (last Saturday) at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center. The event attracted nearly 250 alumni of Chung Yuan University and leaders in the overseas Chinese community, creating a warm and grand atmosphere.
The annual meeting featured esteemed guests such as Director General Lai Ming-Chi of the Taiwan Representative Office in San Francisco, Secretary of Overseas Chinese Affairs of the Jinshan Bay Area Overseas Chinese Education Center, Hsu Tsai-Feng, Chairman Chang Kuang-Cheng of Chung Yuan University, Dr. Chang Yung, the Dean of Industry-Academia Cooperation, Dr. Lin Yun-Zhu, the Director of Alumni Services and Development Office, Dr. Cheng Wan-Li, former President of Chung Yuan University and Director of the Development Foundation, as well as President Leng Guo-Jong of the Northern California Chung Yuan University Alumni Association. Nearly twenty representatives from Chung Yuan alumni associations across the United States also graced the event.
Additionally, members of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee, the Overseas Chinese Affairs Advisory Committee, and leaders in the overseas Chinese community such as Wei De-Zhen, Lee Wen-Hsiung and his wife, Gao Yu-Li, Chen Chien-Fen, Lin Xiu-Chun, Chou Wei-Yu, Hsi Zao-Hsun, Han Chung-Fen, Chen Tsung-Yi, and Chang Chih-Yang also attended to show their support.
The evening was catered with exquisite Chinese cuisine from the renowned restaurant “Master Chef,” and a rich program was arranged, including a performance by Madame Yun Wen-Zhen, a music performance by the alumni band “Everlasting Love Band,” drumming, guitar, dance performances, and a raffle. The alma mater specially gifted each alumni a commemorative souvenir, and the alumni association presented meticulously crafted annual newsletters, adding a warm atmosphere to the evening.
President Zhang Chun-Hao of the Northern California Chung Yuan University Alumni Association expressed gratitude in his speech to Director General Lai Ming-Chi for attending amidst his busy schedule, and thanked the Overseas Chinese Education Center and numerous alumni for their support. He emphasized that the mission of the Chung Yuan University Alumni Association is to strengthen alumni ties, build a platform for sharing and communication, and continue to enhance connections with the alma mater.
During his address, Director General Lai Ming-Chi mentioned that he would be returning to Taiwan at the end of June and felt honored to attend the Chung Yuan University Alumni Association’s annual meeting for the first and last time as Director General. He particularly praised Chung Yuan University for its high new student enrollment rate, having ranked first among comprehensive public and private universities nationwide for seven consecutive years, showcasing excellent academic achievements. He also acknowledged the outstanding performance of Chung Yuan alumni in the Bay Area and their contributions to the Taiwanese overseas community, offering best wishes for alumni’s successful careers and happy families.
At the annual meeting, Chairman Zhang Guang-Zheng of Chung Yuan University introduced the university’s development history and current status. He emphasized to Epoch Times that the key to Chung Yuan University’s continuous growth lies in adhering to the spirit of Christian faith, emphasizing character education and holistic development. He highlighted that Chung Yuan’s core educational philosophy centers around balancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, relying on God’s guidance, staying on the right path, and earning broad recognition. He also presented the “Contribution Award” to former President Hsi Zao-Hsun in recognition of his dedication.
Dr. Lin Yun-Zhu, Director of Alumni Services and Development Office, introduced the current situation of the Chung Yuan University Alumni Association during the event and invited global alumni to return to campus and participate in the upcoming 70th-anniversary celebration, encouraging everyone to upload and share precious photos from their schooldays to reminisce together about their youth.
Kao Shou-Shan, who graduated from the Department of Electronics at Chung Yuan in 1974, performed “The Power of the Dream” at the meeting and shared unforgettable experiences from his school days. He recalled a difficult financial situation during his transition from sophomore to junior year when he was unable to pay tuition due to economic hardships at home. Fortunately, at that time, the president of the departmental student association, Wu Hsueh-Hong, temporarily covered the fees with the association’s funds, enabling him to register smoothly and complete his studies. This selfless act of assistance among classmates has left a lasting impression on him.
Kao Shou-Shan mentioned that upon learning about his alma mater’s “Dream Fulfillment Plan,” he promptly made a donation to support students facing financial difficulties, hoping to help more younger classmates achieve their dreams. He urged fellow alumni to join in and assist, enabling more students to complete their studies and contribute to society. He also noted that the song he performed that evening, “The Power of the Dream,” best exemplified the spirit of pursuing dreams.
Wei Ling, Secretary-General of the Northern California Association of Higher Education, shared with Epoch Times that she successfully invited two young Chung Yuan alumni couples to attend the annual meeting for the first time, emphasizing that the alumni association is inclusive and friendly, welcoming parents to bring their children along, making the younger generation more willing to participate in alumni activities.
Chung Yuan alumni Lin Ming-De, who graduated in 2001, and his wife attended the annual meeting. In an interview with Epoch Times, he expressed his joy at learning about the local Chung Yuan alumni association after living in the Bay Area for 14 years. He looked forward to engaging and cooperating with local alumni in the future, establishing a warm family in the Bay Area. He said, “There are many opportunities today to get to know each other.”
Overall, the 40th anniversary annual meeting of the Northern California Chung Yuan University Alumni Association was a resounding success, fostering camaraderie amongst alumni and strengthening the bonds of the community.