2025.04.27
NTHU marks its 114th and 69th Taiwan anniversaries with "NTHU and I," uniting alumni across generations.
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan recently celebrated its 114th anniversary and the 69th anniversary of its reestablishment in Taiwan with the theme of "NTHU and I," aimed at foregrounding the memories and innovations connecting generations.
One of the highlights of the event was an interactive installation in the lobby of the International Conference Hall (Macronix Building) that showed the distribution of NTHU alumni associations around the world, flanked by flip windows asking questions such as, "Who is the most important person at NTHU?" Upon flipping the window open and seeing oneself in a mirror, the answer is self-evident.
One of the most memorable moments was when NTHU president W. John Kao (高為元), Alumni Association president Simon Chen (陳立白), and the four recipients of this year's Distinguished Alumni Award pedaled secondhand bicycles refurbished by the student-run Bicycle Club. As they did, colorful light strips on a large map-representing links to alumni associations around the world-lit up, symbolizing the NTHU community's collective commitment to sustainability as they ride together into the future.
During the event Kao recounted the major developments at the school over the past year, including the progress of the Kaohsiung campus and the planned integration with Chung Hua University, the formal application of which will be submitted to the Ministry of Education later this year. In his speech he emphasized that, "The school's growth is a group effort; everyone's input is the driving force behind our progress."
Simon Chen stated that since its founding, Tsing Hua University has upheld its motto of "self-discipline and social commitment," and that this year's theme reflects this shared spirit. He invited more alumni to join the Alumni Association, saying, "Together, we can become a strong pillar for our alma mater, contributing even more to NTHU's future."
During the event, a donation of NT$75 million was presented by representatives of the class of 1975 from the Departments of Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, showing their deep affection and support.
The donation will be used for a number of development projects, including the Department of Nuclear Engineering's support for the renovation of Lake Success and the naming of the Northwest Plaza as "NE75 Plaza"; support for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT); the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Education Development Fund; the renovation of the Chemistry Building supported by alumni of the Department of Chemistry; updating the equipment in the machine shop at the Department of Physics with support from alumni of the Department of Physics; and support from alumni of the Department of Mathematics for Alumni Association scholarships, financial aid for underprivileged students, emergency relief funds, and the Professor Huai-Quan Wang Memorial Scholarship.
Zhang-Lin Cheng (程章林), a 1975 alumnus of the Department of Chemistry, shared some of his unforgettable experiences at NTHU, including going to the newly completed auditorium to vote for student union representatives---the first election of its kind in Taiwan. He said "NTHU is where we started out in life, and it continues to serve as our guide post."
Amongst the attendees were this year's recipients of the Outstanding Alumni Award: Keng-Huei Kao (高耿輝), Jau-Ho Jean (簡朝和), Hsiao-Chin Tuan (段孝勤), and Tsun-Gte Sun (孫宗德).
Jau-Ho Jean previously taught at NTHU, instructing over 3,000 students, including Tsun-Gte Sun. Their simultaneous recognition as Distinguished Alumni has become a heartwarming story.
Chi-Chun Chao (趙繼群), a second-year master's student in the Department of Chemical Engineering, composed the musical piece "Tsing•Dream" specially for the anniversary celebration. It was performed by 18 students from the Department of Music. As an undergraduate, Chao double-majored in music and chemical engineering, exemplifying interdisciplinary learning. His composition, "Tsing•Dream," seamlessly blends scientific and humanistic qualities.
Another highlight of the event was a performance by the Glow Performance Club. The event closed with the Alumni Chorus performing a spirited rendition of "You Raise Me Up" and an audience sing-along of the school song.
Amongst the many distinguished guests at the event were Tsu-Mu Kao (高梓木), president of the National Atomic Research Institute; Li-Sheng Lin (林立生), director of the Hsinchu City Education Department; Chia-Lin Hou (侯佳齡), director of the Taoyuan City Youth Bureau; Ping Cheng (鄭平), chairman and CEO of Delta Electronics; Herng Su (蘇蘅), vice president of the National Taiwan University System; Wei-Qi Liu (劉維琪), president of Chung Hua University; Francisco Javier Martínez, head of the Mexican Trade Services Documentation and Cultural Office in Taipei; and Franziska Tsai, Senior Economic Affairs Officer of the Netherlands Office Taipei.
Left to right: Jau-Ho Jean (簡朝和), Hsiao-Chin Tuan (段孝勤), President W. John Kao (高為元), Simon Chen (陳立白), Tsun-Gte Sun (孫宗德), and Keng-Huei Kao (高耿輝), pedaling restored bikes to light up a global alumni map.
Alumni Association president Simon Chen finding the answer to the question "Who is the most important person at NTHU?"
President W. John Kao emphasized that the future development of NTHU is up to all of us.
Simon Chen hopes to see more alumni joining the Alumni Association, "So that together we can do our best for the future development of NTHU."
Zhang-Lin Cheng (程章林) said, "NTHU is where we started out in life, and it continues to serve as our guide post."
President W. John Kao (center) receiving a donation check for NT$75 million from representatives of the class of 1975.
From left to right: Hsiao-Chin Tuan (段孝勤), Keng-Huei Kao (高耿輝), Simon Chen (陳立白), President W. John Kao (高為元), Jau-Ho Jean (簡朝和), and Tsun-Gte Sun (孫宗德), recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award honored during the NTHU Anniversary Ceremony.
Alumni Chorus leading an audience sing-along of the school song.
Music students performing “Tsing•Dream,” composed by chemical engineering master’s student Chi-Chun Chao (趙繼群). The composition showcases the results of his interdisciplinary studies.
President W. John Kao (right) thanking alumnus Chien-Hsien Peng (彭健雄) for his long-term support of NTHU.
The Glow Performance Club on stage.
President W. John Kao (center) with alumni and guests slicing the cake for the 114th anniversary.
