NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen Attends Greater New York Alumni Association Annual Meeting, Warmly Welcomed by Over One Hundred Alumni
Written by Amy Lin. Image credit to NCKU News Center.
On October 19, President Meng-Ru Shen of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) attended the NCKU Alumni Association of Greater New York Annual Meeting, where he was warmly welcomed by Association President Han-Cheng Chen (Architecture, Class of 2008) and more than one hundred alumni. Chairman Raymond Ping-Wen Ho (Architecture, Class of 1986), Founding President Jerry S.Y. Cheng (Civil Engineering, Class of 1966), and newly appointed Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee (Foreign Languages and Literature, Class of 1992) from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York also attended and delivered welcome speeches.
Group photo from the NCKU Alumni Association of Greater New York Annual Meeting.
In his address, President Shen emphasized that NCKU’s 220,000 alumni worldwide represent the university’s greatest asset, noting that alumni gatherings always feel like family reunions. He stressed that universities exist not only for self-improvement but to contribute to society. NCKU, now in its 93rd year, has exemplified this mission since its establishment in 1931, contributing to industrial foundations, infrastructure development, urban prosperity, national defense advancements, and pandemic prevention. The university strives to be an institution that inspires its city and makes Taiwan proud.
President Shen referenced NCKU’s first president, Wakatsuki Michitaka, who envisioned students possessing “a cool head, broad perspective, and practical capabilities.” Today, NCKU consistently ranks highly in numerous evaluations, with its graduates recognized for three key qualities: teamwork, compassion, and resilience. These characteristics are deeply embedded in NCKU alumni’s DNA. According to surveys, 90% of Tainan residents take pride in NCKU, and the university continues to raise Taiwan’s global profile through its commitment to “local engagement with a global vision,” focusing on core national industries including healthcare services, satellite technology, digital sustainability, and technological innovation.
Secretary General and Alumni Association Center Director Wei-Cheng Lo provided an update on NCKU’s current development. The university now comprises nine colleges across 11 campuses, with the Shalun campus in development. With 105 departments, over 1,300 faculty members, and more than 23,000 students (2:1 male-to-female ratio), NCKU stands as a comprehensive university. As it approaches its centennial, the university seeks continued alumni support for its various initiatives.
Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, who graduated from NCKU’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literature in 1992 and has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 30 years, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to attend the alumni gathering shortly after his July 2024 appointment to New York. He shared fond memories of studying under the campus banyan trees and encouraged alumni to visit their alma mater, NCKU, when possible.
Alumni Association President Han-Cheng Chen expressed gratitude to the current board members for their dedication and introduced the incoming board members. Chairman Raymond Ping-Wen Ho welcomed attending alumni and commended President Shen’s leadership. Reflecting on his student days, he recalled playing guitar and singing with classmates in Banyan Garden, expressing pride in his NCKU connection and hope for the banyan trees’ continued presence through the next century. Founding President Jerry S.Y. Cheng acknowledged the pioneering efforts of senior alumni and praised this year’s successful gathering.
Young alumni from the Washington D.C. area traveled five hours by car to attend the meeting.
The NCKU Alumni Association of Greater New York, established in 1987, has spent 37 years connecting alumni across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and surrounding areas. It plays a vital role in maintaining alumni relations, providing career guidance, offering social assistance, and facilitating contributions to NCKU throughout the Eastern United States. Several young alumni from the Washington D.C. area made a five-hour drive to attend the event, where it was announced that the 15th NCKU Global Alumni Carnival and North American Biennial will be held at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott from October 24-26, 2025, hosted by the NCKU Alumni Association of Washington D.C.
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2024-10-30
