Highlights of the 2012 TMU North America Alumni Convention: Hand in Hand to Unveil a New Era for TMU
Following the unforgettable Alaska Cruise organized by the TMU North America Alumni Association President Li-Chen Chen (陳麗珍) in 2011, the 2012 Convention was held in San Jose, Northern California. Alumni from across the globe crossed the Pacific with hearts full of gratitude to reunite and reminisce about their shared heritage at 拇山.
The festivities began on September 1 with a tour of Napa Valley, hosted by President Chen, where 32 alumni explored world-renowned vineyards. On September 2, university representatives and staff gathered for a luncheon at Dynasty Seafood Restaurant (王朝海鮮酒家). The event was filled with joy as Trustee Yuan-Ching Lin (林元清) reunited with longtime friends, including:
Dr. & Mrs. Wu-Hsiung Yang (楊武雄)
Dr. & Mrs. Ju-Sung Wu (吳汝崧)
Dr. Cheng-Ming Wang (王政明) & Pharmacist Shu-Huan Weng (翁淑鐶)
Dean & Mrs. Tsung-Jen Lin (林宗仁)
Dr. Chao-Chia Hsu (許肇家), Dr. Wen-Tsai Hsiao (蕭文彩), Dr. Sung-Chuan Li (李淞川), Dr. Chao-Wen Hsu (徐肇文), and Dr. Ching-Jung Tsai (蔡清榮).
[Photo: President Li-Chen Chen (陳麗珍) hosted a Napa Valley tour to warm up for the convention.]
[Photo: Group photo of alumni and guests at the 2012 North America Alumni Convention.]
Academic Seminars and Distinguished Alumni Forum
The official convention kicked off in the afternoon, moderated by Dr. Tuan-Ching Chen (陳團景). A series of insightful lectures followed:
Ms. Chiu-Fang Wu (吳秋芳): Financial Management and Retirement Planning
Dr. San-Lang Chou (周三郎): Reflections on Entrepreneurship
Dr. Szu-Hui Pan (潘思憓): Innovations in Liver Transplantation
Dr. Yin-Lou Wu (吳銀鏤): Dental Implants in Modern Dentistry
The Distinguished Alumni Forum featured Tsu-Der Lee (李祖德) (Chairman of TMU), Chi-Chun Liu (劉啟群) (President of Taiwan Root), and Dr. Yuan-Ching Lin (林元清) (California Assembly Candidate). Additionally, President Yun Yan (閻雲), Vice Dean Rong-Bang Chen (陳榮邦), and Dept. Chair Hsiu-Yun Hsu (許秀蘊) provided 15-minute briefings on the current status of the university, the College of Medicine, and the School of Pharmacy, respectively.
Gala Dinner: A Celebration of Unity
The evening banquet was emceed by Ms. Mei-Hsing Huang (黃美星). The atmosphere reached a peak as everyone joined in singing the school song. Following warm welcomes from Li-Chen Chen (陳麗珍), Jui-Yuan Chang (張瑞湲), Mei-Yu Lai (賴美玉), Cheng-I Li (李征一), and Yuan-Ching Lin (林元清), the dinner commenced.
Keynote speeches were delivered by numerous leaders, including Chairman Tsu-Der Lee (李祖德), Trustee Hsiao-Chen Chiu (邱孝震), President Yun Yan (閻雲), and Alumni Association President Po-Lun Wang (王伯綸). The Northern California Alumni Choir and Dance Troupe delivered high-energy performances that stirred fond memories for all TMUers. During the event, Dr. Yuan-Ching Lin (林元清) invited friends to the stage to initiate a fundraising drive for university infrastructure, with immediate and generous responses from Li-Chen Chen (陳麗珍), Dr. Tuan-Ching Chen (陳團景), and the couple Cheng-Ming Wang (王政明) & Shu-Huan Weng (翁淑鐶).
[Photo: The Northern California Alumni Dance Troupe delivered a vibrant performance.]
Building the Future: Campus Infrastructure and Naming Rights
To address the need for more teaching and research space, the university has unveiled plans for several new buildings, including the College of Pharmacy, College of Oral Medicine, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Medicine and Medical Technology, College of Public Health and Nutrition, and the College of Nursing & Long-term Care Center.
These buildings will incorporate the latest architectural technology and green energy concepts. TMU is offering naming rights for buildings, classrooms, lecture halls, and conference rooms. Smaller contributions, such as "naming a seat" in a lecture hall or the "One Brick per Person" campaign, are also vital ways for alumni to give back.
Call to Action: How You Can Help Our Students
The Office of Global Engagement is seeking assistance from alumni in the U.S. in the following areas:
Homestay Support: Providing local accommodations for TMU students when needed.
Hosting Services: Organizing welcome/farewell parties to provide warmth and mentorship.
Emergency Contact: Serving as a local point of contact for students who have no family in the U.S.
Networking: Leveraging professional networks to introduce collaboration opportunities between TMU and elite U.S. universities.
As the North American region is vast, the Public Affairs Office will coordinate with local chapters to ensure that every student studying abroad receives the support they need. Together, let us unite to reveal a new era for TMU.
[Photo: University representatives and staff gathering.]
Source: Office of Public Affairs