News

TKU PROFESSOR HAS BEEN APPOINTED THE DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION FOR TAIPEI

Prof. Luo Shiaw-shyan of the Department of Transportation Management has been appointed by Taipei City Government as the Director of the Department of Transportation. His appointment is celebrated by many people who know him and there are many. He is not only one of the most popular but also the most senior faculty members of the department, who started working there since 1987. Before he came to TKU, he had worked briefly as a research assistant at the National Chiao-tung University, and while he was working for TKU, he completed his Ph.D. at the National Taiwan University in 1994 specializing in transportation planning, freeway engineering, system simulation, traffic flow theories, logistics and track transportation safety. Academic pursuit aside, in 1981 he worked as the Inspector for Taiwan Highway Bureau.

WINTER CELEBRATIONS WARM UP TKU INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The international students studying at TKU were wrapped up in a warm festive atmosphere last week as the Office of International Exchanges and International Education (IEIE) and the Reitaku International House organized a Winter Solstice Dinner and Christmas Party respectively.

LANYANG CHRISTMAS PARTY ROCKS THE LINMEI MOUNTAIN

The quiet mountain of Linmei in Chiao-hsi did not prepare for what was going to hit it in the morning of December 20. As usual, the mountain was shrouded in fog in the morning, imparting a sense of tranquility. Slowly, the fog dispersed by noon, everything began to look sunny, happy but peaceful. Undisturbed, everything and everyone in this region went on their usual business expecting a quiet and relaxing evening to retire to, except, of course, the students of Lanyang Campus. They were in fact preparing for the Christmas Party that would be unveiled when darkness fell.

HAVE A TASTE OF JAPANESE NEW YEAR—RICE CAKES AND MISO SOUP

On Dec. 18 at the lobby of the Foreign Languages and Literatures Building, sound of drums attracted numerous on-lookers as the Japanese Department was demonstrating mochi (Japanese rice cake) making in a celebration for Japanese New Year. Two girls from the Department, clad in kimono, were making mochi in a traditional way with a mortar and pestle.

FINAL GOODBYE TO THE BANYAN TREE

All readers of this newsletter have been following a series of events that were launched to mourn the dying Banyan tree that has been standing by the Maritime Museum for many years in the past couple of months. Even though the tree has died and will be cut down soon, the organizer of these events, the Department of Architecture names their events as FUN, reminding people that death is only a beginning of something else. To bring this point home, the last event named “Flower Ceremony” which is scheduled for next week on Dec. 28 to mark the end the tree will be about the celebration of life, too. To celebrate life, the organizer invited a live band that is known for their vivacious music formed by five Taiwan aboriginals and a Hip Hop dance band for an energetic number. For this event, a newly finished stage will be presented in front of the audience. This stage will stay even after the event providing a space for creative and free expressions.

TKU POST GRAD STUDENT REPRESENTS DHARMA DRUM MOUNTAIN FOR YOUTH PEACE DIALOG IN KENYA

TWO NEW COURSES TO BE ADDED TO BRING A BREATH OF FRESH AIR TO GENERAL EDUCATION

As part of the Project for Excellence, the Center of General Education and Core Curriculum will added two very practical and cultural oriented programs, namely, “Cultural Services” and “Social Services.” At the end of the programs, students will receive a certificate of completion which is meant to enhance their future employability.

WANT TO TEACH AT TKU? YOU MUST BE ABLE TO TEACH IN ENGLISH FIRST!

TKU is expected to recruit 52 new faculty members for the 2007 academic year. All departments except English Department and Physical Education Instruction Section, will hire full-time professors. Those with a MOE certificate and the ability to teach in English will be given a preferable consideration. The last date of the application is sent on Feb. 26, 2007.