Last Saturday, the TKU Lanyang Campus held its 3rd Commencement Ceremony, which was conducted in English. A total of 249 students graduated from the College of Global Research Development and the College of Community Development. Graduation certificates were personally distributed by TKU President, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang.
The College of Community Development boasts three very unique features: an academic curriculum delivered entirely in English, a pioneering Junior Abroad Program (wherein students spend their third year studying abroad), and an Oxbridge style residential college and tutorial system. It is the embodiment of the educational ideals held by the TKU Founder, Dr. Clement C.P. Chang. Meanwhile, this year is the second and final commencement ceremony for the College of Community Development.
On the morning of the ceremony, at 9:30am, the entire body of graduating students gathered to take part in an extensive series of graduation activities. They embarked on the customary “final tour of the campus”, in which they farewelled the beautiful surrounds that they had called home for the last four years.
Then, as they entered the Clement Chang International Conference Hall for the Official Graduation Ceremony, they were greeted by sophomores and juniors, who presented them with colorful flower bouquets and gave them warm embraces. The ceremony proper proceeded with a series of speeches, including words of encouragement from President Chang.
And at the end of the ceremony, after awards had been given and kind words of gratitude, love and friendship uttered, the hall’s front curtains were drawn, revealing the serene beauty of the Pacific Ocean way down below, beyond the distant coastal flatlands. Balloons, which had been held by a vast net affixed to the ceiling, were released and drifted downward. The hall lights were turned off. Students and teachers clasped shiny glow sticks, which they waved from side to side as they cheered, screamed, and yelped.
It was an unforgettable farewell, the perfect conclusion to four years at Lanyang.
