【Reported by Ying-tian Fan, Tamkang Times】The Office of Student Affairs and the Office of General Affairs held the 2014 Tamkang University Christmas Lighting Ceremony on December 15th. In attendance was President Chia-I Chang, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Huan-chao Keh, Vice President of Administration Yi-jen Hu, and over three hundred students and teachers. President Flora Chia-I Chang addressed the audience, showing appreciation of the last year and giving blessings for the new year. She stated, “Through changing the present, we create the future. Blessings and prosperity to all at TKU.” She encouraged the students to continue to be diligent so that their lives would shine brightly, radiating the spirit of excellence.

Dean of Student Affairs, Chih-en Ko, expressed, “The lighting ceremony creates a magical atmosphere that allows everyone to joyfully say farewell to last year with great cheer and anticipation for the new year.” Spectators were able to join in a number of celebratory activities as they watched students dance and perform with brilliant staffs of light. Even among the strong wind and light rain, the participants cheered on with warmth in their hearts. During the assembly President Chang also congratulated students for the many achievements of this year, including the 19th FIRA championship.

The event also celebrated the 40th year of the TKU Boy Scout Troop. Starting from the 15th at the University Commons and the 16th at the Black Swan Exhibition Hall, there has been a 6 day Scout PaPa exhibition event. In addition elementary and junior high boy scouts from the northern region of Taiwan and Tokyo Japan joined together for an overseas celebration. Through a vigorous effort, the boy scout teams were able to put together a special exhibition that was 20 meters long, 13 meters wide and 7 meters high. To welcome the boy scout troop’s 40th year, the display was topped off with lights that were made into the shape of the number 40. Director of the TKU Boy Scout Troop, Wen-chih Huang, expressed, “All of the items and resources were donated by boy scout alumni, I hope everyone can appreciate the combined efforts of all the members involved in this event.”