For the next two weeks, new students will be exploring on every campus in Taiwan. Each school and department is busy managing this crucial moment, attempting to create the most culturally diverse welcome possible. As tradition, Tamkang University begins the school year with the Ke Nan Hill climb - a unique symbolic hike taking place on September 10th and 11th. At 7:50am a large crowd of 5000 freshman students lead by President Flora Chia-I Chang and first-level administrators, gathered together to climb the 132-step stone staircase.

Constructed 42 years ago, the Ke Nan Hill was the original entrance to the university. It was the only connecting pathway to Tamsui Street and also served as daily exercise for the early members of the university. Even though there are many paths that can be taken to the university now, Ke Nan Hill still remains a symbol of simplicity, honesty, firmness, and perseverance, which remains the trademark and spirit of TKU today. The new students cheered as they followed their university leaders up the challenging hill, almost mirroring their future academic cultivation.

“For the month of August we’ve organized a freshman student-parent discussion, open house dorm and departmental workshops to help new students adjust.” Said Dean of Student Affairs, Chih-en Ko. He continued, “On September 11th and 12th in addition to the Ke Nan Hill climb, we will also hold the student club exhibition, the semester opening ceremony and many other exciting events.”

In the President’s speech she described the four diverse campuses-in-one and the spirit of excellence that has been absorbed into all aspects of the university. She stated, “TKU students are equipped with a global vision, future understanding, advanced information, morales, independent thinking, fitness, teamwork and appreciation of beauty.”

(Article written by Jin-yu Cai/ Photographed by Jun-ting Lin and Guo-zhen Wu)