In the afternoon of November 8, around 5:00 P.M., we heard the thunderous clapping of Chinese gongs and drums in the vicinity of Shao Mo Memorial Swimming Gymnasium now still under construction, because it was the day designated for the Erection of the Main Beam ceremony to be personally executed by Mrs. Carrie W.T. Chang, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, TKU.

Two teams of dancing lions led the way, and with their company, our Chairperson Mrs. Carrie W.T. Chang arrived at the construction site.

The ceremony was brief. Our Chairperson only needed to open up the auspicious red flounced bow wrapped around the beam, then the ceremony was done.

A myriad of tiny colored petals came down flowing from the bow, and they soon flew up and down in the whole room, filling it with a festive air. Many spectators, in response, stood there shouting with joy and cheers.

Dr. Clement C.P. Chang, Founder of TKU, indicated in his short address that hopefully this construction project can be caught up in April or May next year. By then, the graduating seniors will have at least one month’s time to use this brand-new facility as a farewell gift from their university.

On hearing this, the contractor of the Shao Mo Memorial Swimming Gymnasium responded with an uncertain smile. Our hopes of seeing the completion of the construction project on time were immediately dampened.