On the morning of October 30 at 10:00 a.m., the Office of General Affairs held the “Completion Ceremony for the University Commons Landscape Improvement Project” in front of the Chueh Sheng Memorial Library. President Huan-Chao Keh, Chairperson Flora Chia-I Chang, the three vice presidents, the president of the Tamkang University Golden Eagle Club, the Senior Advisor of the Tamkang University Alumni Association Headquarters, Chemistry alumnus Chien-Hsiang Lin, architect and Architecture alumnus Quey-John Lin, landscape architect and Architecture alumnus Chung-Twn Kuo of Laboratory for Environment & Form, along with university administrators, faculty, staff, and students, attended the ceremony.

President Keh remarked that the University Commons, located at the very center of the campus, serves as a “spiritual fortress” for all Tamkangians. Beyond symbolizing the university’s humanistic spirit of Simplicity, Truthfulness, Firmness, and Perseverance, it also embodies the core indicators of TKU’s “Triple Objectives of Education.” From above, the plaza resembles a continuously rotating motor, representing the ever-renewing spirit of Future-oriented education. The granite stones surrounding the plaza are engraved with the names of TKU’s 285 sister universities worldwide, reflecting the university’s commitment to Globalization. The Commemorative Inscription, written using the “Smart e-Pen” by renowned calligrapher and Director of the Carrie Chang Fine Arts Center, Ben-Hang Chang, showcases the fusion of technology and the humanities. President Keh also expressed hope that more diverse elements will be incorporated in the future to expand the plaza’s cultural dimensions.

Chairperson Chang thanked the 33 alumni whose united generosity made the renovation possible, noting that their contributions reflect the strong cohesion of the alumni community and the university’s enduring spirit of “Simplicity, Truthfulness, Firmness, and Perseverance.” She added that the University Commons, affectionately known as the “egg roll”, is an iconic part of many Tamkang memories. With the completion of the improvements, she has already seen faculty and students enjoying the space. “The landscape project has transformed the plaza into an even more integral campus landmark. I look forward to seeing more activities take place here as we usher in a new chapter for the 75th anniversary,” she said.

Alumnus Chien-Hsiang Lin expressed his gratitude to the other 32 alumni donors for joining together to give back to their alma mater, as well as to the president and chairperson for their guidance, landscape designer Chung-Twn Kuo for the design work, and the Office of General Affairs for their support, all of which enabled the successful completion of the University Commons renovation. He also reminded attendees that phases II & III of the campus landscape improvement project are still forthcoming, encouraging everyone to continue offering their attention and support.

Landscape architect Chung-Twn Kuo explained the project with the analogy “half man’s work, half nature’s work.” Although seemingly simple, the renovation proved to be a challenging endeavor, complicated by unexpected setbacks and adverse weather conditions. Despite this, the team worked together tirelessly in all conditions, embodying the university motto of “Simplicity, Truthfulness, Firmness, and Perseverance.” She expressed hope that when faculty and students step out of the library, they will now see the most complete expression of TKU’s “Book of Knowledge” spirit.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, President Keh presented appreciation awards to alumni donors Tzu-Hua Chuang, Po-Chang Wang, Chun-Chin Chi, Sheng-Chieh Hsu, Shih-An Chen, Kuo-Sen Chen, and Chung-Twn Kuo, thanking them for their support and dedication to their alma mater. Following the ceremony, guests gathered at the renovated commons, taking photos and reminiscing about their student days, reliving cherished Tamkang moments beside the newly refreshed “egg roll.”

Constructed in 1986, the commons was initially designed by architect Quey-John Lin at the invitation of Founder Clement C. P. Chang on the former site of G Building. Guided by the idea of creating “a sculptural symbol of TKU’s humanistic spirit, serving as a source of interpretation and identity,” the iconic scroll-shaped landscape sculpture was completed. The current improvement project, supported by more than NT$20 million donated by 33 alumni, integrates sustainability principles: high-pressure permeable bricks were used to pave the surrounding walkways, reducing height differences with the old Poster Street and connecting it seamlessly with the new Poster Street and lawn areas. The original andesite stones were preserved and ingeniously embedded into the new pavement to form a QR-code pattern that subtly spells out “I Love TKU,” symbolizing the fusion of old and new. The commons are further encircled by the names of sister universities, underscoring TKU’s global outlook. Both the commons’ central totem and its tree plantings were retained, presenting a refreshed campus landmark that blends humanistic values, sustainability, and international vision.

SDGs #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities #SDG17 Partnerships for the Goals

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