The English Department held the “Tamkang English Memories 75” tea gathering on October 31 at 2:00 p.m. in the Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center, inviting alumni from various generations, along with faculty members, to celebrate the department’s 75th anniversary. Department Chair Jui-Min Tsai expressed hopes that through intergenerational exchange and shared blessings, the spirit of Tamkang English will continue to flourish for the next 75 years.

In her opening remarks, Chair Tsai noted that Tamkang began as the Tamkang Junior College of English, which is why Yingzhuan Road still carries the name today. She hoped the tea gathering would bring together Tamkang English majors from different eras to celebrate the department’s birthday and revisit the friendships and stories of years past. She thanked alumni, former department chairs, faculty, and students for laying the foundation for today’s solid structure, saying, “This gathering is not only a reunion, but it also marks the beginning of another chapter.”

Several distinguished guests were invited to speak. Retired Associate Professor Hsiu-Chieh Chen, wife of former College of Liberal Arts Dean Chiu-Lang Chi, shared her long connection with Tamkang. She recalled arriving at Tamkang with her husband in 1969 and forming a deep bond with the university. “Professor Chi invited me to join him at Tamkang, and I have always been grateful for the wisdom behind that invitation,” she said, reminiscing about the challenging early years of campus development, living in faculty housing, and witnessing the university’s gradual growth.

Alumni Association President Hsueh-Jung Lu reflected on nearly a decade of service in the association, witnessing the department’s progress and achievements. Having long assisted with scholarship fundraising to help students complete their studies, he expressed gratitude for the dedication of past department chairs and faculty. “The greatest resource of the English Department is its people,” he emphasized. Teachers care deeply for their students, and he encouraged alumni to continue supporting younger generations and staying connected to the department.

Alumnus Ming-Tzung Pan, now 75 years old, participates in almost every anniversary event and generously provided several valuable vintage photos for this year’s celebration. Smiling, he said, “I was born in 1950—whatever age Tamkang is, that’s my age. The English Department is the origin of Tamkang, and we’ve witnessed the university’s development. I feel truly honored.” He also recalled how his class once

donated to support the construction of the Hsu Shou-Chlien International Conference Center. Returning now, he said, “Seeing Tamkang grow stronger and stronger fills me with joy.”

The event featured elegant refreshments and limited-edition souvenirs. In addition to screening a retrospective video, the organizers held a quiz challenge testing guests’ knowledge of TKU’s history and the department’s history. Prizes—bracelets worth a total of NT$60,000—were sponsored by Golden Eagle alumnus Chiu-Huang Wu, adding excitement and surprise to the celebratory atmosphere. The gathering concluded with a group photo of faculty, students, and alumni, marking a warm and memorable finale to the celebration.

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