Tamkang University's Center for Holistic Education recently hosted a grand High Table Dinner at the Student Activity Center. President Hui-Huang Hsu, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Director of the Center for Holistic Education Hung-Chung Hsueh, and Vice President for International Affairs and Dean of the College of International Affairs Cheng-Hao Pao. Department chairs and full-time faculty members from the Center's English-taught bachelor's programs in Computer Science and Information Engineering, Business Administration, English, International Tourism Management, and Global Politics and Economics joined first-year students, all dressed in formal attire. With 50 tables arranged for the occasion, nearly 300 faculty members and students gathered to celebrate this annual event.

Originating from the collegiate traditions of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge in the United Kingdom, the High Table Dinner has become an integral part of the Center for Holistic Education's freshman welcome traditions. All participants dressed formally, demonstrating their understanding of international etiquette and respect for the occasion. The event also gives students a chance to prepare for cross-cultural exchanges and international engagement through Tamkang University's "Study Abroad in the Junior Year" program. Dean of the College of Engineering Li-Chiu Chang, Dean of the College of Business and Management Chao-Che Hsu, Dean of the College of Foreign Languages and Literatures Ching-Gwo Chang, Dean of Student Affairs Yen-Ling Lin, and Dean of International Affairs Chien-Mu Yeh also joined the celebration, raising their glasses and enjoying conversations with students.

In his remarks, President Hsu explained that the Center's holistic educational system encompasses three key features: all-English instruction, all-residential living, and all studying abroad during the junior year. At its core is the goal of developing students' international mobility. He encouraged the first-year students to make friends across departments and nationalities during their time at Tamkang University. He also praised the students for dressing formally, emphasizing that formal attire symbolizes the transition into adulthood. He expressed his hope that, beginning that evening, students would cultivate a mature mindset and take responsibility for their actions. Vice President Hsueh noted that although AI can assist with tasks and generate content in the AI era, it cannot replace face-to-face conversations, sincere listening, and the development of genuine trust and human connections. He encouraged everyone to put aside their mobile phones for a while and not worry about speaking perfect English. Instead, he urged them to approach one another with sincerity and understanding, using dinner-table conversations to foster meaningful, warm cross-cultural exchanges.

National flags from around the world were displayed throughout the venue, highlighting its multicultural atmosphere. Before dinner began, a special dining etiquette session introduced participants to proper Western tableware and seating etiquette. Following the remarks, President Hsu led faculty members and students in raising their glasses and enthusiastically calling out "Cheers!" to officially open the dinner. Full-time faculty members from various departments sat alongside students, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for interaction and conversation.

Assistant Professor I-Ya Chen of the Department of Business Administration, who attended the dinner, remarked, "It is wonderful to see everyone dressed so elegantly tonight!" She noted that first-year students are often shy when they first enter university, but sharing a meal at the same table helps break the ice and effectively brings faculty members and students closer together. She encouraged students to courageously explore their interests throughout their four years at university and embrace a more colorful and fulfilling college experience.

Student representative Katherine Yong Shing Wei, a first-year student in the English-taught Business Administration program, said she chose a white dress to show respect for her professors and university administrators. Although she initially felt nervous sitting directly across from the college deans, their approachable manner and willingness to share their study-abroad experiences and information about Tamkang University's learning resources soon put her at ease. Fellow first-year Business Administration student Yu-Xuan Lin, who sat at the same table, said she rarely wears formal attire but had carefully dressed up for the dinner. The experience also gave her a profound sense of personal growth, as though she were participating in a coming-of-age ceremony.

SDGs #SDG04 Quality Education #SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

---