It is once again the time for phoenix flowers to bloom, symbolizing maturity and departure. The 2025 class graduation ceremony of Cheng Shiu University was grandly held on June 14. More than 3,000 Master’s and Doctoral students were praised one after another. Among them, Chuan-Hui Lin, who received a Doctorate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the age of 78, won the “Model Award for Student Diligence” for his spirit of continuous learning. This student became the most eye-catching highlight of the ceremony while receiving thunderous applause.

To accommodate the large number of graduates, the graduation ceremony of Cheng Shiu University was held in three stages, respectively: the graduation ceremony for the Day-time Programs, Extension Education, and the special class for overseas Chinese students and Indigenous people, with singing continuing from morning to night. During the ceremony, President Jui-Chang Kung and Chairman Wei-Shan Lee delivered speeches to encourage graduates to study hard and give full play to Cheng Shiu University’s spirit of endurance, diligence, and dedication, inspiring them to keep pace in the age of AI technology. Afterward—President Jui-Chang Kung and Dean Huang-Kuang Kung of the College of Engineering, Dean Hsiu-Jung Chou of the College of Health and Management, and Dean Ching-yun Hsu of the College of Life and Creativity—turned tassels and awarded each graduate their degree certificate. The scene was warm and moving; the graduates’ faces were filled with pride and joy.

A notable highlight was the Aboriginal graduation ceremony held by the Center of Aboriginal Student Resources. Integrating culture and emotion, the scene displayed unique significance. At the beginning of the ceremony, the younger students gave an Aboriginal song and dance performance. Afterward, Shunyun Lin, the Dean of Student Affairs, personally placed a wreath symbolizing wisdom and blessings for each graduate, drinking “consecutive cups of tea” with teachers and students to represent the continuation of friendship and blessings. The entire ceremony was carried out amid laughter and blessings, showing a strong tribal cultural atmosphere.

This year’s Indigenous graduates performed well and achieved remarkable results. Chia-Cheng Lee of the E-sports Department once served as the captain of the “Cheng Shiu University Dragon Team,” leading them to achieve runner-up in the 2021 College Cup “Valorant” while demonstrating extraordinary strength. Dibuschigu of the Department of Tourism won Silver in the International Wine Blind Tasting Competition, impeccably combining national aesthetics and professional strength. Chia-Huang Ssu, Department of Leisure and Sports Management, created a picture book based on Bunun culture, donating the proceeds from the charity sale to the Bugulaf Children’s Art Troupe of Sing Jhong Elementary School. This act has demonstrated the responsibility of college students and spirit of feedback to the tribe.

Shu-Yun Lin explained that graduation does not represent “the end,” but a starting point of cultural and knowledge inheritance. Indigenous students will bring their cultural heritage and what they have learned on campus to continue to shine across all sectors of society, attaining more pride and influence for Indigenous people.

A graduation ceremony for Cheng Shiu University’s special class for overseas Chinese students was also held on June 13, where 240 graduates from Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia gathered. Vice President Bo-wen Huang awarded graduates the “2025 Overseas Chinese Graduation Bear Muppet.” President Jui-Chang Kung expressed his sentiments during his speech, stating that overseas Chinese students have traveled across the ocean to study in Taiwan. After experiencing language and cultural challenges, they have achieved success with the assistance of the University and teachers, which is an impressive feat.