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To celebrate the graduation season, Yuan Ze University’s Indigenous Student Resource Center held its annual “Flying with Dreams: Indigenous Students’ Graduation Tea Ceremony” at noon on May 14.
Through heartfelt cultural rituals, the event conveyed warm blessings to the graduating indigenous students, creating a touching and memorable atmosphere. This year, a total of 28 students, including two from the master’s program, completed their studies. The ceremony not only honored their academic achievements but also symbolized a new beginning for students pursuing their dreams with courage.
Yuan Ze University President Ching-Jung Liao attended the event and offered his heartfelt congratulations. In his speech, he encouraged graduates to carry the strength of their cultural heritage as they step into the next stage of life with courage and sincerity. He emphasized the university’s strong commitment to indigenous student development, highlighting its efforts to cultivate both professional competencies and cross-disciplinary skills to meet the challenges of a diverse workforce. President Liao also expressed gratitude to the students, their families, and faculty members for their support and dedication.
A special guest, Major General Shih-Cheng Lu, an alumnus of the Master’s Program in Information Management and current President of the Army Academy R.O.C., was invited to deliver a speech. Drawing from his journey, he encouraged younger students to cherish their indigenous identity and pursue their dreams fearlessly. He reminded them that beyond the support of family and tribal community, their alma mater—Yuan Ze University—would always be a steadfast pillar of support. His inspiring remarks embodied the spirit of leadership and served as a motivating example for all students present.
Shih-You Lin, a graduating student from the Amis tribe’s Gospel community, spoke on behalf of the graduates. He shared his personal experiences, describing the Indigenous Student Resource Center as a warm and loving home away from home. It was this support, he said, that gave him the strength to return to his tribal roots with his grandmother and rediscover his cultural identity.
During the ceremony, President Liao personally draped each graduate with a ceremonial shawl, symbolizing blessings and courage. This act also represented the university’s recognition and support for indigenous students. A special shawl was also presented to Yu-Ching Lee, a non-indigenous student and president of the IC Tribal Club, in recognition of her long-standing commitment to indigenous education. Over the years, she has led fellow club members to remote tribal areas, supporting elementary school students and embodying cross-cultural compassion through action.
To conclude the event, underclassmen performed a series of cultural presentations incorporating indigenous elements, offering their heartfelt blessings to the graduates. The performances expressed deep gratitude and bittersweet farewells.
President Liao noted that since the establishment of the Indigenous Student Resource Center, the number of indigenous students at Yuan Ze University has increased by 70%, with continuation rates improving by nine percentage points. These achievements reflect the center’s significant efforts in caring for and supporting its students. Looking ahead, President Liao reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering a friendly, inclusive, and diverse learning environment centered on indigenous cultural heritage, empowering every indigenous student to soar in both academic and career pursuits.
