Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Splendid Pavilion: from left, Director Yi-Shin Chou, Director Chao-Tsung Hsu, Vice-President Ming-Chuen Yip, President Wen-Tsuen Chen, Vice President Shih-Lin Chang, Director Shong-Leih Lee, and Deputy Dean Ying Sun
Splendid Pavilion's pastoral surroundings
Opening of the New South Gate: from left, Vice-President Ming-Chuen Yip, President Wen-Tsuen Chen, Vice-President Shih-Lin Chang, Dean Su-Jiun Lin
President Wen-Tsuen Chen speaking to the press.
Nestled among a beautiful natural setting, including wide sweeping green slopes, and the eye-catching TSMC Building, stands the newly constructed Splendid Pavilion and the elegant new entrance to the South Campus.
Construction of Splendid Pavilion was first envisioned by former President Jiunsan Shen 12 years ago. It was not until 2006, however, when the former President donated his own retirement funds to the project that his dream started to become a reality. After much deliberation of possible sites, Dr. Shong-Lei Lee, Director of Campus Planning, along with former President Wen-Tsuen Chen finally decided on a location in the South Campus in June 2007. At the ribbon cutting ceremony held on January 20, President Wen-Tsuen Chen said he was very happy to see former President Shen's wish becomes a reality and that in a way it could also be seen as a beautiful final note of his four year presidency at NTHU.
The beauty of the neo-classical pavilion was further enhanced by a carved sign based on President Shen's own calligraphy. It provides an ideal place for chess lovers to play games or simply to stop and take in the beauty of the surroundings. This pavilion could also serve as a wonderful location for faculty to hold class outdoors as well as a rest area for eco-tourists.
In addition to the unveiling of Splendid Pavilion, the "New South Gate", at the intersection of Bo-Shan Road and Gao-Tsuay Road, was opened to traffic for the first time on January 27. Designed to be aesthetic as well as functional, the new gate, is buttressed by an expansive white-washed stone wall with the NTHU inscription on ebony stone. The wall's general ivory appearance takes after NTHU's traditional architectural style. The gate and nearby guard house were designed to blend seamlessly together with the surrounding area. Trees that line the entrance area were selected to withstand the strong northeasterly winter monsoons, as well as to provide shade during the summer. Such intricate design reflects NTHU's commitment to maintain an eco-conscious campuses.
