The first rays of sun on April 25^th heralded NTHU's 99^th Anniversary. The same date coincided with the school's 54^th anniversary of its re-establishment in Taiwan. This welcome change in weather from the persistent drizzles gave much relief to those who had long been anxious to come to this joyous event.

The anniversary celebration opened with President Lih J. Chen's quoting the famous poet Po Wang, "endless greetings; ubiquitous fraternity" to thank the great turnout of the alumni and student families. In his speech he pointed out that NTHU ranked 11^th among the world's universities with faculty members less than 700 by the Times. In many selected areas, NTHU ranked first in the Greater China Area and we excelled in cooperative research projects with the local hi-tech industries.

"NTHU is unique in three areas," said President Chen. "First, we have an excellent group of faculty and students. Second, we have an excellent twin-university, i.e., TsingHua-Beijing as a partner. The "twin" will each fund 20 million NTD to sponsor joint projects, launch new laboratories, and offer joint M.S. programs. Third, as a first rate comprehensive university, NTHU claims a college of Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Management as well. He added that NTHU was the first to offer "Points of Thousand Lights" Program that allotted admissions to students who were less privileged, and was the first to establish "Tsing Hua College" where students in residence learn from daily group living. Most parents would be pleased to leave their kids with NTHU where students enjoy a balanced and wholesome education.

The President further elaborated on the two projects that he would like to accomplish in the near future. First, the integration of available resources to push forward the "energy-efficient and green campus" movement. Second, a brand new athletic facility to accommodate the increasing enrollment. The new multi-functional gymnasium, hopefully, will be erected in time for the school's 100^th anniversary.

A number of well-known guests and alumni also gave their speeches, among them was Executive Yuan's Cabinet Member-at-large Tzeng Ovid J. L., who commented that once the twin-school project is launched, Tsing-Hua University will be no doubt among the world's best, as long as NTHU keeps its own uniqueness. The president of alumni association T. J. Tseng thanked the university for taking such good care of its students. A senior alumni, also Tunghai University's President, Haydn H. D. Chen expressed gratitude to NTHU's excellent education and encouraged NTHU students to take advantage of the rich campus life.