From the Podium to the Chorus: A Graduation Blessing from President Shen

Organized by student groups, the 2026 Farewell Party brought happiness to campus and highlighted NCKU students’ strong teamwork and execution.

The most touching moment of this year’s farewell party was not a speech, but a song.

When President Meng-Ru Shen stepped down from the podium and picked up the microphone, familiar melodies filled the venue. Surprise quickly turned into applause, and as the chorus began, students joined in one by one. Soon, the performance became a heartfelt sing-along shared by the entire audience.

For President Shen, the song list was like a letter to the graduates. Instead of formal advice or a long speech, he turned companionship, appreciation, and blessings into music. Songs such as Encounter, The Moon Represents My Heart, You Are the Most Precious, and Missing You carried messages of gratitude, affirmation, and care.

Although many of the songs came from earlier generations, music became a bridge rather than a barrier. The president shared the melodies of his youth, while students responded with their voices and enthusiasm. Across generations, they met through song.

During You Are the Most Precious, President Shen surprised the audience with an “NCKU RAP” version and a spoken passage he had written himself. When he said, “NCKU is proud of you. This has never been just a polite phrase,” the room fell silent for a moment before bursting into applause.

That night, applause, laughter, and singing came together as one warm memory. The president offered his blessings through song, and students received them in song. Long after graduation, they may not remember every word spoken that night, but they will remember the music, the warmth, and the message: NCKU is proud of you.