The Indigenous Student Resource Center (ISRC) of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST), in collaboration with its indigenous students, hosted the “Gen-Yu-Meng –2026 Indigenous Student Graduation Ceremony” at the Big Data Center on June 12 at 6:00 PM. The event extended the most heartfelt blessings to the graduates as they prepare to embark on a life’s next journey
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished faculty members and administrators, including Dr. Fang-Ming Lin, Vice President for Educational Affairs; Dr. Ya Ling Wu, Dean of Student Affairs; Dr. Wen-Cheng Yeh, Associate Dean of Student Affairs; Hsiao-Yi Tseng, Director of the ISRC; Chuan-Chun Fu, Section Chief of the Student Living Guidance Section; Dr. Tsen Hua, Associate Professor of the Department of Plant Medicine; and Chang-Hai Huang, Advisor of the Kacalisiyan Indigenous Club.
The theme of this year’s graduation ceremony, “Gen-Yu-Meng,” carries profound meaning: “Gen” (Roots) symbolizes the nourishment and cultural memory derived from the land; “Yu” (Feathers) represents the strength found in lifelong companionship and support; and “Meng” (Dreams) signifies the direction and brilliance of pursuing ideals after setting off. Through the rituals conducted during the ceremony, graduates were able to reflect on their journey of growth and reminded to carry the strength of their culture into the future. The venue was filled with a rich indigenous atmosphere. Both current students and graduates wore traditional attire from various tribal groups, showcasing their tribal identities and pride through vibrant woven patterns and cultural features, and turning the ceremony into a grand event rich in cultural heritage and emotional connection.
The ceremony featured a unique millet tassel-turning ritual, symbolizing the passing of wisdom and the continuation of life. Bunches of millet grown by local tribal farmers were used for the ceremony to signify the harvest and growth of academic achievements. It was a moment that marked an important milestone for the students, as they will now move on to carry their teachers’ expectations into the future and work to embrace humility and resilience as they continue to grow and thrive on their life’s journeys like mature and full ears of millet.
In addition, parents were invited to personally place garlands on the graduates’ heads. The atmosphere was incredibly warm and moving, with many students shedding tears of gratitude amid hugs and blessings. In indigenous culture, garlands symbolize honor, protection, and blessing, and the gesture was an expression of deep love and support from family members.
Alongside the traditional cultural rituals, the ceremony incorporated creative elements from the younger generation. Graduates wore red honorary sashes specially made by the ISRC with empowering phrases printed on them, such as “I am the best, absolutely outstanding.” These confident and energetic words were used to give recognition to the students’ hard work and growth over the years. Together with the garlands presented by the parents, the sashes, which faculty members personally draped on the graduates, emphasized the honor and blessings being poured out on them at this vital moment in their lives.
Since its establishment in 2016, the NPUST Indigenous Student Resource Center has continuously accompanied indigenous students on their academic journeys, providing diverse services such as academic tutoring, life support, and cultural empowerment. It has become a warm “home away from home on campus” for many indigenous students studying far from their hometowns. The ISRC hopes that no matter how high or how far the graduates fly in the future, they will always remember their cultural roots, embrace confidence and courage, spread their wings during life’s various stages, and write their own brilliant chapters along the way.
