News--Welcome to National Chiayi University

　　National Chiayi University President Chiou Yi-Yuan, feted as “Dr. Peanut,” is not only dedicated to academic research on his professional field but also owl carving as a hobby. President Chiou, who educated himself on sculpting since childhood purely out of interest, had been making a 5-meter-long giant owl sculpture during spare time since the end of 2016. The masterpiece “NCYU Owl Go,” which took him nearly a year to accomplish, was put on display at the lobby of Zuei-Suei Guan, Lantan campus, on Nov. 2nd. It was in conjunction with the 98th anniversary of National Chiayi University to be held on Nov. 4th, titled “Together We Row the Boat of Owl.” By showcasing his owl sculpture, he wished to inspire and motivate the faculty, staff members and students of the university as a team before his upcoming retirement.

　　President Chiou explained the background of this work. In 2016, he came across the distinguished alumnus Zhang Yan-Qing, who has achieved great success in the timber industry. Knowing his interest in taking the difficult challenge of making a gigantic owl sculpture, Zhang sent a Canadian pine log up to 5 meters long to the university in the October of the same year. With the log at hand, President Chiou began his design based on the shape of an owl as well as the concept of “it requires teamwork during the dragon boat race.” The ultimate work, with the president steering the boat in the front and two vice presidents on both sides drumming and playing music, symbolizes their role of leading the seven colleges of the university. Through this work, he hoped to encourage all to work together to conquer difficulties now facing higher educational institutions.

　　President Chiou mentioned in his interview that he has never received formal training in sculpture, but, born in the countryside of Miaoli as he was, had as a little kid cultivated an interest in making toys like spinning tops with wood he randomly picked up. The owl families that had lived at the tree holes near his childhood house left him a lasting impression. Their attentive, cold, observant, wise eyes have always fascinated him, who considers owls one of his favorite subjects for sculpting. Since teaching at NCYU, the fallen trees from typhoons have become his best materials for owl sculpture. With just a hammer, knife and saw as tools, he completed the 5-meter-long giant owl carving as seen today.

　　President Chiou said with emotion that he, who is going to retire next February, began his destined, lifelong commitment to NCYU in 1977. In his last six years at NCYU, he was privileged to serve as President at the one and only place he has ever worked. He was grateful to the alumni who have throughout the years been investing in the “international exchange funds,” targeted to facilitate internationalization and students’ transnational mobility. He also thanked the National Chiayi University Distinguished Alumni Association for sponsoring the establishment of “NCYU Kano Baseball Funds” that aims to enhance training for the NCYU baseball team. During these years, his owl wood sculpture has also helped encourage financial support in various occasions. The giant owl carving “NCYU Owl Go” on display today is thus his gift for the school. He wished that, after his retirement, the sculpture would carry on its mission of eliciting support not merely from the alumni, but from the larger society. The ultimate vision is to turn NCYU into the glory of Chiayi, apple of the eye of Taiwan, and a new-born star in the world.

　　The 98th anniversary celebration ceremony of National Chiayi University is scheduled on Nov. 4th, with a series of related events starting from the end of October. A sports event and campus bazaars in tribute to the anniversary will take place from Nov. 3rd to 4th. In addition to the anniversary celebration ceremony, an unveiling ceremony for the KANO Bailbox and a homecoming anniversary party for the alumni will also be organized on Nov. 4th. All are invited to come and celebrate NCYU’s birthday.