In order to enable the construction of Dharma Drum University (DDU) to proceed continuously and smoothly, Venerable Guo Zhao, Director of the Chung Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies, received the official seal from Zeng Ji-qun, former President of the Preparatory Office of Dharma Drum College of Humanities and Social Science, and Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM), who supervised the ceremony, at the Mountain’s Oceanic Convocation Conference Room at 3:30 pm on August 7. Venerable Guo Zhao has officially become the third President of the Preparatory Office of Dharma Drum College of Humanities and Social Science. Also attending the ceremony were Abbot Venerable Guo Dong, Venerable Hui-min, President of Dharma Drum Buddhist College, Mr. Chen Jia-nan, President of General Association of Dharma Upholders, Prof. Li Zhi-fu, Honorary Director of the Chung Hwa Institute of Buddhist Studies, Dr. Liu An-Chi, former President of Feng Chia University, and the supervisors of all departments of DDM.

After the handover of the official seal, Master Sheng Yen presented the former President Dr. Zeng with a certificate of gratitude and a plaque with an inscription symbolizing the recipient’s outstanding contribution to DDM, and praised Dr. Zeng as a great bodhisattva, following his vow to be a life-long volunteer for the DDM’s educational institutes and selflessly donating his entire pension. Abbot Venerable Guo Dong recalled the story when Dr. Zeng resigned from his post as Director General of National Central Library and became a promoter of the DDM’s ‘Three Types of Education’. The Abbot thanked him for helping DDM’s academic education system get off to a good start. Meanwhile, he expected the newly appointed Venerable Guo Zhao and DDM’s monastic and lay practitioners to adhere to Master Sheng Yen’s vows, enthusiasm and perseverance to win people’s hearts, and he said he believed that the University has infinite prospects. The hall echoed with applause as Venerable Hui-Min, President of Dharma Drum Buddhist College, and Ms. Liao Su Yue of the Community University presented souvenirs and bouquets of flowers.

Since taking over the preparatory work of DDU in 1997 from Prof. Li Zhi-fu, Dr. Zeng has been dedicated to realizing the ideals of education through public outreach, caring service and academic study and research. Though stricter university education and land development regulations were encountered after his succession, the college finally received approval from the Ministry of Education, and its ground-breaking ceremony was witnessed by distinguished guests including the President of the Legislative Yuan, the Minister of Education, and the Chief Magistrate of Taipei County . Looking back to this arduous process of establishment, Dr. Zeng said modestly that his contribution was not worth mentioning. However, all the attendees were deeply moved by his spirit of devotion. Master Sheng Yen also praised Secretary Mr Liao Jin-rong, Chief Engineer Mr Chen Qia-you and Dr. Zeng for their contributions to the the University in the process of land acquisition, land maintenance and establishment. He also recognized Dr. Zeng’s contribution in successfully establishing the University and its positive reception by society so that it is accepted that DDM is capable of providing quality education.

Venerable Guo Zhao, President of the Preparatory office, had 17 years of teaching experience before becoming a nun and is a key figure in DDM’s promotion of education. In her address, she was grateful for having favorable circumstances enabling more people to join in achieving the education goals, and she mentioned she also expected the consultant team of academics to assist in planning and promoting the establishment of DDU, so as to cultivate talents of good character, high moral principles, high spirits of service and a global perspective, thereby meeting the needs of society and enterprises today.

At the end of the ceremony, the former and current directors of the University Preparatory Office and attendees posed for group photos with Master Sheng Yen and Abbot Guo Dong to mark the occasion, symbolizing that the University is marching towards a new milestone.