wfn.org | [ACNS] Episcopal institute in Taiwan upgrades to University of

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 4035     |     USA     |	  30 SEPTEMBER 2005

Episcopal institute in Taiwan upgrades to University of Technology

St. John's University, formerly St. John's and St. Mary's Institute of
Technology, located in Tamsui, Taiwan, celebrated an upgrade from
Institute of Technology to University of Technology with ceremonies on
August 1st. Over 200 dignitaries, faculty, alumni, and government
officials were in attendance for the day of activities. The
accreditation as a university of technology, which became official on
August 1, 2005, was marked by a morning service with Right Reverend
David J.H. Lai presiding bishop in the Diocese of Taiwan addressing the
gathered, followed by a ceremony formally announcing the upgrade with
presentations from representatives of the Taiwan government and the
unveiling of the University's new sign, and concluded with an afternoon
celebration party.

Established in Taiwan in 1967, St. John's and St. Mary's was the
successor school to St. John's University in Shanghai China which was in
existence from 1879 to 1952. When its Board of Trustees decided to
create a new university bearing the same spirit and tradition as St.
John's this time in Taiwan, Taiwanese officials agreed, but it was to be
a five year junior college not a formal university. Thus, the school got
its second start as St. John's and St. Mary's Jr. College. In 1999 St.
John's and St. Mary's became an accredited 4 year technical college.
Most recently, the upgrade from institute to university, and the
restoration of the school's original name St. John's marks one more
milestone in the Board of Trustees continuing goal of becoming a formal
university. Along with the university's president Peter Yang the Board
of Trustees has set 2010 as the date by which they hope to accomplish
this goal.

"It is a very great encouragement to the students as well as the
faculty" said President Yang of the recent upgrade.

"Originally St. John's was one of the best universities in mainland
China, with many great accomplishments by its alumni. Already here in
Taiwan as an institute we have accomplished much. Becoming a formal
university will mean finally restoring the great legacy of St. John's
University."

St. John's University is a university of technology affiliated with the
Episcopal Church, and is a member in good standing with the Colleges and
Universities of the Anglican Communion www.cuac.org. The university is
located in Taipei County, just north of the city of Tamsui. For more
information about St. John's University, visit www.sju.edu.tw .

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