After Typhoon Koinu severely struck Hualien, Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) launched the “Matai’an Home Reconstruction Volunteer Service” from October 4 to 6 during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Faculty and students from across the university traveled to Damah Village, Guangfu Township, Hualien County to assist in post-disaster recovery efforts. In collaboration with the Matai’an Presbyterian Church to assess frontline needs, about 120 volunteers participated over three days in environmental cleanup, drainage clearing, and mud removal—embodying CYCU’s spirit of “acting with love” and holistic education through compassionate action.
The College of Business actively joined this initiative, with enthusiastic participation from both faculty and students, exemplifying strong execution and social responsibility. Led by Dean of Student Affairs Prof. Ting-Yu Chin (Department of Bioscience Technology), Associate Dean of Student Affairs Prof. Yu-Shih Lee (Department of Business Administration), and Chief Military Instructor Prof. Han-Chung Chin, the volunteer teams departed campus at 6 a.m. daily and returned late at night. No volunteer hours or certificates were provided—participants served purely out of goodwill. Equipped with personal food and rain boots, and supported by tools provided by the local church and residents, the volunteers worked together in unity to rebuild the community. CYCU’s Emergency Medical Rescue Club also accompanied the team to ensure everyone’s safety.
In addition, Augustine Sanyang, an international student from The Gambia and a member of the College of Business Ph.D. Program in Business, joined forces with fellow Gambian students studying in Taiwan to form a volunteer group. They traveled to Hualien to assist in cleaning mud, moving furniture, and restoring homes—showing gratitude to the Taiwanese community. Augustine shared, “This is the little way we feel we can help in a country that’s been good to us.”
Prof. Cheng-Wen Lee, Dean of the College of Business and Director of the Ph.D. Program in Business, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative:
“Seeing our faculty and students take the initiative to engage in post-disaster reconstruction is truly moving. This action not only demonstrates the social responsibility and practical strength of our students but also fully embodies CYCU’s educational spirit of ‘holistic care’ and ‘acting with love.’ Through teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration, our faculty and students bring the value of education to every corner of society in need.”
The CYCU College of Business will continue promoting community service and sustainability practices, encouraging faculty and students to integrate professional knowledge with compassionate action—fostering the positive influence and impact of CYCU on the path toward global sustainable development.
