Courtesy Call with Fu Jen Catholic University Authorities, Welcoming of Uniservitate Asia and Oceania New Members, and Service-Learning Program Presentation

Taipei, Taiwan—September 24, 2024. Participants from member universities of the Uniservitate Asia and Oceania Regional Hub gathered at the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Hall, Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU), for a day of connection, learning, and celebration. The event featured a courtesy call with FJCU authorities, the welcoming of new member universities into the Uniservitate network, and a showcase of FJCU’s Service-Learning Program.

The event aimed to introduce members of the Uniservitate Asia and Oceania Region to the FJCU authorities and to welcome the new member universities joining the regional hub. Additionally, the program highlighted FJCU’s Service-Learning initiatives, which focus on integrating community engagement into academic learning.

Present during the courtesy call were prominent FJCU authorities, including Rev. Wen-Ling Wang, Vice President for Mission; Prof. Yao-Nan Lin, Dean of the Office of International Education; Prof. Ping-Keung Yip, Dean of the Medical College; Prof. Cheng-Hau Peng, Dean of the Social Science College; and Prof. Marie Kuo, Dean of the Human Ecology College.

Ms. Fritzie Ian De Vera, Vice President for Lasallian Mission at De La Salle University, officially welcomed the new member universities. This was followed by an introduction of the Uniservitate Asia and Oceania Regional Hub by Mr. Jimi Caldea, the Program Coordinator. Ms. Romina Eloisa Abuan, Assistant Coordinator for the Uniservitate Program, introduced the new members, including institutions from the Philippines (De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, University of San Carlos, University of San Agustin, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Davao University, University of Santo Tomas, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, University of St. La Salle, and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute) and India (St. Edmund’s College and
Maris Stella College). Following the introductions, Mgtr. Maria Rosa Tapia, General Coordinator of Uniservitate-CLAYSS, shared her message of solidarity and collaboration with the newly joined universities.

To further inspire the new members, Ms. De Vera presented De La Salle University’s Service-Learning Institutionalization, which provided insights into DLSU’s role as the regional hub for Uniservitate Asia and Oceania. She emphasized DLSU’s leadership in promoting the integration of service-learning into academic practices across partner universities in the region. This initiative is spearheaded by the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), fostering greater social engagement through education.

As the host university, FJCU also showcased its various service-learning programs. Dr. Miao-Ju Chwo, Director of the FJCU Service-Learning Center, introduced the university’s efforts in community engagement. Several faculty members presented their initiatives, including Dr. Keng-Ching Lin from the Physics Department, who spoke about being an integral part of the local community, and Dr. Kuan-Chieh Huang from the Holistic Education Center, who shared about cultivating inner peace and thoughtful action in elementary school children through service-learning. Dr. Chien-Huei Hsu from the Child and Family Studies Department discussed the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into local preschools, while Dr. Hsiu-Ju Yang from the Textiles and Clothing Department, and Dr. Ming-I Lydia Tseng from the English Language and Literature Department, each presented their collaborative Service-Learning projects with students.

The program concluded with a reflection by FJCU student, Man-Yun Lo, who shared her personal experience of participating in the university’s Service-Learning program, offering an inspiring account of how the program has shaped their academic journey and community involvement.