By Lin Xin-He, Year 2 Student, College of Whole Person Education
The High Table Dinner of the Honors College for the second semester of the 2022–2023 academic year was held on May 12 at the Howard Civil Service International House. Originating from the long-standing traditions of formal hall dinners at Oxford and Cambridge Universities in the UK, the High Table Dinner is an important social event. The Honors College has adapted this tradition by hosting a High Table Dinner each semester, inviting distinguished guests from various fields to share their experiences and engage in conversation with students over a formal meal. This event provides students with an opportunity to practice interdisciplinary learning and develop social etiquette.
The preparation of the High Table Dinner involved participation from all members of the College. Under the guidance of faculty and Tutors, students contributed to the planning and execution of the event. Both Tutors and students attended the dinner in the College’s formal blazers, which not only presented a unified image of the College but also added to the formality and elegance of the evening.
At 6:30 p.m., following the arrival of guests and faculty members, the evening commenced with all attendees singing the school anthem together. Vice President Song Yao-Ting and Dean of Student Affairs each delivered speeches offering their well wishes. The dinner was then officially declared open by Ms. Hsieh Hsiu-Mei.
During the meal, guests enjoyed fine cuisine while watching a video showcasing the outcomes of the College’s exchange programs in Singapore and Vietnam, as well as a reflective presentation on student life in Cheng Building.
The keynote speech of the evening was delivered by Distinguished Professor Tsai Ying-Chieh from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. His talk, titled “The Journey of Building an International Brand of Psychobiotics,” explored the challenges and obstacles he faced throughout the brand creation process. Professor Tsai discussed critical aspects such as market research, product development, and marketing strategies, and how he overcame difficulties and adapted to changes. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and determination in entrepreneurship, sharing his personal success story and the valuable insights he gained along the way.
https://pr.ntnu.edu.tw/news/index.php?mode=data&id=21595&keywords= The evening also featured heartfelt reflections from graduating students and a graduation gift presentation ceremony, offering sincere blessings and tokens of appreciation to the seniors about to complete their time at the College. Professor Wei Hsiu-Chen, the third-year student advisor, delivered a warm farewell message to the graduates, while the graduating students expressed their memories and gratitude for their college experience through words and heartfelt emotions.
This moment was filled with emotion and inspiration, bringing together the cherished memories of life at the College. The graduation ceremony also symbolized the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the graduates. The event concluded with a group photo, capturing the precious memories of this High Table Dinner. These moments will accompany the students into the future, becoming an enduring part of their college journey.
Through this event, participants not only gained academic knowledge and insight into Western social dining etiquette, but also witnessed the growth and development of the College and its students.
For a full report by NTNU News on this High Table Dinner, please visit:
https://pr.ntnu.edu.tw/news/index.php?mode=data&id=21595&keywords=
