NCKU Honors 151 Teachers for Contributions to Teaching, Research, Education and Mentoring at 2026 Teachers’ Day Celebration

Text and Image Credit to NCKU News Center

National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) held its 2026 Teachers' Day Celebration on September 23 at Cheng-Hsing Hall on the Cheng-Hsing Campus. The event honored faculty members for guiding students through knowledge and inspiring them to explore new ideas and possibilities through both teaching and personal examples. A total of 151 faculty members received 162 honors across nine award categories, including the Excellent Teacher Award, Education Contribution Award and Professor Emeritus. The awards recognized their dedication and contributions to teaching, research and service.

NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen presents the Ministry of Education's 2026 Excellent Teacher Award to Professor Ta-Hui Lin of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering

The celebration opened with a beautiful musical performance by the NCKU Chinese Music Club. The flowing music filled the hall, symbolizing the gentle and lasting guidance that teachers provide as they support their students' growth. In his speech, NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen said the university's continued excellence is closely connected to the support of its more than 220,000 alumni around the world, and many alumni still remember the dedication of their teachers from decades ago. Their words and personal examples have had a lasting impact on students throughout their lives. As AI and online learning continue to transform education, teaching methods may change, but teachers continue to uphold three core values to connect with students, which are Care, Encourage, and Inspire.

NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen presents the 2026 Education Contribution Award to Professor Yu-Yun Lee of the Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine

President Shen also said that NCKU continues to improve faculty welfare in recognition of the dedication of its teaching and research staff. In addition to seeking better resources for research and teaching, the university is developing specific plans to strengthen healthcare support and working to improve its salary structure. Through practical support and a continued commitment to respecting and honoring teachers, NCKU hopes to work together with all faculty members to improve the teaching environment and the quality of education. President Shen also wished everyone a happy Teachers' Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.

This year's Teachers' Day Celebration recognized 162 honors presented to 151 faculty members across nine award categories. The awards included the Ministry of Education's 2026 Excellent Teacher Award (1 recipient), Education Contribution Award (1 recipient), Professor Emeritus (6 recipients), 2025-2026 Outstanding Teaching Award (50 recipients), 2025-2026 Outstanding Award for Teaching Innovation and University Social Responsibility (29 recipients), 2025-2026 Outstanding General Education Teacher Award (6 recipients), the Ministry of Education's 2026 40-Year and 30-Year Senior Teacher Awards (33 recipients), the 2025-2026 Outstanding University Advisor and Outstanding College Advisor Awards (30 recipients), and the 2026 Award for Publishing in Leading International Journals (6 recipients). NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen, Vice Presidents Yuh-Neu Chen, Shyy-Woei Chang, and Ching-Chang Lee presented the awards and expressed their appreciation and respect for the honored faculty members.

Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen presents the Outstanding Teaching Award

President Meng-Ru Shen first presented the Ministry of Education's 2026 Excellent Teacher Award, Education Contribution Award, and NCKU Professor Emeritus. Professor Ta-Hui Lin of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, received the 2026 Excellent Teacher Award. As a researcher in combustion, Professor Lin said he sometimes wondered about the meaning of life and what he could contribute to society. Through interactions with church elders and students, he gradually found his answers. From visiting church elders, he learned the value of humility. From working with students, he found hope and was deeply moved. A simple greeting could bring warmth to a student studying abroad, and encouraging a student struggling with depression and delayed graduation eventually helped the student enter the Institute of Applied Mechanics at National Taiwan University. Professor Lin said that such support and inspiration in teaching are more valuable than research achievements alone. Professor Lin expressed his gratitude for the education and support he received as a member of NCKU. He also thanked his faith and family for supporting him throughout his journey. "All of this is grace. Grace brings love and brings beautiful experiences in life," he said.

Vice President Shyy-Woei Chang presents the 30-Year Senior Teacher Award

Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen then presented the 2025-2026 Outstanding Teaching Award and the 2025-2026 Outstanding Award for Teaching Innovation and University Social Responsibility. Vice President Shyy-Woei Chang presented the 2025-2026 Outstanding General Education Teacher Award and the Ministry of Education's 2026 40-Year and 30-Year Senior Teacher Awards. Vice President Ching-Chang Lee presented the 2025-2026 Outstanding University Advisor and Outstanding College Advisor Awards, as well as the 2026 Award for Publishing in Leading International Journals.

Vice President Ching-Chang Lee presents the Outstanding College Advisor Awards

Congratulations to all the honored faculty members for setting an example in teaching. NCKU also thanks every teacher who has devoted time and effort to education. Wish all faculty members a happy Teachers' Day !