【Reported by Wang Yong-Yan, Campus News】

To support Fulbright Taiwan’s “Planting Trees, Saving the Earth” initiative, NCCU held a tree-planting event on the morning of February 17 near the trail entrance by Zhangshan Temple. Twenty-five Formosan sweetgums, a native species, were planted to beautify the campus and celebrate sixty years of U.S.–Taiwan educational exchange. President Ming-Cheng Kuo and Fulbright Taiwan Executive Director Dr. Randall L. Nadeau delivered opening remarks, joined by Director Lee Yen-Yi from the Ministry of Education, Academia Sinica Vice President Huang Chin-shing, Professor Emeritus Wu Jing-Jyi, Fulbright scholars, and NCCU faculty and administrators.

An avid nature lover, President Kuo expressed excitement in his speech and gratitude to Fulbright Taiwan for initiating such a meaningful event. The first tree planted—a trident maple—was originally introduced from Japan in the early 20th century and has since adapted locally. The remaining 24 trees are native Formosan sweetgums. Unlike the maple leaves on NCCU’s other trails, sweetgum leaves have five pointed lobes and turn fiery red in autumn. This new grove is expected to become a seasonal highlight for campus visitors to enjoy the vibrant fall foliage.

The Fulbright Program operates in over 160 countries, promoting international academic exchange and intercultural understanding to reduce global conflict and foster peace. Fulbright tree-planting began in 2016 with an elm tree planted at the White House to honor Senator Fulbright’s legacy in international education. Continuing this tradition, Fulbright Taiwan launched the “Planting Trees, Saving the Earth” campaign to support sustainability, strengthen global partnerships, and honor the senator’s ideals. Over six years, 26 sites have hosted tree-plantings, with NCCU becoming the 27th location.

In his remarks, Dr. Nadeau said he was honored to celebrate the partnership between NCCU and the U.S., likening educational exchange to planting trees—starting small, growing strong, and cycling through seasons of renewal. The sweetgums planted at NCCU represent this enduring friendship and shared commitment to education. He also thanked NCCU and the Office of International Cooperation for their long-term support and expressed hope for continued collaboration in advancing Senator Fulbright’s vision of “more knowledge, less conflict.”

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Original Chinese Source: NCCU Campus News