To welcome the arrival of 2026, Chung Yuan Christian University upheld its 41-year uninterrupted tradition by hosting a New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks celebration on December 31. Immediately afterward, faculty and students embarked on a 34-kilometer journey by bicycle, inline skating, and running to the Presidential Office to take part in the New Year’s Day flag-raising ceremony, greeting the new year with enthusiasm and determination.
This year’s “New Year Countdown and Flag-Raising” event brought together 147 participants from eight universities. CYCU student clubs, including the Inline Skating Club, Cycling Club, Running Club, Emergency Medical Service Club, and the Graduate Institute of Business Administration Running Team, participated with great passion, demonstrating strong teamwork, perseverance, and unity while pushing their physical limits.
CYCU’s “New Year Countdown and Flag-Raising Event” was first initiated by the university’s track and field team in 1986 and has now entered its 41st year. Coinciding with CYCU’s 70th anniversary this year, the event has become both the symbolic opening and a signature highlight of the university’s anniversary celebrations. To mark the occasion, CYCU held a special “Ride for the 70th Anniversary” flag presentation ceremony on December 29, during which Vice President Wu Tsung-Yuan presented the flag, and University Chaplain Rev. Ma Yu-Hui offered prayers and blessings for the team before their departure.
Chen Min-Hua, Director of the Extracurricular Activities Section, stated that CYCU’s “New Year Countdown and Flag-Raising Event” has become an important annual tradition, symbolizing unity, commitment, and honor within the CYCU community. The route spans Taoyuan, New Taipei, and Taipei, and to ensure participant safety, the university coordinated with relevant authorities for police support and traffic control. Members of the Emergency Medical Service Club with professional certification accompanied the entire journey along with an ambulance, while experienced faculty and military instructors provided guidance and protection, allowing students to challenge themselves with peace of mind.
Chen also encouraged students with a verse from the Book of Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” hoping that every participant will face the new year with faith, courage, and confidence.
Huang Yuan-Jun, a Physics student and deputy leader of the Cycling Club, shared that although this year’s participation scale was not the largest, it was his most memorable experience. From handling logistics such as bike rentals, traffic coordination, and manpower arrangement, to leading route scouting and riding five hours with junior members while patiently explaining every detail, he deeply felt the strength of teamwork as everyone remained fully committed without complaint.
“This is the largest annual event for the Cycling Club, involving the most collaboration with other teams. Being able to stand together with my teammates and make it happen was truly passionate and moving,” he said with a smile, adding that the experience was not only a physical challenge completed, but also a moment of realizing that he could become someone others can rely on.
Su Wei-Cheng, a sophomore in Applied Mathematics and a member of the Inline Skating Club, shared that when he first joined last year as a participant, the journey was physically demanding and pushed him to his limits, yet the encouragement from teammates and supporters along the way deeply moved him. This year, serving as the chief coordinator, he expressed gratitude for the guidance and assistance from senior members and hopes to pass on this valuable spirit and experience so that the tradition can continue from generation to generation.
It is worth noting that, in addition to the enthusiastic participation of student clubs, Vice President Wu Tsung-Yuan, Dean of Student Affairs Chin Ting-Yu, and Director of the Extracurricular Activities Section Chen Min-Hua also personally joined the ride, cycling alongside the students. Their participation demonstrated CYCU’s warm, united, and strongly supportive campus culture, standing with students through action as they welcomed the new year together.
Upholding the philosophy of “it takes ten years to cultivate a tree, but a hundred years to cultivate a person,” CYCU’s Office of Student Affairs continues to integrate ten professional service teams and diverse campus resources to build a comprehensive and supportive system that accompanies students in every aspect of life, learning, mental well-being, and career development. Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Chin Ting-Yu, expressed hope that every CYCU student can learn with confidence and courage in such a caring and supportive environment, and step into the new year with greater self-assurance and a vibrant outlook on life.
