On May 16, 2026, Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) and the CYCU North America Foundation held the “Wang Guan Hall Naming Ceremony” in Los Angeles, officially naming the university’s Civil Engineering Building “Wang Guan Hall” in honor of Calvin Wang, a first-generation Civil Engineering alumnus, for his lifelong dedication to education and support for students in need.
A documentary titled Building Kindness: The Life Journey of Calvin Wang, jointly produced by CYCU and alumnus Lin Hsien-Tang, was presented during the ceremony, highlighting Wang’s inspiring journey and commitment to giving back. Alumni from Taiwan and the United States gathered to witness this meaningful moment of friendship and legacy spanning more than half a century.
Born in Xiamen in 1934, Calvin Wang entered CYCU’s Department of Civil Engineering in 1949 as part of its first graduating class. He later earned a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California and served for many years in Los Angeles public works, specializing in bridge and structural engineering review. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus of CYCU in 2008.
Despite his professional achievements, Wang never forgot the hardships of his student years. Together with his wife, Chung Min-Chen, he has long supported educational philanthropy under the belief that “education can change lives,” establishing scholarships and supporting student housing to help financially disadvantaged students pursue their studies with peace of mind.
Since 2010, Calvin Wang has established the “Financial Aid Scholarship” and the “International Scholarship” at CYCU, while also supporting teaching equipment, student development funds, and university development initiatives. His cumulative donations have exceeded NT$50 million. In 2017, he further donated US$1 million to support student housing construction and international scholarship programs, becoming a major supporter of the university’s global education efforts.
What makes Wang’s scholarships especially meaningful is that they are awarded not only based on academic performance, but also on students’ character and family circumstances, with the goal of helping those truly in need. To date, the scholarships have supported 323 students from countries including Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and several African nations, with total scholarship funding exceeding NT$13 million.
The naming ceremony was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rosemead in Los Angeles, attended by CYCU Chairman Chang Kuang-Cheng, Vice President Wu Tsung-Yuan, Director of Alumni Affairs Lin Yun-Chu, and university representatives.
In his remarks, CYCU Chairman Chang Kuang-Cheng said that the true value of education lies not only in the transmission of knowledge, but also in the willingness to support others in times of need. Referencing a biblical perspective, he noted that what truly endures in life is not how much one possesses, but how many lives one has helped and inspired. He praised Calvin Wang as a model of quiet generosity and lifelong giving.
Speaking about the significance of the name “Wang Guan Hall,” Chang explained that “Crown” symbolizes honor and spiritual reward. He emphasized that the name represents not only a building, but also the continuation of a meaningful legacy. As CYCU celebrates its 70th anniversary, Wang Guan Hall stands as a symbol of alumni devotion and an inspiration for future generations of students.
Cheng Wan-Li, founder and board member of the CYCU North America Foundation, noted that what makes Calvin Wang truly admirable is not only his professional success, but also his decades-long dedication to educational philanthropy. He highlighted Wang’s personal involvement in scholarship presentations and student interactions, reflecting his deep commitment to education. Cheng added that this spirit of giving has inspired more alumni to support and give back to their alma mater.
Speaking at the ceremony, Calvin Wang shared in his usual humble manner that he continues supporting education because he hopes more people will join in helping others. “Giving has become a habit,” he said, explaining that seeing students’ lives changed through education motivates him to keep contributing. Regarding the naming of the Civil Engineering Building, he modestly described it as a personal tribute to his alma mater and expressed hope that it would inspire more alumni to continue this legacy of kindness.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of a scale model of Wang Guan Hall, created jointly by faculty and students from the Departments of Civil Engineering and Architecture. Several participating students were themselves recipients of Wang’s scholarships, symbolizing the meaningful cycle of support, growth, and giving back that deeply moved the alumni in attendance.
Following the unveiling ceremony, CYCU also hosted a global alumni gathering, bringing together alumni from Taiwan and across the United States to reconnect and celebrate their shared bond. Chiu Chiu-Lin, President of the CYCU Global Alumni Association, remarked that alumni are among the university’s most valuable assets, while the university remains a lifelong home for its graduates. He encouraged alumni worldwide to continue supporting CYCU with a spirit of gratitude and giving back.
CYCU emphasized that a university’s greatest legacy lies not only in its buildings, but also in the values and spirit passed down through generations. The name “Wang Guan Hall” does not replace the original Civil Engineering Building name, but is newly added to the building’s exterior as a tribute to Calvin Wang’s contributions. More than honoring a distinguished alumnus, the naming symbolizes the enduring power of kindness, education, and the spirit of giving back.
