Tsai Ying-wen Attends Concert to Commemorate 25th Anniversary of Prof. Fu Cheng's Passing Away

In the evening of April 29^th Soochow University Department of Political Science hosted a concert to mark the 25^th anniversary of democracy fighter Fu Cheng’s passing away. Professor Fu began teaching at the Department of Political Science in 1971 and remained at his post till his passing in 1991. He dedicated his life to political education and political practice, educating many bright young minds and was much loved by all his students. Prof. Fu also played an important role in the Democracy Movement of Taiwan, fighting against authoritarian rule despite persecutions again and again by those in power. Furthermore, Prof. Fu participated and spearheaded the creation of the “Chinese Democratic Party” and the “Democratic Progressive Party.” He once said, “I will do anything, even at the risk of my life, to fight for Taiwan to have the following: democracy, democracy, and democracy.”

Soochow University President Pan Wei-Ta said that during Professor Fu’s twenty years at Soochow he never brought his political agenda into the classroom despite being an active political figure at the time, choosing instead to stress the importance of independent thinking.

President-elect and Chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Tsai Ying-wen was guest of honor in the memorial concert for one of the founding fathers of her party. In her speech, she commended Professor Fu for his courage in promoting democracy, freedom, and human rights, while choosing to stand with the people defying the authoritarian regime, and for playing such a huge role in the creation of the DPP. As a closing note, President-elect Tsai expressed her hope that Taiwan’s democracy can be consolidated and taken to the next level after going through peaceful power transitions.

Mr. Liu Chi-ren, President of Soochow University Alumni Association, and a student of Professor Fu’s was invited to reflect on his teaching and friendship. Also a student of Professor Fu’s Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen Chu was awarded the very first “Fu Cheng Lecture Award” for her participation in Taiwan’s democracy movement, her role in organizing the opposition party in the face of political persecutions, and continue to bring to fruition true democracy in government service after witnessing transition of power. The “Fu Cheng Lecture Award” is to be presented annually to individuals who have made great contributions in the promotion of human rights, justice, and democracy.

A fitting homage to the late Professor Fu, the concert presented moving violin, vocal, and acapella performances of classic melodies such as “Rainy Night Flower,” “Green Island Serenade,” and “Blue Sea Laughter” the. The band Fire EX, who rose to fame with the song “Island’s Sunrise” during the Sunflower Student Movement, gave a live performance lasting over half an hour giving young people of today a chance to get to know more about Taiwanese democracy fighter Professor Fu Cheng.

Chairperson Chen Li-gang of the Department of Political Science expressed his hope for Professor Fu’s beliefs and spirit to live on, and for the younger generation to learn about the great contributions democracy fighters of the past made to society, so we can truly appreciate the democratic way of life today. From April 29^th to May 5^th, the Department held a special exhibition of artifacts from Professor Fu Cheng’s personal belongings, hoping to bring this wonderful educator and political icon closer to the younger generation.