The Inaugural Entrance Ceremony for New Students of Third Life University at National Chung Cheng University (CCU) was warmly held on Saturday, September 13. Faculty members and students gathered to mark the beginning of a new chapter in lifelong education. The ceremony was hosted by CCU Vice President Dr. Sheng-Ju Chan, who welcomed participants in a lively yet heartwarming atmosphere. With their enthusiastic participation, students demonstrated the spirit of "It's never too old to learn," officially embarking on their Third Life learning journey.

Third Life University offers three interdisciplinary programs: Holistic Health Care Planning and Management, AI-Enhanced Teaching and Learning for Seniors, and Health Empowerment and Career Development in Sports. These programs are jointly designed and delivered by the Department of Social Welfare, the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, and the Department of Athletic Sports. The first cohort has drawn participants from diverse fields—including education, long-term care, media, arts, and administration. Among them are professionals holding master’s and doctoral degrees, reflecting the program’s distinctive model of intergenerational and cross-disciplinary learning.

During the ceremony, student representatives shared their motivations for enrolling. Ya-Ching Chen, representing the Department of Social Welfare program, holds dual master’s degrees and has extensive teaching experience. She chose to further her studies in holistic health care to give back to her community. Dr. Hsin-Han Chen, Secretary-General of the Ruithai Social Welfare Foundation in Chiayi County, joined the program to deepen his expertise and bring new vitality to the family’s long-term care services.

From the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, retired high school teacher Lien-Chang Hsu continues his lifelong pursuit of learning and recently immersed himself in AI-related courses, aspiring to integrate technology into senior education. Meanwhile, Hui-Mei Yang, Secretary-General of the iMedia Development Association, combines her media background with social good, dedicating efforts to teaching seniors how to use smartphones. She sees Third Life University as a new starting point for both personal growth and community contribution.

Representing the Department of Athletic Sports, former junior high school art teacher Yu-Chuan Liu enrolled in the “Health Empowerment and Career Development in Sports” program after early retirement. Her goal is to infuse her later years with vitality through sports practice and professional training, strengthening self-care and encouraging more people to pursue a healthy lifestyle.

To promote interaction, the event featured icebreaker games for participants from various backgrounds to connect and build friendships. A buffet lunch further created opportunities for collaboration and exchange. This year’s student body spans a wide age range—from 32 to 83 years old—truly reflecting the belief that "It's never too old to learn."

According to CCU, currently a pilot program supported by the Ministry of Education, Third Life University integrates holistic health, career transformation, and social engagement. It aims to provide multi-dimensional learning opportunities for all generations, injecting fresh perspectives into higher education. Beyond an educational initiative, Third Life University serves as a pioneering platform for intergenerational, interdisciplinary, and cross-sector learning, empowering every participant to continue growing and embrace new learning journeys in the next stage of life.