Fu Jen Catholic University facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Fu Jen Catholic University

天主教輔仁大學  (Chinese)
Latin: Universitas Catholica Fu Jen
Former name	Catholic University of Peking (1925-1950)
Motto	真、善、美、聖 (Mandarin) Sanctitas, Bonitas, Pulchritudo, Veritas (Latin)
Motto in English	Sanctity, Beauty, Goodness, Truth
Type	Private, Catholic, Coeducational Higher education institution
Established	1925; 100 years ago (1925)
Founder	Barry O'Toole and Aurelius Stehle
Religious affiliation	Roman Catholic (Jesuit and SVD)
Academic affiliations	AACSB AALAU ACUCA AJCU-AP ELECT EUTW IFCU Tsinghua Alliance UMAP United Board
Chairman	Peter Liu Cheng-chung
President	Vincent Han-Sun Chiang
Academic staff	1,942
Undergraduates	22,395
Postgraduates	4,041
Location	New Taipei City , Taiwan
Colors	Vatican Yellow      Virgin Blue      Angel White
Chinese name
Simplified Chinese	天主教辅仁大学
Traditional Chinese	天主教輔仁大學
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin Tiānzhǔjiào fǔ rén dàxué Southern Min Hokkien POJ Thian-chú-kàu Hú-jîn Tāi-ha̍k

Fu Jen Catholic University (often called FJU or Fu Jen) is a private Catholic university located in Xinzhuang, New Taipei City, Taiwan. It was first started in 1925 in Beijing because Pope Pius XI asked for it. Later, it was re-opened in Taiwan in 1961 at the request of Pope John XXIII.

The name "Fu Jen" means "assistance" and "kindness." This university has grown to have twelve different colleges and schools. Some of its programs were the first or only ones in Taiwan, like those for Italian language, information management, museology (the study of museums), and religious studies. It also hosts the oldest journal in the country that is listed in the A&HCI (Arts & Humanities Citation Index). The university even has its own metro station called Fu Jen University Station, which was the first metro station in Taiwan named after a university!

Fu Jen is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit-linked university in the Chinese-speaking world. It is directly guided by the Congregation for Catholic Education of the Holy See (the Vatican). This means Fu Jen has a special international role and is known for its strong connections with the Roman Curia (the Vatican's government). Over almost a hundred years, different Catholic groups like the Benedictines, the Verbites, and the Jesuits have helped manage the university.

The university has Taiwan's first business school to get AACSB accreditation, which is a big deal for business programs. Its medical college was also the first to use a special teaching method called PBL for medical education. Many famous people have studied at Fu Jen, including former Premier Lin Chuan and former First Lady of China Wang Guangmei.

Fu Jen is part of many important groups, like the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific and the IFCU. It even helped start the Alliance of Asian Liberal Arts Universities with other top universities like the University of Tokyo and Peking University. The university has exchange programs with over 435 universities around the world, including famous ones like Stanford, Oxford, and UC Berkeley.

History of Fu Jen University

Starting in Beijing

Pope Pius XI helped fund the university's start.

Fu Jen's main entrance since 1963.

Fu Jen Catholic University first opened in Beijing in 1925. It was started by the Benedictines from Pennsylvania, USA, because the Holy See (Vatican) asked them to. At that time, it was known as the Catholic University of Peking. The university grew from an earlier school called the Fu Jen Academy. The first president was an American missionary named George Barry O'Toole. Later, Chen Yuan, a famous Chinese historian, became president and stayed until the school was closed by the government in 1952.

In 1933, the Benedictines could no longer support the university. So, the Society of the Divine Word from Germany took over. Because of its connection to Germany (which was an ally of Japan), the university staff were somewhat protected during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945).

After World War II

After World War II ended in 1945, China won against Japan. Fu Jen University was doing very well in science. Famous scientists like Chien Shih-Liang taught there, and students like Lee C. Teng and Wang Guangmei became world-famous. In 1945, the university's chairman, Thomas Tien Ken-sin, became a cardinal. The next year, they added a School of Agriculture and planned for a School of Medicine.

However, after the Communists took power in China in 1949, religious groups like the Catholic Church faced challenges. In 1952, the government combined Fu Jen with other universities in Beijing.

Re-opening in Taiwan

Even though there were plans to move Fu Jen to Taiwan in 1948, the university's activities were paused for about ten years. Then, in 1961, the Holy See officially asked for Fu Jen Catholic University to be re-opened in Taiwan. Paul Yu Pin, a Catholic leader, was appointed as the new president by Pope John XXIII. The new school was supported by different Catholic groups.

The new Fu Jen focused on subjects like Western history, medieval philosophy, Christian thought, and European languages. It became the only university in Taiwan that fully combines Western ideas, history, language, religion, and art.

During the Cold War, many priests and nuns from Western countries came to teach at Fu Jen. They brought new knowledge to Taiwan.

Fu Jen in the Modern Era

The Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, opened in 2017.

Fu Jen has grown a lot since the 1990s. It is one of the top five universities in Taiwan for student numbers and influence. It now has twelve colleges and schools, plus a hospital. In 2001, Fu Jen was the first university in Taiwan to actively lower its tuition fees.

The Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital opened in 2017. This hospital helps the College of Medicine work with other subjects like biotechnology, chemistry, physics, engineering, management, and foreign languages. They are creating new programs that include training in hospital management, medical translation, and research in new technologies like laser and robotic surgery.

University Goals and Values

The university's motto is 真、善、美、聖, which means Truth, Goodness, Beauty, and Sanctity in Latin. These are the four main ideals of the university.

The university's emblem has a laurel wreath, which stands for honor and peace. The twelve stars represent the Virgin Mary. The cross shows the Christian faith. The two colors on the shield remind us of Christ's two natures, and the round shape of the shield looks like the Sacred Heart. The Latin words on the banner below the emblem are the university motto, and the three folds of the banner represent the Trinity.

The university president supports important ideas like ending the death penalty and making sure higher education is not just about making money.

Global Connections and Influence

The flags of Vatican City, Taiwan, and the University flag at Fu Jen.

Fu Jen Catholic University has a special role in international relations, especially because of its connection to the Vatican. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, it was the only university in Beijing not fully controlled by Japan. Later, during a period of strict government control in Taiwan, Fu Jen was able to protect its students' freedom of speech because the Vatican was concerned.

Fu Jen is part of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), which is linked to UNESCO. Even after Taiwan left the United Nations in 1971, Fu Jen continued to be part of UNESCO through the IFCU. This shows its unique international standing.

The university plays a role in the relationship between the Vatican and Taiwan. For example, Taiwanese ambassadors to the Vatican often receive an honorary degree from Fu Jen after their service. Also, the Vatican's representative in Taiwan attends the university's opening ceremony each year.

The university's leaders often travel with the President of Taiwan to visit the Vatican. In 2013, gifts from a company started by a Fu Jen alumni were chosen as official gifts for Pope Francis and former Pope Benedict XVI.

What Students Learn

Fu Jen University has 12 colleges and over 25,000 students. Here are some of the main areas of study:

How Students Learn

Divine Word Academic Highrise, a building at Fu Jen.

A corner of Fu Jen College of Medicine's new building.

Fu Jen University has Taiwan's first program for training people to be conference interpreters. It also has a Mandarin Language Center, started in 1964, which helps foreign students learn Chinese. They also offer fun cultural classes like Chinese Poetry and Taijiquan.

The School of Medicine uses a teaching method called "problem-based learning" (PBL). This means students learn by discussing real-life cases in small groups. This method has been praised and has helped improve medical education in Taiwan.

Research at Fu Jen

Fu Jen Catholic University has a long history of publishing academic journals. Some of its main journals include:

In 2008, Fu Jen Academia Catholica was opened to help with studies about Catholicism across different subjects.

Global Partnerships

Fu Jen works with many top universities around the world:

• Fu Jen - Stanford: Since 2015, Fu Jen has worked with the Stanford Prevention Research Center to study human wellness globally.
• Fu Jen - Oxford: In 2012, Fu Jen teamed up with the University of Oxford (UK) and another university in Italy to offer a new degree in philosophy and finance. This program helps future leaders learn about both money and ethics.
• Fu Jen - IQS -USF: The Master in Global Entrepreneurial Management (MGEM) is a program offered with universities in Spain and the USA. It was ranked 43rd worldwide in 2017!
• Fu Jen - UC Berkeley: Professors from the University of California, Berkeley often give talks at Fu Jen.
• Global Leadership Program: Since 2008, Fu Jen has been part of a leadership program with other Jesuit universities in Japan, Korea, and the Philippines.

Rankings and Reputation

Schutte Memorial Building, a former library at Fu Jen.

Fu Jen College of Management is a top business school in Taiwan.

Fu Jen is known as one of Taiwan's best private universities, with many highly-ranked study areas and famous graduates. It is consistently ranked among the top 10% of universities in Taiwan by global rankings like QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The Mayor of New Taipei City has even called Fu Jen "the core of talent, academics and medical care in New Taipei City."

The Fu Jen College of Management is one of Taiwan's best business schools, known for its international focus and use of cloud computing in teaching.

In 2014, Japan's representative in Taiwan listed Fu Jen Catholic University as one of the seven well-known Taiwanese universities.

• Taiwan's Most Popular University: A 2018 survey ranked Fu Jen 4th among all universities in Taiwan and 1st among private universities. It's also the third-largest university in the country by student numbers.
• Top Catholic Universities Worldwide: In 2021, uniRank ranked Fu Jen 1st in Taiwan, 3rd in Asia, and 54th worldwide among 610 Catholic universities.
• Times Higher Education Impact Ranking: In 2020, Fu Jen was ranked 201st-300th globally for its impact on society (5th nationally).
• Times Higher Education Ranking: In 2020, Fu Jen was ranked among the top 1000 universities worldwide (10th nationally).
• Global Entrepreneurial Management: In 2020, a joint program between Fu Jen and two other universities was ranked 19th globally by the Financial Times.
• AACSB Global Business Accreditation: In 2005, Fu Jen's business school received the important AACSB certification. Only five universities in Taiwan have this.

Campus Life

Fahy Memorial Library

Kungpo Memorial Library

Cardinal Shan Library

The campus of Fu Jen Catholic University, including its hospital, is about 348,360 square meters. That's almost as big as the Vatican City State! The Xinzhuang campus is sometimes called the "tree house campus."

• Main Campus: Xinzhuang District, New Taipei (since 1963)

Libraries

Fu Jen has several libraries for different subjects:

• Kungpo Memorial Library (for Liberal Arts)
• Fahy Memorial Library (General Library)
• Paul Cardinal Shan Library (for Medicine)
• Theology Library

Getting Around

The metro station art with Fu Jen's motto.

A special walkway from the metro station to the university.

The university is easy to reach by metro, with its own station: Fu Jen University metro station. There's even a special walkway from the station directly to the university's main entrance.

Student Activities

The Ceremony of Venerating the Heavens and Ancestors is a special event held at Fu Jen. It's about being thankful to nature and remembering ancestors.

Student Groups

Fu Jen Catholic University has over 100 student clubs! These include groups for academics, arts, community service, hobbies, sports, and music.

The Cyan Rhyme Award is an annual singing and songwriting competition that started in 1977. Many famous singers and artists, like Jolin Tsai, have participated in this competition when they were students at Fu Jen.

Religious Traditions

Decorations during Religious Life Week.

Every year during the Catholic Lent season, the university holds a two-week Religious Life Week. This helps students and teachers understand the meaning of Catholic Holy Week and Easter. In October, priests hold a special Mass to pray for the country and world peace.

In the past, during a time of strict rules in Taiwan, Fu Jen and another university were the only ones allowed to hold big College Christmas Balls. This made them very famous for their Christmas celebrations.

Student Voice and Democracy

Fu Jen professors and students have been involved in many important student movements in Taiwan and China's history. These movements helped bring about social and political changes.

Every May, students at Fu Jen hold elections for their student government. This helps students learn about democracy and how to manage their own affairs. In 2013, they even started using electronic voting to make it easier for students to participate.

Sports and Athletics

Fu Jen Catholic University has at least 31 school sports teams. The Fu Jen baseball team is very famous in Taiwan. The Fu Jen Dragon Boat Team is also well-known and helps with sports diplomacy for the country.

Fu Jen is the only university in Taiwan with both a men's and women's football (soccer) team. They play in top leagues in Taiwan. Many students have even played for Taiwan's national team!

Fu Jen has helped many professional baseball and basketball stars get their start. Famous athletes who are alumni or students include:

• Lee Fu-an (Asian Athletics Championships champion)
• Cheng Chao-tsun (javelin gold medalist, broke Asian record)
• Kuo Hsing-chun (weightlifting gold medalist at the Olympics and Universiade)
• Lin Yun-Ju (table tennis bronze medalist at the Olympics, youngest Taiwanese player at World Championships)

In recent years, Fu Jen has consistently ranked first among private schools in the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games.

2020 Summer Olympics

Fu Jen sent 8 athletes to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and 4 of them won 3 medals for Taiwan! This included Taiwan's sixth gold medal in Olympic history.

Medal	Athletes	Sports	Subjects	Dates
1 Gold	Kuo Hsing-chun	Weightlifting	Women's 59 kg	July 27
3 Bronze	Lin Yun-Ju, Cheng I-ching	Table tennis	Mixed doubles	July 26
3 Bronze	Huang Hsiao-wen	Boxing	Women's flyweight	August 4

Famous People from Fu Jen

Nearly 200,000 people have graduated from Fu Jen, working in many different areas.

• Politics: Many graduates have become important politicians, including members of the Legislative Yuan (Taiwan's parliament), government ministers, and even a former Chinese first lady, Wang Guangmei.
• Science and Academia: Famous scientists include Wei-min Hao, a climate scientist who shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, and Lee-Jen Wei, a professor at Harvard.
• Business: Many alumni are leaders in business, including founders or top executives of major companies like Trend Micro, Acer Inc., and Franz-porcelains.
• Arts and Media: Fu Jen has produced many well-known writers, directors, actors, and singers, such as novelist Wu Mingyi, playwright Stan Lai, and pop stars Jolin Tsai and Nicky Wu.

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  Former Chinese First Lady, Wang Guangmei

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  Professor of Harvard School of Public Health, Lee-Jen Wei

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  IPCC climate scientist, Wei-min Hao

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  Co-founder and former CEO of Trend Micro, Steve Chang

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  Economist, 48th Premier Lin Chuan

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  Man Booker International Prize nomination, Wu Ming-yi

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  Notable playwright and theater director Stan Lai

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  Notable screenwriter and Golden Horse Award winner Neil Peng

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  Notable singer and actor Nicky Wu

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  Notable singer and dancer Jolin Tsai

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  Notable actress and Golden Horse Award nominee, Vivian Sung

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  Notable weightlifter, Olympian Kuo Hsing-chun

Special Honorary Degrees

Fu Jen Catholic University often gives honorary doctorates to important people like cardinals, national leaders, and Nobel Prize winners. This shows its special international standing.

It's a tradition that the Ambassador of Taiwan to the Holy See can receive an honorary doctorate from Fu Jen after they finish their work.

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  Slovak Cardinal, Jozef Tomko

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  English pharmacologist, 1982 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine winner John Vane

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  Mexican Cardinal, Javier Lozano Barragán

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  Salesian and Cardinal, Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga

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  President of Costa Rica (2002-2006), Abel Pacheco

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  Polish-born Cardinal, Zenon Grocholewski

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  Luxembourgish politician, Viviane Reding

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  Italian Cardinal, Renato Martino

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  Swiss politician and former President, Pascal Couchepin

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  Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Matthew Festing

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  Cardinal Prefect, Giuseppe Versaldi

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  The 8th President of the Marshall Islands, Hilda Heine

Other Schools Connected to Fu Jen

• Keelung Fu Jen Sacred Heart Senior High School, Keelung City, Taiwan
• Keelung Fu Jen Sacred Heart Elementary School, Keelung City, Taiwan

Partnerships

Founders and Church Connections

• Order of Saint Benedict (during its time in Beijing)
• Roman Catholicism in Taiwan
• Republic of China–Holy See relations

University Alliances

• EUTW university alliance
• Tsinghua Big Five Alliance
• Excellent Long-Established University Consortium of Taiwan

See also

In Spanish: Universidad Católica Fu Jen para niños

• Hang Yuen FC
• List of Jesuit educational institutions
• List of university and college schools of music
• List of fashion education programs