“Undelivered Graduation Certificates” Exhibition at Tzu Chi University Promotes Peace Through Compassion

It’s the graduation season for universities across Taiwan. Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have lost their lives. Tzu Chi University is hosting the “Undelivered Graduation Certificates” exhibition to commemorate and remember Ukrainian students whose lives were cut short by war, aiming to convey the relentless nature of conflict through this event.

The “Undelivered Graduation Certificates” exhibition started in 2023 and has been held in 24 countries with 110 exhibitions. Ukrainian students at Tzu Chi University organized the event. The event began by saying prayers for victims of the recent Hualien earthquake and the Ukraine-Russia war. The participants wished all affected people could resume their everyday lives. Ukrainian students also sang their national anthem, praying for world peace.

Anna was a creative and talented young girl passionate about vocal music. Her life tragically ended at the age of 17 due to shrapnel that struck her abdomen. A nature lover, Simon dreamt of traveling to Norway with his beloved. He married his sweetheart just 12 days before his untimely death. Each photo in the exhibition tells the story of Ukrainian youth with their own dreams and lives, cruelly halted by war in their prime.

University President, Ingrid Liu; Vice President, Yun-Chi Ho; Dean of International Affairs, Elise Anne Devido; Dean of Student Affairs, Huei-Jhen Wen; and many faculty members, staff, and students concerned about Ukraine attended the event.

President Liu remarked that the exhibition was profound and meaningful. She said, “These young people could not complete their studies and graduate from a university like others. The world is a tug-of-war between good and evil. We hope everyone transforms their sorrow into strength and works together for global peace.” Dean Devido emphasized cultivating compassion and humanitarian care among faculty members, staff, and students through the exhibition.

One Ukrainian student shared the story of her friend Roma, a graduate student in Kyiv. Roma dreamed of restoring historic Ukrainian buildings, but was killed by a Russian missile strike while defending his country at the age of 21. “This is just one of the many similar stories back home,” she stated. Another Ukrainian student stated, “No student should die because of war. I hope everyone who visits this exhibition understands the importance of peace.”

Yao-Wen Wang, a domestic student in communication studies, said, “Seeing these photos deepens my understanding of the impact of war on nations and families and helps me know the current situation in Ukraine.” Chinese medicine student Max Lin added, “I dream of becoming a Chinese medicine doctor. These Ukrainian youths had their aspirations, too. Their stories make me cherish the opportunities and resources I have. I pray for Ukraine, hoping no one will suffer anymore.”

Faculty members, staff, and students offered their best wishes through flowers and cards. Some even made sky lanterns and cards in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, expressing their hopes for peace.