Thursday September 30, 2021 – Khon Kaen University held an official blessing ceremony or “Bai Sri Su Khwan” for the 2021 retirees. The event this year, called “Towards the Goal of the Perseverance and Pride” of the Year 2021 was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University. As we are under the severe spread of Covid-19, the number of attendants and guests was limited to 16 representative retirees from different faculties, institutes, and divisions, along with the administrators of the University. The rest of the retirees and honorable guests joined the event on line via Zoom Meeting, or watched the event live from Facebook Fan Page: Khon Kaen University. The number of retirees this year is 261, 71 being from the academic line and 190 from the supporting line. The event was held at Saisuree Jutikul Room, Faculty of Education, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University conveyed the words of blessing towards the retirees as follows: “The fact that you have worked until today shows your whole life dedication for Khon Kaen University until it is reaching its 60th year soon. All of the retirees jointly marked the history of the development of Khon Kaen University, as the major University in the Northeast and in Thailand. So it is something everyone should be proud of, of the growth of KKU and the benefits, knowledge, research work, academic services given to the society. I hereby thank all of you, for the works you have done for the growth and prosperous of our beloved University. Now that you are retired, please always think that you are still a member of Khon Kaen University and a Mo Dindaeng folk, and please return to KKU on different occasions. Please always support us and give us advice. Lastly, may all of the retirees have good health and happiness and live valuably with your family for a long, long time into the future.”
Next, Asst. Prof. Anan Hiransalee, Ph.D., Chairman of the Senior Personnel Association of Khon Kaen University and the representative of the retirees of KKU this year welcomed the retirees to the ceremony. “Congratulate every retiree! We are proud to have worked, built and developed Khon Kaen University until today. The Senior Personnel Association was founded by the University as it is seen important for those who are retired. Every retiree is invited to join the association, and to help sharing knowledge and skills for the benefits of the University. You can join the different activities organized by the Association, which will help support you in terms of physical and mental health, keeping you physically fit and be dependable by your family as well as KKU.”
Assoc. Prof. Darunee Chotisayangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, the representative of academic personnel said, “One good thing about the retirees is the work we have done at Khon Kaen University. The University has partly developed us to grow in our occupation. Besides the chances we were given, the University helped us raise and build our family, provide a good place to live, and a school for our children. Whenever we were not feeling well or exhausted, there was Srinagarind Hospital to take care of us. I don’t think these are possible elsewhere. I believe that all along the time we spent here, we dedicated both our mental and physical abilities for the development of the University, in accordance with the roles and duties we were assigned. Today, when we are laying down these missions, other psychological mission will still be there. Whenever KKU is facing changes, we will not neglect KKU, but we will take another role in the form of an organization or network, to always support the University.
Mr. Phumiphak Phitakkhuankhan, the representative of the supporting members said, “The finishing line of the retirees shows the dedication that we should be proud of. These words are really meaningful to me, for the 38 years of work here has given me a lot. I feel like I am an alumnus of KKU, for I have assimilated a lot of knowledge and experiences from the superiors and colleagues. We have developed love and attachment. KKU is a place towards which we have high esteem. KKU is a big home with a lot of members. I believe that all of us retirees hold on to the same feeling that we are like alumni. If there is a chance, we will never hesitate to support and help strengthen the University so that it will grow fruitfully towards the future, no matter under what age or what changes. We readily give our wholehearted mental support to our younger ones to dedicate themselves to the University. May all of them have a chance to build challenges and step towards the finishing line as we did. With faith and attachment, we will always love KKU.”
Before the ritual ceremony, a dancing performance was scheduled, called “Bai Sri Su Khwan Dance”, for the retiring personnel. This beautiful classical dance was performed by the students majoring in performance arts of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Khon Kaen University. It was trained and directed by Asst. Prof. Sarawadee Phuchomsri, Ph.D., a lecturer of the Music and Performance Department of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Khon Kaen University. The music was directed by Asst. Prof. Burin Plengdeesakul, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts. Following this performance, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen University gave each retiree a token of appreciation.
The “Bai Sri Su Khwan” for the retiring personnel is an important event held every year to honor the staff members who are retired after their long-time dedication and hard work for the University. However, with the awareness of the safety of all, the event this year had to limit attendants to 50 people. Only 16 representatives of the retirees from all of the faculties and divisions were asked to join. The others joined via Zoom Meeting. The atmosphere, nevertheless, still maintained the beauty and graceful impression, which truly honored the 126 retirees this year.
** Please watch and download the photos of the event “Towards the Goal of Perseverance of Pride” of the Year 2021 from: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cHY-P9Nh4xBeNhd6FF_2Mpn8Yn3UKwHU?usp=sharing
News: Watchara Noichompoo
Photos: Watchara Noichompoo / Natthawut Jaruwong
