-Kaohsiung Medical University-

After graduating from Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU), alumnus Robert F. Tzeng pursued his career in North America. Upon learning of his alma mater’s International Student Dormitory and Alumni Center Project, he generously donated NT$50 million in support of the University and named the Alumni Center “The South Apricot Garden.” The donation marks the largest single contribution from an alumnus in KMU’s history. Beyond providing significant support for campus development, it reflects Tzeng’s enduring trust in and affection for his alma mater.

The name “The South Apricot Garden” carries a deeply personal meaning for Tzeng.

The words “South Apricot” are rooted in his strong connection with the South Apricot Society during his university years. Through writing, photography, editing, and publishing, the society documented campus life and provided an important space for students to exchange ideas and emotions. For Tzeng, his years with the South Apricot Society remain among the most cherished memories of his time at KMU. Decades later, when he had the opportunity to name the Alumni Center, he once again thought of “South Apricot.” He hoped to bring this familiar name back to his alma mater, allowing a memory that belonged both to him and to a generation of KMU alumni to live on.

The word “Garden” in the name comes from Tzeng’s own Chinese given name, Fan-Tien (繁畑). The character “畑” is relatively uncommon and carries distinctive historical and cultural significance. It was given to him by his parents and has accompanied him throughout his life. Through the naming of the Alumni Center, he hopes to preserve this connection to his family and personal life journey at his alma mater.

Thus, “South Apricot” and “Garden” come together to form “The South Apricot Garden.” One represents the cherished memories of his student years, while the other carries the name given to him by his parents. Through this donation, these two precious chapters of his life will now become part of KMU.

In the future, The South Apricot Garden will serve as a space where alumni, faculty, students, and scholars from Taiwan and around the world can gather, connect, and exchange ideas. The name represents more than an alumni center; it records the enduring bond between one alumnus and his alma mater across the passage of time.

The NT$50 million donation represents substantial support for the development of KMU. But what “The South Apricot Garden” leaves behind is something even more enduring—a memory and a bond that can be carried forward for generations.

Building KMU Together is about more than creating spaces. It is about preserving the memories that alumni and their alma mater cherish together.

▲Alumnus Robert F. Tzeng (right) generously donates NT$50 million in support of KMU’s International Student Dormitory and Alumni Center Project.

▲Alumnus Robert F. Tzeng (second from right) poses with his family.

▲Alumnus Robert F. Tzeng (right) poses with his family.

⭐Make a donation in support of the International Student Dormitory project：https://reurl.cc/laA3x6

★Future issues of the KMU Alumni Magazine will continue featuring stories of International Student Dormitory donors, sharing the motivations and personal journeys behind each contribution.