Rangoon University celebrated its Golden Jubilee in December 1970.
I was a volunteer for the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Htar Yay Committee” headed by Saya U Tun Hla Aung (Geography).
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor, Civil Engineering) and Saya U Thet Lwin (Burmese, Institute of Economics) were Chair and Secretary of a Committee. They had a reunion as Rector and Registrar of RIT.
Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins from RIT took part in the Entertainment with Swel Daw Yeik A Nyeint, Tabin Daing A Ka & Htee Yein.
RU Golden JubileeRIT Htee Yein
There are other Golden Jubilees :
GJ of the new Education System introduced in 1964
GJ of Admission to University or Institute
RIT GJ in 2014
GJ of Graduation from University or Institute
69ers GJ in 2019
Geology
Dr. Tha Hla received his doctorate from the UK. He served as Professor of Geology Department. He retired as Rector of the University of Rangoon.
His successors include Dr. Nyi Nyi, U Ba Than Haq and Dr. Maung Thein.
Geology Sayas and Sayamas
Dr. Tha HlaDr. Nyi NyiGeology 1978Dr. Maung Thein
Geology Volleyball
Geology Volleyball
Graduation
RIT Grads
RIT 69ers
Tin Aung Win (M69) & his fatherM69 gradsA69 grads
Graduation Photos
In the early days, some quality photos had to be taken in Studios. The photo (taken at “Bayin Ma”) shows proud parents of a fresh graduate.
Grad 1
It was customary to take photos at the “Full Dress Rehearsal” and in front of the Convocation Hall.
Grad 2
Permits were issued to registered photographers to take photos during the Convocation. Maung Maung Nhyat made a fortune.
Grad 3Grad 4
GeographySayas
Geography Dept
L Dudley Stamp taught at LSE and RU.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi was an early Burmese Sayama to receive a Doctorate from USA. An Alumnus donated Seed Money for her bust.
Dr. Daw Thin Kyi
Dr. Maung Htoo : Professor
U Kyaw : Principal, Workers’ College; Rector, Institute of Education; Father of U Myo Nyunt (Harry, OPA) & Daw San San Kyaw (UCC)
U Kyaw
U Win : Received Doctorate from USA; GIS; Water Resource
Founding member and first Prime Minister of Israel.
Awarded an honorary degree from Rangoon University.
Diamond Jubilee
RU Diamond Jubilee 1995
The RU Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in 1995.
Dr. Soe Win (IFL), Daw May Saw Lwin (Chemistry), Ko Aung Mon (YIT) and Ko Nyi Thet Lwin (IM1) were staying in the Main Campus, but affiliated with four different Universities and institutes
First Day Cover and Stamps
First Day Cover (RU Diamond Jubilee)50 Pyas Stamp (RU Diamond Jubilee)Two Kyats Stamp (RU Diamond Jubilee)
RIT is known for its cartoonists in general and “Cartoon Box” in particular.
Ko Myint Pe (M72) co-founded “Cartoon Box”. The Patrons were Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C64, “Phone Ko”, Vietnam Cartoons) and Saya U Aung Myint (Pet69, “Kyant Ba Hone”, GBNF).
Khin Maung Phone KoAung Myint
Aw Pi Kyeh (“Mann Bei”) served as Secretary of RIT Cartoonists Association and later as President of Myanmar Cartoonists Association.
The cartoonists compiled a special issue of “Selected RIT Cartoons” for SPZP-2012. They also published Cartoon Brochures for Shwe YaDu in 2014 and SPP-2016.
Chancellor
The Rangoon University Act of 1920 stated that roles of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor.
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma is also the Chancellor of Rangoon University.
The road leading to the RU Convocation Hall is called the Chancellor Road.
College, Council (RU Act of 1920)Chancellor (RU Act of 1920)
Prime Minister U Nu gave the Chancellor’s speech at the Convocation of Rangoon University in November / December 1961.
Chancellor Speech (1961)
For a period (especially citing Insecurity), the gates to the Chancellor Road were closed or closely guarded.
The Yar Pyae Ak Kyo (Pre-RU Centennial) began in December, 2019.
Some of the RU Centennial events for took place at the Convocation Hall, Recreation Center and the Universities’ Central Library.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, there were often restrictions. Some events were recorded in the Campus, and broadcast later via Myanmar Ah Than.
Chancellor Road
Coup
Coup d’etat by the 17-man Revolutionary Council took place on March 2, 1962.
Commodore Than Pe (President of RUBC) was appointed Minister of Health and Education. He passed away shortly afterwards.
Colonel Hla Han succeeded Commodore Than Pe as Minister of Health and Education. He became Chair of the Rangoon University Council.
Col. Hla Han
Chou En Lai
The Chinese Prime Minister visited Burma and took part in the ThingyanFestival.
Chou En Lai
Convocation
The Convocation is mostly held at the Convocation Hall.
Exceptions include the ad hoc Convocation ceremonies at Kyaikkasan and Aung San Stadium.
Some graduates had to wait a few years to attend their Convocation.
Convocation HallConvocation 196363 – 64 – 65 at KyaikkasanConvocation 1977
Collegian
He was known as “Pa Pu”, “Nay Dun” and “Nay Win (B.A.)”.
Joined the Navy before attending RU.
Represented RU and Burma in Soccer.
U Chin Sein auditioned him for the leading role of Collegian (movie based on Zawana’s novel). He became known as “Collegian Nay Win”.
Collegian Nay Win
Cross Lake
Swimmers participate in the Cross Lake event held in the Inya Lakes.
The 2000 yard course runs from Dubern Beach to RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club).
Nyunt Nyunt Tin posted a photo of her Gold Medal.
From RIT, the winners included Htay Aung (M69, Burma Selected for Water Polo)
The First Rangoon University Students’ Strike took place on December 5, 1920 to protest the limitations of the Rangoon University Act of 1920.
The movement led to the establishment of Amyotha Kyaung (National School) and Amyotha Kaw Leik (National College).
The Burmese date — 10th Waning Day of Tazaung Mon Month in Burmese Era 1282 — is used for the Celebration of Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay.
There is a difference of 638 years in the Gregorian and Burmese Calendars. Note that the Gregorian New Year falls on January 1, while the Burmese New Year falls around April 17. A correction is needed for the period January 1 to April 17.
To convert from AD to BE, subtract 638. e.g. 1920 – 638 = 1282
To convert from BE to AD, add 638. e.g. 1282 + 638 = 1920
A commemorative stamp for the Golden Jubilee of Amyotha Aung Pwe Nay is shown below.
Ah Myo Tha Nay Golden Jubilee Stamp
Aung San
He was born on February 13, 1915.
His Zartar name (per his natal horoscope) was Htain Lin.
His formal name is Aung San (which rhymes with Aung Than : name of his elder brother).
Bogyoke Aung San led a Burmese delegation to London in 1947. He signed the Aung San – Atlee Agreement (Sar Choke).
He was assassinated on July 19, 1947 along with Ministers (Thakin Mya, Deedok U Ba Cho, Mahn Ba Khaing, Mongpawn Sawbwa Sao San Htun, U Ba Win U Razak), ICS U Ohn Maung and Yebaw Ko Dway.
Centennial Celebrations were held in 2015. I wrote “A-U-N-G S-A-N” for the Centennial Celebration held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Bogyoke Aung San in London, 1947
Australia in 2016
In 2016, I visited Sydney, Australia to attend three gatherings : RIT Alumni, UCC Alumni, De La Salle Schools Alumni (mostly Paulians)
The Annual Dinner of Myanmar Engineers (mostly RIT alumni) was organized by Saya U Hla Myint (M65), Saya U Myo Win (M65) and the Executive Committee and members of MEAA (U “Henry” Thet Tun, U Sein Win and U Wint Khin Zaw). The attendees included Sayagyi D. Freddie Ba Hli (National Advisor for the Ministry of Planning, former DG of UBARI, GBNF). Sayas and sayamas who could not attend include U Thit (Metallurgy), U Maung Maung Win (M61) and Daw Yin Yin Mya (English). The spouses of several alumni are medical doctors.
Gathering in Australia (2016)
Saya U Aung Zaw (UCC, CSO, ABAC, GBNF) and Ma Kyawt hosted a UCC Pu Zaw Pwe for Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe (Founder of UCC, Pioneer of Computer Education and Application in Burma, GBNF) and Sayagyi Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Board Member of UCC Project, GBNF).
Saya Dr. Thann Naing (Bonnie Kywe, SPHS 66, Geology 70) hosted a lunch gathering in the Olympic Park for the alumni of De La Salle Schools (e.g. St. Paul’s, St. Peter’s, St. Albert’s) in Burma. Attendees included Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (SPHS6) who flew in from Brisbane, Ko Myo Lwin (Stanley Saw, SPHS65, M71, New Zealand). The entertainer was U Pantra (Moe Ma Ka Sydney, Pattla expert).
All Mechanical Gatherings
The first gathering was held in 2016. The Master of Ceremonies were U Hla Win and Daw Mar Mar Yee.
Annual gatherings were held in subsequent years.
The following is the invitation for the gathering in 2018 held at Dolphin Restaurant.
All Mech Gathering Invitation 2018
The Gathering for 2019 was moved to a restaurant in Pyithu Yin Pyin near Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Attendees paid respect to Thet Kyee Sayas and Engineers (80+ years young).
Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
He joined the Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering in 1958 as an Assistant Lecturer.
Masters from Harvard University
Upon return to Burma, he was promoted to Lecturer.
Also studied in Netherlands.
Worked for UN project in Bangladesh.
Moved to USA.
Leader of the San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group and President of RIT Alumni International.
Core organizer for SPZP-2000 (First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe) in San Francisco, California in October 2000.
His article “Brother, can you spare US $500?” led to five Golden Sponsors and many donors — large and small.
He retired twice, but came out of retirement because his former students offered him jobs. He passed away while working for CalTrans (California Transportation).
In his memory, his spouse Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to YTU Library. She also provided financial aid to eligible YTU students.
Saya Allen Htay
Aung Moung (M73, GBNF)
U Ba Than (former Professor of Mechanical Engineering) suffered a great loss when Ko Aung Moung passed away.
Ko Aung Moung was a core volunteer for SPZPs, HMEE project, and several RIT-related activities.
He also volunteered for several monasteries. Many monks offered to come by themselves to the Final Journey at Yay Way.
Aung Moung
Aw Pi Kyeh
“RIT Cartoon Box” was founded by U Myint Pe (M72) with Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (“Phone Ko”, C65) and Saya U Aung Myint (“Kyant Ba Hone”, Pet 79) as Patrons.
Four (or more) generations of Cartoonists ran “RIT Cartoon Box”.
The Box was closed after 8-8-88.
A popular cartoonist was “Mann Bei”. He served as Secretary of RIT Cartoonists Association. Gained fame as “Aw Pi Kyeh”. Became President of Myanmar Cartoonists Association.
During his tour to USA, I met him twice : once in Northern California (at the beginning of his trip) and once in Southern California (at the end of the trip).
Aw Pi Kyeh 1Aw Pi Kyeh 2
Autographs
There were at least two sets of autographs in the RU Centennial Facebook Group.
One posted by Hazel Kyaw Zaw (about her mother Daw Chit Swe’s autograph)
Another posted by Audrey Than (about her role models including UNSG U Thant)
Aung Pyie (Khin Maung Myint, Writer)
For RU Centennial, there were posts about some notable Burmese / Myanmar authors, poets, academicians and politicians.
Bogyoke Aung San 1Bogyoke Aung San 2Bogyoke Aung San 3
Attended Rangoon University and received B.A.
Took Law classes for a year before deciding to engage full time in politics.
Active in the RU Student Union. Served in various capacities (e.g. Secretary in his early days).
Chief Editor of Oway Magazine Expelled for not disclosing the author of “Hell Hound At Large”. His expulsion led to the RU Students’ Strike.
Hell Hound At Large
Translated “Invictus” for Oway Magazine. Reprinted in the RU Golden Jubilee Magazine.
Translation of Invictus
Brutally shot by assassins on 19th July, 1947.
19 July
Bo Aung Kyaw
Bo Aung Kyaw
Victim of the police brutality.
He was posthumously named “Bo Aung Kyaw”.
Sparks Street was renamed “Bo Aung Kyaw Street”.
The following is an article which was first published by Naganiand reprinted in Oway Magazine.
Bo Aung Kyaw
Ba Maung (Sports Officer)
Ba Maung
Under the then new Education System, Sports Officers were appointed for the various Universities and Institutes.
He was Soccer Selected for Burma. Sports Officer for RASU.
Other sports officers included U Thet Win (Diving) for the Institute of Economics and U Maung Maung (Soccer) for Rangoon Institute of Technology.
Badminton
RIT Badminton 1RIT Badminton 2
Saya U Yone Moe (Rector, GBNF)
Saya U Maung Maung Than (Chair, RIT Sports Council, GBNF)
Saya U Thein Lwin (President, RIT Badminton, GBNF)
Sai Kham Pan (Burma Selected, EP69), Ko Myint Sein (M69), Bishnu Shahi (EE69er) and team won the Inter-Institute Trophy
Sai Kham Pan
Sai Kham Pan was Burma Champion in Men’s Doubles and No. (2) in Men’s Singles behind Kyi Nyunt
Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) wrote :
There was another national-level badminton player from Textile, couple – if not more, junior to me. He also ran marathons. Unfortunately his name escaped me at this time. We used to hang out together at Sports Officer Ko Maung Maung’s office in those days.
Bagyee Wai Soe & Bagyi Kan Thein
Bagyee Wai Zoe Bagyi Kan Thein
Recreation Center hosted several indoor sports events.
There was a shop that sold post cards and paintings (e.g. by Bagyee Wai Soe)
There was a barber shop opened by Bagyee Kan Thein (an employee of the RU Students Union Building)
B.Com
Bachelor degree offered by the Department of Commerce
The department was under the Faculty of Social Science, which became the Institute of Economics in 1964.
The RU Centennial Pages had photos of Commerce grads.
B Com 1B Com 2
BIT Social and Reading Club
BIT Social and Reading Club
Saya U San Tun (M59) won Gold Medal and joined the Faculty of Engineering as Assistant Lecturer. He received Masters from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in the USA.
Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer. Taught at BIT (Burma Institute of Technology) in the Gyogone Campus.
Served as Hall Tutor and as a member of the BIT Social and Reading Club.
Botany
The following is a Badge for the Botany Department at the University of Rangoon.
Botany Badge
Burmese-English Dictionary
Judson’s Burmese-English Dictionary
Reverend Judson and team compiled two dictionaries : Burmese- English Dictionary English-Burmese Dictionary
They also translated the Bible into Burmese
Burmese Calendar
Burmese Calendar
Wrote about the Burmese Calendar in the BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) Newsletter, where I served as Contributing Editor.
Posted enhanced versions of the article in “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and my web site hlamin.com
Benny Tan (Yu Beng, M70)
Benny and Angelina Tan
Received the “Let Phount Tat Thar” (Sharpshooter) award twice at UTC (University Training Corps).
After graduating with Mechanical Engineering in 1970, he moved to the USA.
Masters from University of California at Berkeley.
Had successful careers as a Professional Engineer and as an Entrepreneur.
After handing over Tan Enterprise to his son, he is enjoying world wide travel (when granted permission by his six grand children).
Founding member of RIT Alumni International which hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco in October 2000. Designed the SPZP-2000 Banner and Mementos.
Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs along with Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay, EC70, GBNF).
His spouse Angelina was his personal Xerographic copier in his RIT days.
In 2017, I was listed in the “Hall of Fame” of Toastmasters International District 101 for (a) Distinguished Toastmaster (b) Triple Crown (c) Leadership Excellence (d) Advanced Leader Silver
Hall of Fame 1
Joined District 4 (an early District) of Toastmasters International. It grew too big and was reorganized as District 4 and District 101 (for clubs that are mostly located near Highway 101).
Hall of Fame
Received the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award.
DTM 1DTM 2
Won the “Triple Crown” for completing three awards between May and November of 2017.
Halin
Halin
Visited Halin (inhabited by the Pyu) near Shwe Bo.
Halin was declared as UN Heritage Site.
Not easy to go to Halin by the supposedly “short cut route” especially with ongoing repairs to the narrow road.
The Museum provided pamphlets with Pyu alphabet & Halin Pyu Stone Inscription
Hell-Hound At Large
Hell Hound At Large
Ko Aung San (Editor of Oway Magazine) was expelled for not disclosing the author of the satirical article “The Hell-Hound At Large”.
Ko Aung San
The authorities knew that Oway U Mya was the author, but they wanted to take action against Ko Aung San.
HMEE
HMEE Book
The History of Myanmar Engineering Education book was published in 2012.
Saya U Aung Hla Tun (National Literary Award Winner) was the Lead Author of the Project.
HMEE Team
The early supporters of the Project include U Ba Than (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering), U Soe Paing (My mentor at RIT and UCC) and U Thaw Kaung (Retired Chief Librarian of Universities’ Central Library).
U Ba ThanU Soe PaingU Thaw Kaung
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD Supplement for the Book.
U Ohn KhineU Hla MinCD Supplement
U Soe Paing & U Ohn Khine translated Section One and summarized Section Two of the Book.
Htee Yein
Htee 1Htee 2Htee 3
In 1970, RIT took part in the “Entertainment Program” for the Rangoon University Shwe YaDu (ရွှေရတု Golden Jubilee).
Htee Yein ထီးယိမ်း was a hit at the Shwe YaDu Celebrations.
Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့် was also a feature.
The terms “Swel Daw” and “Swel Daw Yeik” became known as synonyms for RIT in general and the Engineering Institutions in Burma in particular.
Won most of Free Style events (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m) and Cross Lake at RIT and All Institute Competitions
Was Secretary of the RIT Swimming Association
Represented Burma in Water Polo at the Fifth SEAP Games in 1969
Spouse : Than Than (Burma, SEAP & Asian Games Champion Sprinter)
Regular attendee at RIT 69er Monthly Breakfast Gatherings at Taw Win Hnin Si (Royal Rose) Restaurant.
Aging (notably hard of hearing) has caught up with the former Swimming Champ.
Htin Aung, Dr. (C69)
Htin Aung 1Htin Aung 2
Retired as Professor of Civil Engineering from YIT / YTU.
Represented RIT in Chinlon.
Badminton & Soccer player.
Several Dr. Htin Aung including the first native Rector of Rangoon University, and a Physics Professor (Sacred Heart 1957).
Htin Lin
Htin Lin
Pen name of U Thein Maung.
National Literary Award Winner
Gave English Tuition with U Khin Maung Latt
Eldest son : Soe Myint (GBNF) graduated with Triple Maths, but chose journalism. He was Chief Editor of the Guardian. He published my poems and Computer articles.
Younger sons : Soe Win (EC70, UCC, PTC), Kyaw Zaw (EC72, High School Luyechun, DCA, GBNF) and Khin Zaw (UCC).
His great grand son (son of U Khin Maung Zaw & Dr. Daw Khin Khin Latt) is named Htin Lin.
First HSF Only exam in 1962; Those from Rangoon had to take exams in March & August
Matric Only exam in 1963; My older brother entered Yankin College in 1957 after passing 9th Std (HSF & Matric) exam.
Attended last ever I.Sc(A)
Admitted to 2nd BE in Nov 1964
Graduated with BE (a few with BArch) in 1969
Long After Graduation
First major Reunion in 1999
Anniversary Reunions in 2009, 2014 and 2019
Except for pause during pandemic, Monthly Breakfast Gathering (usually at Taw Win Hnin Si)
Jara, Byadi & Marana
Over 40% are GBNF
Remaining 69ers try to be active physically, mentally & spiritually.
Two are Sayadaws: Ashin Ukkamsa & Ashin Pannagavesaka
Many hosted and/or attended Monthly Breakfast Gatherings.
One gathering had a record of nine hosts.
Gifts — 69er towel, 69er mug, 69er cap, 69er hat, 69er pen, medicine — are given at selected gatherings; Albert & company gave out towels; Millie was represented by her cousin; Kyaw Zin was represented by his elder daughter; Fred gave some gifts via 69ers that visited USA (e.g Kyaw Nyunt)
69er towel69er mug69er cap69er cap
Some donated and/ or joined virtually (via Zoom or Messenger).
Will go on Sharing & Charing
until the Last 69er
The following gives an account of 69ers & their gatherings.
Need input, feedback & suggestions to have a comprehensive album.
Donors & Volunteers
Aung Min (M) is Chair of 69er Health Care Fund. He & his team organized 69er events. They have updated Contact List several times.
Aung Min (Right)
Myint Myint, Ivan & Sein Myint are major donors. Others (e.g Mehm Aye Chan) make recurring and lump sum donations.
Myint MyintIvan (Right)Sein Myint (2nd from Right)
There are many unsung heros. Despite having limitations due to an injury at work, Ko Shwe drove long distance to collect donations.
Ko Shwe (3rd from Left)
Others visited 69ers in hospitals & homes (e.g to aid health care or offer Kutho donation).
1964 – 65
About 320 were admitted to 2nd BE in Nov 1964
Most graduated in 1969.
Luyechun program started in 1964 for high school & middle school. The program was expanded in 1965 for Universities & Institutes.
2nd BE (1964 – 65)LYC (Summer of 65)
See also
From BIT to YTU
Luyechun
Memories of a 69er
RIT Days
1966 – 69
Tennis
Inter-Institute Trophy winners
Kyaw Nyunt (M, GBNF)
Than Htay (EE)
…
RIT TennisKyaw Nyunt (2nd from Left)
Badminton
Inter-Institute Trophy winners
Sai Kham Pan (EP) : Burma Selected
Bishnu (EP, GBNF)
Myint Sein (M, GBNF)
…
RIT Badminton 1RIT Badminton 2Sai Kham Pan
Track & Field
Aung Gyi Shwe (EP, GBNF) : Secretary
Margaret (Khin Than Myint Tin)
Myo Nyunt (C) : Joint Secretary — for Henry Khin Maung Lay (T68)
…
Aung Gyi Shwe (Standing Left)Myo Nyunt
Swimming & Water Polo
Htay Aung (M) : Burma Selected; Fifth SEAP Games
Hla Kyaing (M)
Han Sein (C, GBNF)
Jimmy Kyin (T, GBNF)
Sein Myint (EP)
Swan Kong (?)
Win Maung (Lake)
Moe Hein (ChE)
…
Htay AungRIT Crosslake Swimmers
Rowing
Chit Po Po (M, GBNF)
Hla Min (EC) : Treasurer & Vice Captain of RUBC
Sein Myint (EP)
Win Maung (Lake)
Win Naing (Dicky, M, GBNF) : recruited David, Fred, Ohn Mg & Sein Tun
…
Chit Po PoWin Naing (Dicky)Sein Myint, Hla Min, Tin Myint
Table Tennis
Tin Myint (John, M, GBNF) : also Luyechun for 4th BE
Aung Myint (Pet) : Kyant Ba Hone (Cartoon); Tech & Edu Notes
Taing Oke : Yin Maung; National Literary Award
Tin Htut (Harry, M) : Mon Yu
Win Thein Zaw : Wai Lu
…
Kyant Wai Lu
69ers at Inya
Nay Win, Yee Pin, Khin Mg Gyi & Chit Po Po are GBNF
69ers at Inya
See also
Activities
Celebrations
Publications
RIT & Burma Selected
Sports
EE69
See post with annotations by Thein Swe (GBNF, Luyechun for 3rd BE) & me
EE69Ko Shwe (L), Thein Swe (R)
Graduates
Mostly Mech
Aung Thu Yein (E), Kyaw Than (Met?), Nay Win (M), Khin Maung Gyi (M) & Toby (A) are some of the GBNF
Most worked for government and industry. Some joined the Faculty. A few worked for private & family business. Some went overseas.
GradsA69
See also
69er — Memories
Then & Now
How Time Flies
1970 – 1998
There were no formal Reunions.
Most were busy with their work and family.
In the mid 1990s, Danny discussed with some friends about a 69er Reunion.
1999
30th Anniversary of Graduation; See Danny’s post about the event
I started “RIT Alumni Newsletter”; See my posts
Newsletter
2000
First RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) in the SF Bay Area : Oct 29 – 30, 2000 ; See posts about SPZP-2000
I was an Organizer & Chief Editor of the special issue of “RIT Alumni Newsletter”
(First) Alumni Appreciation Award received at SPZP-2000; Also given to KMZ (webmaster) & Maurice (core organizer)
Tint Lwin (Danny, M), Tin Myint (John, M), Lyo Kyin Sein (Mabel, T), Mg Toung (Tom, EC) & Myo Khin (C) attended SPZP-2000. Danny came from Singapore. John & Mabel live in Union City, California. Tom came from Connecticut. Myo Khin & Winsome (C73) came from Japan.
SPZP-2000 OrganizersSPZP-2000 attendees
2009
40th Anniversary of Graduation; See post for the event
Group photos : Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Textile, Chemical
ElectricalMechCivilTextile & Chemical
2014
50th Anniversary of RIT; See post about the event
Pseudo Golden Jubilee for 69ers
GJ of Admission
2015
Myint Myint (C) hosted a Welcome Lunch Gathering at Western Park for Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Millie, T)
Welcome Millie in 2015
Six 69ers at Ivan’s house. Ivan hosted annual RIT-UCC gathering for over a decade. Eventually, MASTAA was established with Ivan as CEO.
2016
(Second) Alumni Appreciation Award at the Birthday Soon Kyway Gathering in August; Organized by Maurice Chee (M75); Most attendees from California
Award 1
(Third) Appreciation Award at NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner in September
Award 2
SPZP-2016
Gathering — Welcome Sein Myint & me; Farewell to Tint Lwin
Gathering
2017
Monthly Gatherings
Ad hoc Gatherings
Annual Gathering
BFG 1
2018
Monthly Gatherings
Ad hoc Gatherings
Annual Gatheting
BFG 2017BFG 2018
2019
Golden Jubilee of Graduation
Home coming for Tin Tin (Ann)
GJ
2020 – 2021
SPZP-2000 canceled due to Pandemic
Several 69ers & family members succumbed to Covid
Gatherings put on hold
2022
December
Tin Shwe
2023
August
September 2023
အလှူရှင်
ဦးငွေထွန်း၊
ဦးတင်ရှိန်၊
ဦးသန်းဝင်း၊
ဦးချမ်းငြိမ်း၊
ဒေါ်ခင်သန်းမြင့်တင်၊
ဦးစောမြင့်နိုင်၊
ဦးဖေဟန်ထွန်း
U Zaw Win (Thailand)
Albert Kyaw Min
Dear RIT 69++friends
ဖိတ်ကြားအပ်ပါတယ်
September breakfast gathering သို့ မပျက်မကွက် ကြွရောက်ကြပါခင်ဗျား။
Rector : Rangoon University, Rangoon Arts & Science University and University of Distance Learning
Saya Kha Hall
Saya Kha Hall
Spouse : Daw Khin Soe Tint (Sayama Ruby)
Son : Dr. Oak Soe Kha
Daughters : Maimee Kha, May Thi Kha, Dr. Myat Munn Kha
Sayas Association in Sept 1988
Saya Thutmagga
Oway Magazine
Oway Magazine
Published by Rangoon University Student Union-
Ko Aung San served as Editor
Oway Magazine Committee
Minthuwun
U Wun co-founded Khit San Sar Pay with U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa) & U Thein Han (Zaw Gyi)
Translation Department Head, RU
Lexicographer
Professor of Burmese, RU
Visiting Professor, Osaka University
Minthuwun
Selected Photos
Several were published in RU Centennial Facebook Pages
RU Ah Nu Pyinnya ShinRU ArtistsRU Badge 1RU Badge 2RU Estate 1RU Estate 2Prome Hall SoccerSagaing RoadShwe Bo HallInya HallYadanar Hall Yadanar Hall 1978 Thit Pote 1Thit Pote 2SEAP Games 1969SEAP Games 1961MinthameeSaing Waing 1Saing Waing 2Philosophy (Workers’ College)Table TennisTrack and Field
U Tin Htoon (A60) : Co-founder, Architects Incorporated. Joined PWD. Worked in Singapore and USA. Rowing and Sailing Champion. Organizer.
Steeve Kay (EC70, GBNF)
Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZP (starting with SPZP-2000)
Donated US $200,000+ for RIT-related activities
See related posts
Steeve Kay (Thaung Sein, EC70)
Myint Pe (M72)
Mike Khe
Member of Swel Daw Yeik Troupe for RU Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 1970. He was Lushwindaw Seik Kyee.
Founded “RIT Cartoon Box” under the patronage of Saya U Khin Maung Phone Ko (C65, “Phone Ko”) &Saya U Aung Myint (Pet69, “Kyant Ba Hone”).
Organized four generations of “RIT Cartoon Box” cartoonists to compile & publish “RIT Selected Cartoons” for SPZP-2012.
Produced cartoon pamphlets for SPZP-2016
Active in MES (e.g. Young Engineers Program)
Coordinated set up of exhibits and musical program at SPZPs & Shwe YaDu.
Coaxed U-70 musicians to record songs at a professional studio. He is a Mike Khe Pho Soe Chin.
Gave me a ride from the SPZP-2012 Preparation Meeting to M72 Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
On the ride back home, he and Saya U Moe Aung discussed about their idea of helping sayas and alumni as a Foundation.
More discussions with enthusiasts led to the founding of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
Cancer survivor.
Lost his beloved spouse, but life goes on
Myint Pe’s Cartoon
Nan Khin Nwe (M92)
Nan Khin Nwe (83 Intake)
1983 Intake
Victim of three year school closure
Fund raiser for SPZPs and Alumni Association
Stan Liou (M67)
Stan Liou (M67)
Member of the RIT team which won Inter-Institute Table Tennis
Founding member of NorCal RITAA
Past Chair, BOD, NorCal RITAA
See post on “Table Tennis”
RIT Movie Actors
They include
Thamankyar Ko Myint : PPBRS, SPHS & RIT alumnus
Thamankyar
Dway (GBNF) : Academy award winner
Min Oo
Min Oo (Actor)
Pyay Ti Oo
See Posts
RIT Gatherings
Seattle, Washington
U Tin Htoon (A60, California)
U Aung Khin (A69, Seattle)
U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76, Seattle)
Tin Htoon (A60), Khin Maung Zaw (EC76), Aung Khin (A69) in Seattle
Singapore
Singapore mini-gathering
Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC)
Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69)
Saya U Tu Myint (M, Retired from Singapore Polytechnic)
U Tint Lwin (Daniel, M69, Retired from NTU)
James Than (Tennis)
RIT Sayamas
RIT English
Sayamas Muriel and Toni (English)
Muriel : Met her at Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt’s house in Milpitas, California; Lives in Thailand; Visits US
Toni : Lost her beloved spouse (former Ambassador); Met her at her late aunt’s house in Windermere Road; She stays sharp by playing Scrabble and Bridge
Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE70) : Dana Dri Lanka; Singapore Pon Chan Chan; Spouse —Don Min U Yu Swan (M68@@)
Tin May Soe (ChE70)
RIT Artifacts
Shwe YaDu Lann
Shwe YaDu Lann
To celebrate the Golden Anniversary of RIT in 2014
See posts “Anniversaries”
See Kabyar by Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung)
See my translation
Old Clocks
Old clocks
Repaired / restored by an alumni
For old times’ sake
See post on “Clocks” and “Time”
RIT Alumni Associations
RIT Alumni International
RIT Alumni International
San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group led by Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Meetings at the house of Benny Tan (M70)
Founded to support the first ex-rit web site; Designed and implemented by Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) in Seattle, Washington (Lone member outside California); Content provider & editor : Hla Min (EC69)
Hosted SPZP-2000
RIT Alumni International Newsletter was founded in April / May of 1999
Many posts by the members (especially written for SPZP-2000)
RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association
RITAA Logo
For several decades (during the Adhamma Era), there were no organizations / associations
A few years back, RITAA was formed and registered
Hosted SPZP-2016 with the help of sponsors, donors and volunteers
RITAA Members
RIT Artists
Pon Tu
Bagyee Myat Myo Myint
Myo Myint (M73)
Designed covers for RIT Annual Magazines; Swel Daw Yeik Magazines for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu & SPZP-2016
Drew paintings and set up an exhibition at SPZP-2016
Drew Pon Tus of sayas, sayamas and selected alumni. Handed over the Pon Tus personally or via alumni
Pon Tu of DAG
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi’s photo was brought from Myanmar by Metallurgy sayas attending the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles. It was handed over at a mini-gathering hosted at iNapa Winery.
RIT Sayas
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Saya Allen Htay and Daw Mu Mu Kin
Leader, San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group
Founding member & President, RIT Alumni International
Wrote “Brother, can you afford US $500?”
See posts about Saya, SPZPs and RIT Aumni International
Daw Mu Mu Kin donated Saya’s books to YTU Library. She sponsored scholarships for eligible YTU students in Sayas’s memory.
U Tin U
U Tin U, U Soe Paing, Alice
Joined Rangoon University in 1946, when it reopened after a closure of three years
Past Captain & Gold, RUBC
Represented RUBC at the 1948 Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi with Dr. Pe Nyun, Dr. Pe Thein & U Khin Maung Thint
BSCE from Oregon State University
MSCE from Yale University
Taught part-time at Civil Department
Past Captain, RGC
Gave interview for HMEE-2012 Project
Until his early 80s, played golf (e.g. with Saya U Soe Paing)
U Ba Than (GBNF)
U Ba Than
Won Collegiate Scholarship in 1947
Won two medals in 1949 : First for overall score for I.Sc.; First for highest score in Maths for I.Sc.
B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London University
Taught until retirement as Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Major supporter of HMEE-2012 project
Donated photos / albums for the project
Invited colleagues & former students to annual Birthday Soon Kyaw in October
Wrote memoirs at the request of his grand son
Hosted several gatherings at Winner Inn (run by his son)
Donated all of the Garawa money received from the PZPs
Appreciation
Soon Kyway at Half Moon Bay Award
In August 2016, Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway for me at the Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay.
Attendees brought delicious food.
Charlie Tseng (EC70) & Diana Tseng (ChE71) ordered two birthday cakes.
Received two sets of greetings. One displayed greetings sent by e-mail before the gathering. The other signed by attendees at the gathering.
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend. He asked Maurice to read his message. He also requested Maurice to order a dessert in his name.
Received “Appreciation Award”. Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the award on behalf of the sayas and alumni
Award and Greetings
Class of 70 and 71
Known as “Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65”
Monthly breakfast gatherings (mostly at Sein Hlyan)
Ad hoc gatherings (e.g. at Shwe Bei)
Khin Maung Myint (M71) wrote :
I visited Yangon for business. During short stay I was able to meet up with these ex-RIT Colleagues. Organizer is Harry Kyaw (Myo Nyunt, SPHS63). He always does voluntarily this kind of arrangement for all his friends.
Ko Khin Maung Myint (ChE71) seemed fit and fresh after kidney transplant – as well taken care by kind hearted Rosie (Mai Khin Nyunt, ChE71).
All of us in these photos are junior to you but you would recognize, remember, recall some of them.
Myint Than rowed same crew with me and also he was RIT Chin Lone Selection
Than Htaik was Mr. RIT Runner Up at that time and still is still keeping that body.
Kyaw Win Maung is Lu Ye Chun
Thein Nyunt
Owen (Aung Win, M71) is also our same batch, RIT Footballer, a lucky man being to be my BIL (brother-in-law)
HlaMin 