The 1969 RIT Graduates Reunion was held in Rangoon/Yangon, Burma/Myanmar on Saturday, 20 February 1999 at Sait-Teng-Kya Restaurant near Kandawgyi lake.
Idea
The idea was mooted three years ago when a few of us were having dinner together and thought of having a gathering in 1999. After that most of us have forgotten about the idea until around the end of November 1998 when a group of our friends led by Ko Yee Pinn (Tavoy), Ko Myint Maung (aka “Bu”, RIT Volleyball selected), Ko Shwe, Ko Win Lwin, etc. decided to have a grand re-union in February 1999. They also decided that to be more meaningful we should invite our Sayas to pay them respect as well and, hence, it became the reunion cum Saya-ga-daw-pwe.
Attendees
On that very day the guest trickled in starting from about 4.00 p.m at the restaurant. The guests were required to fill in their names and contact numbers. The organizers promised to compile the name list and send to everybody who attended. By 6.00 p.m. about 30 Sayas and about 120 of our graduates were in the restaurant. The master-of-ceremony, Ko Win Lwin, announced the start of the ceremony.
Speeches
The programme started off with a few speeches, led by Nyi Hla Nge, representing the graduates in Rangoon, followed by Danny, representing the graduates overseas, Sai Aung Win, representing graduates outside Rangoon and last but not the least, by Saya U Kyin Soe, representing all the Sayas.
Paying respect
After that we gave respect to the Sayas. All the Sayas were seated on the stage and all of us sat on the floor. Some gifts were distributed to the Sayas followed by photo taking session and then the sumptuous dinner began.
Dinner & Entertainment
About 9 to 10 dishes were served but, most of us were too excited to notice what we were eating. Halfway through the dinner some of us went up the stage and sang some songs for entertainment. Even all the ladies, led by Alice and Naw Mu Mu Aye were on the stage as well. The crowd went wild.
Vow
The party ended at about 9.30 p.m. with some of the graduates not so sober. It was indeed a memorable gathering and we all vowed to meet again in December 2000 at place and date to be announced early next year. Three cheers to the organizers and those who have one way or the other help in making this event a great success.
1969
Updates
How time flies.
The Class of 69 celebrated the 30th anniversary reunion in 1999. The correspondence (Ko Daniel Tint Lwin, Ma Alice Saw Yu Tint, …) was partly responsible for the establishment of the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the first ex-RIT web site.
40th Anniversary Reunion in 2009
2009
Golden Jubilee of Admission in 2014
2014
Golden Jubilee of Graduation in 2019
2019
U Aung Min (M69) is Chair of 69er Health Care Fund. He and his team maintain the GBNF list.
GBNF
Several Octogenarians — U Tin Maung, Harry Tin Htut, Uzin Bobby, Uzin Aung Chaw, U Ngwe Tun, U Win Thein Zaw, U Ngwe Soe, Albert Kyaw Min, Mehm Aye Chan, U Kyaw Zin, Robert Win Boh, U Tin Aung Win …
Ivan Lee (M69) invited several 69ers to get together at his house in New Jersey around June-July of 2015. U Aung Myint and U Sein Tin could not make it to the 2015 mini-reunion.
Fred Thetgyi (M69)
Lives in Philadelphia
Joined the 2015 mini-reunion
Drove most of the 1800+ mile trip in Ivan’s Mercedes
Except when his batteries went out, he took pictures at the mini-reunion and the trip.
He would appear only in a fraction of the photos, when someone else (Ivan, a waiter, or a stranger) took the photo.
Phil 1Phil 2Phil 3Phil 4Phil 5Phil 6Phil 7Phil 8Phil 9
New Jersey
Main Host : Ivan
Other hosts : Saya U Soe Paing & Daw Saw Yu Tint
Ivan took us on a short trip to New York
Ivan showed us around New Jersey
For several years, Ivan had hosted the RIT-UCC Gathering with Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Saya U Soe Paing as Guests of Honor.
Photo shows two Sayas and six 69ers — Fred, TAG, HM, Alice, Toung / Tom and Ivan
New Jersey
Niagara Falls
On the way to Canada
Took photos from the US side & the Canada side
Niagara Fall
Windsor, Canada
Host : Sayagyi U Aung Khin
Saya patiently waited for our arrival.
Saya let me and my spouse spend the night in his Guest room. Ivan and Fred stayed at a motel.
Saya prepared Mohinga and Ah Kyaw for breakfast.
He gave us mementos.
U Aung KhinSaya U Aung Khin Memento
Toronto
Brief sight seeing
Saya Des Rodgers had earlier invited to drop by his house, but our schedule did not have slack time.
Napean, Canada
Host: Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma
Saya drove us around Toronto
We spent two nights at Saya’s house.
Dr. Aung Gyi
Took a quick trip to Thousand Islands. Ma Ma Emma bought a gift for my Myee
Thousand Islands
Shrewberry, Massachussetts
Hosts : Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) & Daw Khin Maw Maw
Since they were renovating their home, U TAG hosted us at a hotel.
Visit MIT & Harvard University
U TAGDinner
Trumbull, Connecticut
Hosts : U Toung (Tom, EC69) and Daw Khin Myint
Visit Yale University
Visit Pizza place frequented by the young Bill Clinton
Ko ToungPlace frequented by young Bill Clinton
Philadelphia
Hosts : Fred Thetgyi (M69) & Eunice
Dropped by to see Fred’s elder sister
Visit Pake Forge and Liberty Bell;
Visit my last remaining uncle U Thein Han in Maryland
Aung Khin : worked in Botswana; moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near daughters and grand children; Attended Golden Jubilee on December 14, 2019 in Yangon
Kyaw Kyaw : belonged to an elite group who married early
Myo Tun (Bobby) : won essay contests as Errol Than Tun; retired from PWD; he became Ashin Pannagavesaka; was editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya; went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
Tobias K. Ku (Tobi, GBNF) : succumbed to Covid in 2021; daughter passed away earlier to Covid
Thet Htun : moved to Taiwan.
Thwin Thwin Aye MHmi (Olive) : played chinlon with her classmates; Spouse : U Han Zaw; Met them at the lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012
Tin Maung Hla (GBNF) : sponsored Abhidhamma books & courses
ChE69
Aung Min Oo
Aung San
Aye Aye Kyu
Ceril Shair (USA?)
Khan Za Lan
Khin Maung Win
Kyaw Minn (Ei Kun, Singapore)
Kyaw Min (Albert) : Guitarist, Vocalist
Moe Hein (Ajala) : Swimming, Water Polo
Myat Tun
Myint Ko
Myint Myint Aye
Myo Min, Mehm
Soe Win
Swe Swe Oo
Taing Oke, Dr. (Japan)
Yi Yi Khaing (Vilma, Singapore)
C69
Aung Chaw (Victor, Ashin Okkantha)
Aung Kyaw Nyein (USA)
Aung Myint
Aung Than
Aung Win
Ba Than Chit (Saw Myint Naing)
Han Sein (GBNF) : Swimming. Water Polo, Diving, Basketball, Tone Kyaw
Hla Myint
Hla Myint Thein (Patrick Aye) : Saya, Secy of RIT Civil, Entrepreneur
Htay Aung (Canada)
Htay Myint
Htin Aung, Dr. (Chinlone) : Prof
Khin Aung (Taiwan)
Khin Maung
Khin Maung Aye
Khin Maung Myint
Khin Maung Tint : Saya, Entrepreneur
Khin Maung Win, Dr. (Donald Ba Pe) : Assoc. Prof, Taught in Malaysia
Kyaw Min Thein (Kenneth)
Kyaw Naing (Kyaw Thwin)
Kyaw Thein
Kyaw Tint
Li Li Wai (Lily?)
Maung Kyaw
Myint Aung
Myo Khin, Dr. (Retired Prof at Japanese University)
Myo Nyunt : Jt. Secy of T & F; Soccer
Myo Win
Myo Chit
Myint Myint : Major Donor to 69er HCF, Donated to Library & selected charities
Nyi Hla Nge : Retired Dy Minister
Ngwe Tun (Tun Tun)
Phone Kyaw (Mandalay)
Phor Daw Khan
Sam Nithang (Samuel, USA) : Saya
Saw Lwin
San Linn
Saw Yan Naing (GBNF)
Sein Tun
Soe Myint
Soe Tint
Than Htwe
Than Oo
Thaung Htay
Thaung Htwe
EE69
Abdul Rauf (GBNF)
Aung Gyi Shwe (GBNF) : Secy of T&F, Soccer, Weightlifting
Aung Kyaw Pe
Aung Than
Aung Thu Yein (GBNF)
Aye Thein : Volleyball
Ba Oak
Bishnu Shahi (GBNF) : Badminton
Chit Tin (GBNF)
Dave Singh Saluja (Thailand)
Hla Min (USA) : Lifelong Learner
Hla Paik
Hla Tun
Khin Maung Hassan (Saudi Arabia)
Khin Maung Bo (Alan Saw Maung, GBNF)
Khin Maung Soe
Khin Maung Tint
Khin Maung Win (GBNF) : Sargalay turned Lada
Khin Maung Win (Roland Thein)
Krishnan Lal (Australia)
Kyaw Sein (Ashley Woo)
Kyaw Sein (Singapore)
Kyaw Soe (GBNF)
Kyaw Win
Kyaw Zin (Australia?)
Kyi Shwin
Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi)
Kyin Hwet
Maung Toung (Tom, USA)
Maung Kaung
Maung Ko
Maung Maung : Volleyball; Jt Treasurer, EE69er HCF
Maung Shwe : Treasurer, 69er HCF & EE69er HCF
Mehm Paw Oo
Mehm Aung Tin
Min Aung (Hla Thaung)
Min Lwin
Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet)
Myint Maung (Bu)
Myo Aung
Myo Hein
Oo Kyaw Hla (Canada?)
Sai Aik Yee
Sai Kham Pan : Burma Selected in Badminton
Sai Kyaw Aye (?) : Shan language broadcasting
Saw Aung
Saw Edison (Australia) : Volleyball
Saw Lwoi Lwin Thaw (?)
Sein Myint (K K Wong, USA?) : Rowing, Swimming, Water Polo; Major Donor to 69er HCF and EE69er HCF
Soe Myint
Soe Myint Thein
Soe Thein (Peter Myint Maung)
Soe Win (GBNF) : Basketball
Tan Chaung Yin (USA)
Thar Kyaw
Than Hla (Cyril Ba Than)
Than Htay
Than Lwin (Henry) : Saya
Than Myint
Thein Swe (GBNF) : 3rd BE Luyechun
Thein Tun (Michael)
Thet Lwin
Tin Maung Soe (Tommy Ah Nein, GBNF) : Basketball
Tin Oo
Tin Shwe : hosted BFG
Tin Tin (Anne, USA) : Homecoming in 2019
Tun Aung Gyaw, Dr. (USA) : UCC, DCS, ICST; AI
Victor Lwin
Win Boh (Robert Gyi, Australia) : Guitarist, Vocalist
Win Maung (Thailand?) : Rowing, Swimming, Water Polo
Ye Win, Mehm : Secy of RIT EE
Yi Tun
Zau Lai, Duwa : Myitkyina & Yangon
Several GBNF
M69
The list is not exhaustive
Aye Lwin (GBNF) : Secretary of RIT Mechanical Engineering Association; Secretary of RIT Annual Magazine; Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Aung Min : Chair, 69er HCF; Organizer of 69er Activities
Aung Myint : Joined Faculty after graduation; Taught at Singapore Poly; Lives in New Zealand and Singapore
Mehm Aye Chan (Ohn Maung) : Joined Faculty after graduation; Worked at sea before founding his own company
Htay Aung : Outstanding swimmer; Won 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and Cross-lake; Burma selected in water polo for 1969 SEAP Games; Spouse : Than Than (SEAP & Asian Games Champion)
TT & HA
Khin Maung Aye : Joined Defense Industries; Pen name : Maung Hmut
Khin Maung Tin : Joined Faculty after graduation; Taught at RIT & Marine Engineering Institute
Khin Maung Oo (Ivan Lee) : MS in USA; PE for New York & New Jersey; Golden Sponsor of SPZP-2000; Major donor to 69er Health Care Fund; Host for RIT-UCC Gathering in New Jersey for more than a decade; Founder & CEO of MASTAA
Ivan
Tint Lwin (Daniel) : MS from Canada; Retired as Associate Professor from NTU; Guitarist / Vocalist
Daniel
Met69
Myint Kyi
Maung Tun (GBNF) — Covid
Ohn Kyaw
Sai Aung Win (Mandalay)
Sai Kyaw Myint
Tin Aung
Min69
Aung Win
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
Kyaw Tint (GBNF)
Khin Maung Gyi
Mya Win
Tin Maung
Tin Win (Hosted lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012)
World Wide SPZPs (SPZP-2000, SPZP-2002, SPZP-2004, SPZP-2007, SPZP-2010, SPZP-2012, SPZP-2016).
The following is a glimpse of some gatherings.
Welcoming Sayas
San Francisco Bay Area Alumni welcomed several sayas. They include
U Ba Toke (Myanmar)
U Num Kok (Oregon)
Dr. Aung Gyi (Napean, Canada)
U Aung Khin (Windsor, Canada)
U Khin Aung Kyi (then in Thailand)
U Soe Paing (then in Myanmar)
U Maung Maung Win (Australia)
Dr. Hla Myint (Mack, Australia)
U Hla Myint (Charlie, Australia)
U Kyaw Myint (then in Beijing)
Dr. San Hla Aung (then in New Orleans)
U Win Kyaw & U Nyunt Htay (after attending 2015 LA Reunion)
CD
2006
Attended the RIT Alumni Dinner in Sydney, Australia. Met Saya U Hla Myint (M65), Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65), Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine, A70), U Aye Win Hlaing (Abel, La La, EE7x), U Myo Lwin (Stanley Saw, M71), U Htun Aung Kyaw (EC73), U Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey, C73), George Peters (C73), U Thet Htun (Henry, M75), U Wint Khin Zaw (A79), U Htay Aung (EC80), U Sein Win (C80), and several alumni.
Reunion CD
2007
Due to time, resource, and delivery constraints, I do not always get the official CDs. I sometimes get (a) preview versions (b) copy of the “master gold” (c) alternate to the official. It’s better to have something rather than nothing.
Preview CDOfficial CD
2011
The Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65 (aka Class of 70 & 71) had hosted Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes for almost two decades.
The group usually published booklets at their main events.
Magazine 1Magazine 2
2012
Thanks to U Aye Myint (EP72), SPZP-2012 was a true Home Coming at the Gyogone Campus.
Pu Zaw Pwe was held at YTU.
Reunion Dinner was held at MICT Park.
PZPDinnerOfficial CD
2014
In November 1964, three batches of students were admitted to 1st BE, 2nd BE and 3rd BE classes.
RIT 69ers celebrated the pseudo Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of the Admission to RIT) in 2014. Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe was held at the YTU Assembly Hall. Reunion Dinner was held at Panda.
CD 1CD 2
2016
SPZP-2016 : Full day event at Gyogone Campus; Free Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Entertainment
SPZP-2016
Aug 2016 : Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay; Received Alumni Appreciation Award
Birthday Soon KywayAward 1
Sept 2016 : NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner; Received Alumni Appreciation Award
In April 1999, I started sharing news of selected Alumni and Gatherings via e-mail.
It was called RIT Alumni (Abroad) Newsletter.
Several readers suggested a more inclusive name : RIT Alumni International Newsletter.
Special Issue for
SPZP-2000
Page 1 of Special Issue
In October 2000, the First RIT Alumni Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP-2000) was held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
We published a Special Issue of RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Editors
I was the Chief Editor. Saya U Thein Aung (Met72) and Henry Lim (U Aung Myint) were Editors.
I wrote “SAYA PU ZAW PWE” poem and the Editorial.
Authors authors
Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
Saya U Aung Khin
Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF)
Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65)
Saya U Myo Win (M/Ag65, GBNF)
Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (A67, GBNF)
U Hla Min (EC69)
Benny Tan (M70)
Saya U Thein Aung (Met72)
Dr. Myint Thein (M73)
Maurice Chee (M75)
U Khin Maung Zaw (EC76)
Contents
Page 2 of Special IssuePage 3 of Special IssuePage 4 of Special IssuePage 5 of Special IssuePage 6 of Special IssuePage 7 of Special IssuePage 8 of Special IssuePage 9 of Special IssuePage 10 of Special IssuePage 11 of Special IssuePage 12 of Special IssuePage 13 of Special IssuePage 14 of Special IssuePage 15 of Special IssuePage 16 of Special Issue
Archives
U Khin Maung Zaw archived the early newsletters in ex-rit org website.
U Wunna Ko Ko archived the later newsletters in RitAlumniInfo website.
Both websites are no longer active.
Contributing Editor
I volunteered as a Contributing Editor for the following newsletters
RIT English Association Newsletter
BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) Newsletter
Dhammananda Newsletter published by TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America)
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 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။
After retirement, he and Tin Tin Hla (A70) moved to Seattle, Washington, USA to be near their daughters and grand children.
Attended 69er Golden Jubilee of Graduation on December 14, 2019 in Yangon.
Kyaw Kyaw
Member of elite group who married before graduation.
Myo Tun (Bobby)
Johnian
Studied in UK twice. During his high school days, he received BOC Scholarship to study in the UK, but the program discontinued around 1962.
Finished GCE. Had to take some subjects in Matric to attend Rangoon University.
Won essay contests as Errol Than Tun.
Assisted P Aung Khin (Guardian) with Supplement & Scrabble Tournament
Joined PWD
Received State Scholarship to pursue Masters in the UK.
After retirement, he became Ashin Pannagavesaka. He served as an editor of Pa Auk Sayadaw’s books and a dhamma librarian at the Mawlamyine Pa Auk Taw Ya. He later taught at selected monasteries. He went on dhamma dhuta missions (e.g. to Vietnam).
Tobias Kittim Ku & Uzin Bobby Myo Tun
Saw Tobias Kittim Ku (Tobi, GBNF)
Albertian
Sang “Kawthoolei” at RIT games
Attended 69er monthly breakfast gatherings.
Passed away due to Covid. His daughter also succumbed to Covid.
Thet Htun
Moved to Taiwan.
Thwin Thwin Aye Hmi (Olive)
Played chinlon with her A69 classmates
Spouse : U Han Zaw
Met them last at Lunch gathering at Crystal Jade in 2012
Tin Maung Hla (GBNF)
Expert in Abhidhamma studies.
Although his health was failing, he attended the monthly Breakfast Gathering to bid farewell to his former classmates.
Per his request, his family hosted the BFG after his demise.
In the lower classes, he was in Section (C). I was in Section (D).
Stood 13th in the whole of Burma in the Matric exam of 1963.
Won Collegiate Scholarship. Only 40 of the 100 scholarship awards were given to students from private schools.
SPHS had five in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the top Twenty. Khin Maung U (1st), Min Oo (2nd), Myo San (Freddie, 3rd), Nyunt Wai (Victor, 4th), Thein Wai (5th), Hla Min (7th), Aung Kyaw Zaw (Johnny, 9th), Maung Maung Kyi (11th), Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, 13th), Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, 17th).
Has a soft heart.
Before the Matric exam, he read several subjects to Nyunt Wai (Victor), who was sick & could not study. Brownie could take credit for Victor’s success. Victor stood 4th in Burma & became medical professor in IM & Malaysia.
Dr. Nyunt Wai wrote :
Being my best friend since standard IV, I could write volumes about him. For now only two points: (1) my friend was called “ANyo”(Brownie) because he had much darker complexion compared with his elder brother (very fair complexion); this contrast repeated in the case of his two sons; (2) the brown brothers passed away years ahead of their fairer counterparts.
University Days
We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) at Leik Khone in 1963. We took the Science Option.
After a long closure citing Security Concerns following the July 7th Anniversary, a new Education System was established in November 1964.
Admitted to the first ever 2nd BE at the Gyogone Campus.
Chose Electrical Engineering as Major & EC (Electrical Communications) as Option.
EE69
Played Soccer and Tennis
ATY 3
Learned to smoke — trying to fend off mosquitoes in the RIT rest rooms.
Learned social drinking from his classmates (e.g “Robert” Win Boh) after the last paper of the RIT final exam.
After Graduation
One of 13 EC Graduates
Had a successful career at MOC/Schlumberger, & several foreign assignments.
Became a heavy smoker & drinker. Felt lonely after the loss of spouse & eldest son.
Had minor & not-so-minor health problems.
Quit drinking & smoking for some time, but he still felt the urge.
Last Meeting (in March 2012)
I visited Yangon to take part in preparations for SPZP-2012 (scheduled for December).
Zaw Lai came to see me. We decided to surprise Brownie. He trusted people. He did not lock his house. He closed the gate & boarded Zaw Lai’s car.
Zaw Lai coaxed him to take a couple of drinks.
That dinner at Zaw Lai’s apartment would be remembered as Brownie’s farewell.
Brownie did not show up at the 69er breakfast gathering at Royal Rose. The gathering was cut short when we learned that Brownie was in ICU and that the 69er HCF organizers would go to see him.
Kyaw Zin took Win Lwin, Khin Maung Bo & me to the ICU. Brownie’s son, who is a medical doctor, said that Brownie was not ready for another operation. We left with samvegha that he could very well be No 61 (on Aung Min’s GBNF list). Win Lwin told me to meditate and also “do something for yourself”.
I spent several days at the Kaba Aye Sun Lun Gu Kyaung as a monk. Sayadaw U Wara (ChE70) was my preceptor.
During that period, Brownie remained unconsciousness and he finally succumbed.
My 69er friends notified Brownie’s demise to my siblings, but requested not to notify me at the monastery. They did not want to disrupt my meditation practice.
May Brownie be able to share my merits.
Ah Hmya, ah hmya, ah hmya.
Updates
Samvegha
Three Scholarship winners from SPHS63 — Brownie, Freddie & Maung Maung Kyi — are GBNF
Five EC69ers — Kyaw Soe, Brownie, Chit Tin, Oo Kyaw Hla & Sai Aik Yee — are GBNF
128 69ers (over 40% of the Class) are GBNF. The GBNF list is maintained by Aung Min (M69) & team
Several RIT EE Sayas — U Kyaw Tun, U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U Thein Lwin, Dr. San Tint, U Soe Min, U Chin Way & U Nyi Nyi — are GBNF. For SPZP-2010, I wrote “A Sad & Short Clip : EE Sayas”. Two sayas — U Thein Lwin & U Nyi Nyi — have passed away since the article was published.
HlaMin 