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
Attended Hwa Kyone. Sponsored publication of Hwa Kyone Centennial Magazine
Attended GTI briefly
Took Language Courses
Matriculated with Distinctions in Maths, Physics & Chemistry.
Admitted to 1st BE in Nov 1964 with Roll No. 8
Graduated with Electrical Communications in 1970
Moved to USA
Successful careers as IC Designer, CEO of QTC, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Never forgot his Roots, Alma Mater, Mentors & Motherland. He sang “Shwe Mi” at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
Special Name
An administrator entered the name as Steeve (instead of Steve). He appreciated the name for being special.
Education
MS from Stanford University
MBA from Pepperdine University
Work & Experience
S 1S 2S 3S 4
Electronics Engineer : Designer of Power IC Chip
Co-founder & CEO, QTC Management : His sister Dr. Lay Kay had patents for processing disability claims & requested Steeve to found QTC.
After private investors showed interest in his company, he retired but continued to lead a multiple-purpose career
Visiting places of the world’s leading religions
Incubating projects of young professionals
Supporting education (e.g. as trustee of UC Irvine & selected Colleges)
Maintaining diverse business portfolio
Helping those in need (via Kay Family Foundation & CABA)
Continue paying back the metta & cetana of his mentors as Golden Sponsor of RIT Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwes, Helen and Steeve Kay Health Care Fund for the RIT Sayas and Sayamas.
From the SPZP-2000 Archives
RIT Poet Laureate Ko Hla Min:
I must admit that I was suffering from a Monday morning “hangover”, having been intoxicated with emotional overdose over the reunion weekend [in October 2000].
Judging from the post-reunion emails I read, I am not alone. What a reunion!
By all measures, it was a success and did satisfy the alumni’s tremendous pent-up desire to reconnect with each other after many decades of separation. The dedication of the members of the organizing committee is second to none.
With the assistance of his lovely wife, Benny Tan devoted practically full-time to this project for several months. I had a first-hand experience to see how meticulous he was when he was designing the RIT T-shirt. It came out a winner!
I do appreciate the sensitivity the organizing committee displayed in making this event non-religious and non-political. Otherwise, it would have been very difficult for me to attend. The only regret is that I failed to locate the whereabouts of my buddy Ko Aung Min of Taunggyi (ME 70). I heard he went to Singapore, but so far my search has ended in “no find”.
Now that the grand reunion is over, everybody is slowly recovering from the “hangover”. The big question is who would go to Singapore in 2002, and how do we go about doing it?
With best regards, Steeve Kay (Ko Thaung Sein)
Sponsor / Host of Gatherings
Steeve (Center) at Benny’s houseSPZP-2012Steeve (Center) in Yangon
SPZPs (starting with SPZP-2000 in US)
40th Anniversary of “Arrival in US”
Celebrating 40th Anniversary of Arrival in USA
Celebrating the Success of QTC
Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe(s) for the Combined 1st BE Intake of 64
2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
2015
Special PZP and Reunion in Yangon (after doctors advised against Long Trips)
Phwa Bet Taw of Rangoon University & the First RU Students’ Strike in December 1920
Passed away on December 2nd, 2020 the day following the RU Centennial, but a few days before his Centennial Birthday on December 26th.
Obituary
Education & Experience
Graduate of Mandalay University, Rangoon University and Harvard University
Professor of Maths, RASU
Rector, MASU
Professor of Maths, RIT
Associate Dean, Assumption University, Bangkok
RU Sports Council
Leader, Burma Team to Tokyo Olympics
Family 1Family 2ConvocationInvitation
Birthday Celebrations
Saya celebrated his birthdays with his children, grand children and great grand children
U Ba Toke (Birthday)
Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char) interviewed Sayagyis. Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khine transcribed the tapes. The book was published by RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su as a birthday present for Sayagyi.
U Ba Toke (Book)Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char)Daw Myint Myint Khine
U Ba Than’s visits
U Ba Than, retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering, paid respect to his mentor Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.
The group photo was taken on one visit. Sayagyi’s daughter Pansy Thin (ChE74) provided transportation for Saya U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me.
U Ba Toke & U Ba Than
Saya Pu Zaw Pwes
Sayagyi attended RIT Alumni Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes starting with the inaugural SPZP in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
Sayagyi missed a SPZP in Singapore due to Sayagadaw’s failing health.
Some are unfortunate to lose one or both parents in their youth.
Some are fortunate to have one or both parents in their 90’s and beyond.
A few had a parent over 100.
Mother of Ivan Lee (M69)
Ivan is a Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000 & SPZP-2007. He is an early supporter of the first RIT web site. He is a major donor for the 69er Health Care Fund.
He lost his father when he was young. His mother raised the children and also managed to stay healthy beyond the Century mark.
Ivan e-mailed us when his mother turned 100. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 43rd US President George W. Bush.
Ivan e-mailed again when his mother turned 101. It had the birthday card sent to his mother from the 44th US President Barack Obama.
We heard sad news from Ivan the following year. His mother passed away at the age of 102. She was alert until the final days. She played two hours of Mah Jong daily.
Let Oo Saya လက်ဦးဆရာ
I am fortunate to have parents who lived beyond 80, but not fortunate enough to have them around to see and appreciate my posts.
My Parents
My beloved mother
She lost her mom a few days after her birth. She made up for her loss by giving her metta (unbounded love) and cetana to the children and grandchildren. She kept a list of all the birthdays and anniversaries, and would be usually the first to wish. Even though she had maids, she would get up early & prepare breakfast for us. She also supervised the homework of her children, nephews and nieces.
I paid homage to her in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.
My beloved father
My beloved father
He was a youth when he was given only three months more to live by the then best doctors in Rangoon. He had a Near Death Experience. His younger brothers cried thinking that he had died.
My dad told his brothers : “I was walking happily along a bund when a holy man stopped me and said, “Young man, you have to do sasana work. Do not go beyond this point.” Sensing that I was reluctant to end my walk, the man pushed me.”
Luckily, an indigenous medicine man named “Ga Doke Saya Gyi” treated my dad and even parted some of his medical knowledge.
He built pagodas starting with Dat Paung Zon Aung Min Gaung Pagoda (ဓာတ်ပေါင်းစုံအောင်မင်းခေါင်စေတီ). His photo hangs in the Hall along with his grandparents who who bought the land where the pagoda was built.
He also helped renovate pagodas.
I paid homage to him in my Newsletter & Updates for SPZP-2000.
My parents
During my school days, they gave me 25 pyas as pocket money. They wanted to make sure that I study hard. They would give bonus prizes only when I excelled in the exams.
They provided us :
Remington English typewriter
Olympia Burmese typewriter
Dictionaries
Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan (Encyclopedia)
Reader’s Digest Magazine & Books
Student’s Companion
A book for Idioms
Grammar : Wren and Martin
King’s English : Fowler & Fowler
How and Why
Fun with Mathematics
Classics Illustrated
Junior Classics Illustrated
Bedin : Saya Maukဆရာမောက်
Palmistry : Cheiro
History : Second World War
Sports equipment
Bicycle
Scooter
Car
My beloved parents would have smiled to hear my grand daughter say, “Who’s your doctor? What happened?” after I returned from a clinic. She added, “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. I love you.”
Two lovely grand children
She must have inherited the loving kindness of her great grand parents.
She won the Super Reader and Scholastic Achievement Awards. She loves Swimming, Soccer, Basketball, Singing, Playing music, Dancing and Painting.
My grand son is athletic. He plays competitive Soccer. He loves Cycling, Kung Fu, Basketball, Swimming, Piano and Video Games. He is sociable.
Poem and Song
I would like to share a poem and a variant of a song that I learnt in my youth.
Father (Poem)
Be kind to your father For when you were young Who loved you as friendly as he He caught the first accent That fell from your tongue And joined in the heavenly glee.
Be kind to your father For now he is old His hair intermingled with grey His footsteps are feeble Once fearless and bold Your father is passing away.
The version that we learned at school use archaic words like Thee, Thou, Thy and Locks. I have replaced them by the current usage : You, You, Your and Hair.
Mother (Song)
M is for the mercy she possesses O means only that she’s growing old T is for her tender sweet caresses H is for her heart of purest gold E means every thing she’s done to save me R means right and right she’ll always be
Put them all together They spell MOTHER A word that means a world to me.
M is for the million things she gave me O means that I owe her all I owe T is for the tears she shed to raise me H is for the hands that touch and hold E means every thing she taught me R means rare and special she’ll always be
Put them all together They spell MOTHER A word that means a world to me.
In some countries, there is Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
For us, everyday is Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Parent’s Day.
Dear beloved parents, I’m sure you will be in the good abodes. I want to thank you for your unbounded love and for your belief “Every thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well”.
Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay on August 20, 2016.
He prepared electronic & hard copy of the birthday wishes.
Awards & Birthday Cards
Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.
Appreciation from Alumni in US & Canada
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Maurice to donate a food dish for him & his family. Sayagyi’s message was read by Maurice.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering.
Appreciation Award
From NorCal RITAA Dinner in Dec 2016
Alumni Appreciation Award was signed by Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD), Gordon Kaung (M83, President) and U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary).
Award 2
Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.
From SPHS in 1963
There were five Paulians in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty. They received Collegiate Scholarship.
SPHS63
Dr. Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
Dr. Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor in Canada) – 2nd
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor in IM & Malaysia) – 4th
Dr. Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
U Hla Min (Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
7th place
Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Cardiologist) – 9th
U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip Ing, GBNF) – 11th
U Aung Thu Yein (Brownie, EC69, GBNF) – 13th
Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th
From Toastmasters International
DTM 1DTM 2Hall of Fame
Awards
CC (Competent Communicator)
ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
CL (Competent Leader)
ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)
I served as
Club Officer
Area Governor
Club Coach
Contest Chair
Ambassador
Guest Speaker
Test Speaker
Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)
MP3 players
Mug & CD Player
Dhamma Talks & Lectures
Received MP3 player with dhamma talks from U Khin Maung Tun, SDYF President at 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Also received MP3 players from
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt
My sisters
Dhamma friends
Each player has Paritta Pali (protective verses) and dhamma talks by different sayadaws.
From my Life Savers
Coffee mug with photos
My beloved grandchildren gave it as present for Grand Father’s Day
Books
Dhamma & Bawa
For writing,translating, editing or proof-reading
I edited or proof-read books written by
Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jotalankara)
Sayas (Des Rodgers)
Friends (U Aung Zaw).
They provided me copies of their books.
Book Presents
I received books from others. They include
“Life Journey of Maths Professor U Ba Toke” : autographed copy
U Ba Toke
“Myanmar in my life-time” by BBS U Khin Zaw — air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
Book by U Khin Zaw
Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint — air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
TOKM
Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt & Daw Khin Myo Chit — Two books by Junior Win
Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammananda Newsletter) : His works; Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona) : Dhamma Q&A; Several other books
“Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho” by Shwe Ky May Hnin — Given to me at San Francisco Bay Area Talk
Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin
Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) —Collection of Poems; Collection of Articles
Saya Moe
Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay — Collection of Swel Daw Poems
RIT Poets
Books by Nyan Oo Maung (aka Mudita Shwe Kyaung Sayadaw U Nyanika)
Books by various sayadaws in Bay Area & beyond : Beelin Sayadaw, U Dhammapiya, U Gosita, Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw, Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw, Thamanay Kyaw
Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi and family
“Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar” by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing — in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles
Books by Sayawun Tin Shwe — Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar : U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin, Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a revolving library. Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
8-8-88 by Dat Pone Htein Win — Received at 5th ILF
Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA) : Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing, Kaythri Kyaw …
Publications
Contributing Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)
Wrote articles and/ or poems for
Guardian
Working People’s Daily
Forward Magazine
Veda Magazine
Pan Magazine
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
Encyclopedia
BAPS Newsletter
RIT Alumni Newsletter (Special issue for SPZP-2000)
Newsletter
“Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 & SPZP-2010
SDY Sar Saung
“Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” for Shwe YaDu
SDY Magazine
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.
CDs
Received raw and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.
Gift from Bagyee Myat Myo MyintBagyee Myat Myo Myint (Center)
See Post — Pon Tu
SPZP-2000
Sayagyi U Ba Toke (GBNF) gave me a set of Coasters
Welcome dinner for SPZP-2000
U Tun Aung (Jefferey, GBNF) gave me a commemorative pen
Jeffrey
U Aye Win Hlaing (Abel) & Daw Phyu Phyu Latt (Christine) gave me a toy bear.
2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
U Aye Lwin (GBNF) gave me a miniature painting
Aye Lwin
U Khin Maung Tun gave me indigenous medicine and a CD player loaded with dhamma talks.
Khin Maung Tun
Yangon
M72 gave me “Thamudaya Kyaung” CD.
M72Mg Mar Ga
Saya Moe & U Nyunt Htay gave me books, magazines & sar saungs.
Saya MoeNyunt Htay
Daw Gyn Yu gave me Balashin ဗလရှင် and Thai balm.
Gyn Yu
Saya U Ba Toke gave me an autographed copy of his book.
U Ba Toke
Golden Jubilee
From KMZ
KMZ
From Zaw Tun & Ma Kyu
Zaw Tun
Guests of
Dr. Soe Thein
He invited me to attend the Civil Engineering Gathering (held before SPZP-2007) and introduced me to the audience. He invited me to attend the C-75 dinner held at M3 in Yangon in 2012.
Soe Thein
Class of 70, 71 & 72
Attended meetings of Combined 1st BE intake of 64 and 65, and the group’s Reunion and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
Intake of 64 & 65
Attended gatherings (PZP, Dinner, Lunch) by the Class of 72 in general and M72 in particular.
M72
Steeve Kay
Steeve
Meeting alumni in Los Angeles
QTC Anniversary
40th Anniversary of Arrival in USA
40th Anniversary
Special Reunion & Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe
Special Reunion & PZP
Hosts
Singapore
Ko Tin Aung Win (C81, UCC) hosted me during my trip to Singapore to attend SPZP-2007. He treated me (individually & with group) during my other visits.
Ko TAW
Ko Win Latt (UCC)
Win Latt
Ko Zaw Tun (UCC) & Ma Kyu
Pale & Ma Kyu
Ko Ngwe Soe (UCC) & Ma Nu
Silver
Ma Pale (UCC) & Ko Ye
California
Saya U Tin Htut
U Tin Htut
U Tin Htoon
U Tin Htoon
U Aung Khin
U Aung Khin (Standing Left)
Ma Phyu Phyu Kyaw
Phyu Phyu (3rd from Left)
Texas
Dr. Ba Han & Lillian
Ba Han (2nd from Left)
U San Lin (Robert) & Marina
Robert & Marina
Thamee KZO & Myo
Thamee & Myo
U San Myint Thane (Sammy)
Canada
Saya U Aung Khin
Saya U Aung Khin & Ivan
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma
Dr. Aung Gyi
East Coast
Ivan Lee
Fred, TAG, Alice, Tom
Fred Thetgyi
East Coast Reunion
Dr. L Sein Myint
U Wynn Myint Aung (GBNF)
U Htin Lin
Uncle U Thein Han & Aunty
U TAG & Daw KMM
Tom & Kim
Some Invitations
Ko Htay Aung (Victor) invited me to attend the RIT Alumni Dinner Gathering in Sydney in 2006.
Saya U Ba Than (GBNF) took me to Mech Engineering sayas’ lunch gathering at Kone Myint Tha.
Ko Thant Zin (GBNF) invited me to attend the inaugural All Mech Gathering at Dolphin restaurant.
Ko Ohn Khine & others invited me to join another All Mech Gathering at a restaurant in Pyithu Yin Pyin.
Ko Wai Lwin & friends invited me to join two Dinner gatherings : Feel restaurant to celebrate Daw Emma Gyi’s birthday, and at Ko Nyan Tun U’s compound to welcome Sayas Dr. Aung Gyi & Dr. San Hla Aung.
Thanks to hosts of 69er monthly breakfast gatherings, lunch gatherings, annual dinner & entertainment. Ko Aung Min & team; Sponsors, Donors, Guitarists, Vocalists & Dancers
Appreciation Awards
At SPZP-2000
On August 20, 2016, Maurice Chee organized a birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammanda Vihara, Half Moon Bay. Several sayas and alumni brought sumptuous dishes and desserts. I received “Alumni Appreciation Award” (for the second time).
At the Norcal RITAA Annual Dinner in 2016, I received “Alumni Award” (for the third time).
Transportation
USA
KMZ
Ivan
L Sein Myint
Wynn Myint Aung
San Myint Thein
San Lin (Robert)
Benny
Maurice
Aung Myint Oo
Yu Ket (Ed Saw)
Myint Swe
Tin Maung Win
Ko Ko Zin
Kyi Aung (Roland)
Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC)
and more provided me rides in the USA.
Singapore
Khin Maung Myint & nephew
Tint Lwin (Daniel)
Tin Aung Wynn
Ngwe Soe (Silver)
Zaw Tun
Pale
and more provided me rides in Singapore
Yangon
Ko Myo
Aung Min
Khin Mg Bo (Allan, GBNF)
Kyaw Min Thein (Kenneth)
Kyaw Zin
Myint Thein (Kabar, GBNF)
Myo Nyunt
Than Win
Tin Aung Win (Oscar)
Tin Win
Win Maung (Lake)
Zau Lai (Duwa)
Ohn Khine
Saw Lin (GBNF)
Myint Pe
Tin Oo
Mg Mar Ga
Ye Myint
Pansy Thin
U Win
Dr. Sann Oo
Hla Win
Than Tun
Kyaw Phone Myint (Victor, MARB)
Edwin Ngwe (SPHS)
Aung Myin Bo (MARB)
KK (Smart)
Mar Mar Soe (UCC)
Saw Yan Naing (ICST)
Kyaw Min, Dr. (SPHS)
and more provided me rides in Yangon.
Gatherings
Singapore gatherings : M73 Group & Saya Winston, Daniel & 69er Group, RIT-UCC Alumni
Alumni gatherings in SF Bay Area : RIT Alumni International; Norcal RITAA; Celebrations (birthday, anniversary); Welcome sayas & alumni (out of state); Ko Aung Myaing & Ma Gyn Yu
Saya U Soe Paing & Ma Alice Many gatherings at their house
Saya U Tin Htut : Hosted me at his new house; Took me to BASES dinner and Soon Kyway the following day
Dr. Sann Oo & Ma Than Yi : Dinner in 2016; Lunch & Tour of their hospital in 2019
Ko Aung Kyaw Myint (Eddie Shein : Wedding reception of his daughter (Medical doctor in Australia)
Don Min U Yu Swan & Sayama Emma Myint : Several sessions of food & entertainment
Ko Nyunt Htay : Shwe Bei
Dr. Win Aung : Dinner after East Coast Reunion
Kudos to
Contributors of articles, news and photos
Those who provided Feedback, Corrections & Captions
Organizers & Volunteers of RT-related activities
All who have kept the RIT Spirit alive and well
I belong to several circles and communities. I may have missed some non-alumni & related gatherings.
Feedback
Aung Min wrote :
Junior များ
လက်ဆင့်ကမ်းကြလော့
My reply :
Need organizers like U Aung Min
Aung Myaing wrote :
An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away making you healthy and happy.
Zaw Winn wrote :
My Appreciations Dear Senior,
Your affection for our Alma Mater is unparalleled and will be in our memories for ever.
At Ko Benny’s houseSoon Kyway on August 20, 2016Award & Birthday GreetingsSaya U Myat Htoo presented the AwardBirthday card (from sayas & alumni) & two cakes (by Charlie & Diana Tseng)Birthday CardWelcoming Saya U Soe Paing to SF Bay AreaAt Half Moon Bay monasterySF Bay Area RetireesRetireesWelcoming Sayas Dr. San Hla Aung and U Tin HtutWith Ko Tun Shwe & Ko Myint Thein (Soon Hoe)Saya Dr. Aung Gyi received Pon Tu (by Bagyee Myat Myo Myat) carried by Saya Ko Nyunt HtaySF Bay Area alumniGathering hosted by Steeve Kay 40th anniversary of arrival in USAWith Steeve Kay (Multiple Golden Sponsor of SPZPs)With Class of 71 at Indian restaurantSPZP-2012 at Gyogone CampusAt SPZP-2012 with Sayas George & U Myat HtooAt Feel restaurant hosted by Ko Saw Lin (GBNF)
First native Dean to head the Faculty of Engineering of Rangoon University
Transferred to the Faculty of Engineering, RU from GTI (Government Technical Institute) where he was Principal and Professor of Civil Engineering
Credited for the “Twinning Program” between the Faculty of Engineering, RU and the prestigious universities in the USA
Per request from U Aung Khin (retired Professor & Head of Mechanical Engineering), Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (EE) — the only son — wrote about his beloved father for the commemorative issue of “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000. It has been re-posted in the newsletter updates and in the RIT Alumni Facebook Pages. Sayagyi passed away in his house on U Wisara Road in Rangoon.
Doctorate in Meteorological Physics from Imperial College, London University
Professor & Head of Physics Department at Rangoon University
Interim Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University
Longest tenured Rector
Rector of Rangoon University
Rector of RASU
Rector of University of Distance Learning
Plays the violin well
Accompanied U Ba Kyi (Artist, translator/composer of songs”) singing “Hne Yauk Hte Nay Chin De” in Burmese and English
Passed away in Yangon in 2005.
Centennial celebrations for his birthday were held in 2015.
Early Rectors
Dr. Htin Aung (RU)
Dr. Hla Myint (RU)
Dr. Tha Hla (RU)
U Kar (RU)
Dr. Maung Maung Kha (RU, RASU)
U Yone Mo (RIT)
Dr. Aung Gyi (RIT)
U Khin Aung Kyi (RIT)
U Maung Maung Than (RIT)
U Yone Mo
U Yone Mo
Retired Chief Engineer, Burma Railways
In 1961, the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University moved to Gyogone and had a new name Burma Institute of Technology (BIT).
Appointed Dean of Engineering at the BIT Gyogone Campus
Under the new Education System, BIT became an autonomous Institute with the name Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT). He became the Rector.
Proponent of taking power naps
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) remembers how his friends were having fun with the “Ye Punn ရေပန်း” (Water Foundation). Saya saw them, but did not scold them. He said with a smile, “Young men, you can go to the University Swimming Pool or to the Inya Kan ကန် (Lake)”.
Established the weekly “Yoke Shin ရုပ်ရှင်” at the Assembly Hall.
Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor of Civil Engineering) remembered seeing a letter from U Yone Mo (Rector) sent to U Yone Mo (Parent of a son who happened to visit his gambling friends at the hostel). Dr. Aung Gyi told the Admin to stow away the letter.
Ko Zaw Min Nawaday knows Sayagyi & his spouse (Daw Elizabeth Yone Mo, High Ranking Nurse at RGH and a close friend of Daw Khin May Than) very well. Sayagyi and Dr. Aung Gyi were in May Myo during one summer. Sayagyi asked Dr. Aung Gyi and Ko Zaw Min to accompany him. They ate Khauk Swe. Sayagyi reminded them not to tell about his “Khauk Swe” appetite to Sayagadaw.
Dr. Aung Gyi
Dr. Aung Gyi
Succeeded U Yone Mo as Rector
Rector (1971 – 1977)
See Posts
Memories of Dr. Aung Gyi
Speech at SPZP-2000
Coconut Episode
U Khin Aung Kyi
U Khin Aung Kyi
Stood 7th in Burma in the Matriculation of 1949
He did his B S and M S at MIT
Professor of Chemical Engineering at RIT
Succeeded Dr. Aung Gyi as Rector
Taught at Rengsit University in Bangkok, Thailand
Provided interview for HMEE-2012 Project
U Maung Maung Than
U Maung Maung Than
BS in Textile Engineering from Clemson University and MS from Lowell University
Professor & Head of Textile Engineering Department, RIT
Rector, YIT
DG, DHE
Chair, RIT Sports Council
Hobbies : Chinlon, Music
Helped establish Engineering at Defense Services Academy
Dr. Henry Cho Tun (Myint Tun) wrote:
I’m going to add a few things about Saya U Mg Mg Than. I’m very close to him and the family and the son is my student. We are all golfers and both of them are very good. Saya MM Than is as good as Saya Soe Paing and plays with clubs that are custom made for him. Hope the following would be useful additions. Thank you
He did his B S at Clemson and M S at Lowell.
He joined BIT in 1957 as lecturer -Head of Textile Engineering Department at BOC college
1964 was appointed Professor at RIT
Served as Rector, 1990-1992
Director General of The Department of Higher Education 1992-1994 and retired
Served as Director of Studies at DSTA (Defense Services Technical Academy)
I wrote an article for the Commemorative Issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2010 held in Singapore.
Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung) was Chief Editor & Publisher of the Sar Saung. He suggested the title “A Short and Sad Clip : EE Sayas”.
GBNF
In 2010, seven sayas — U Kyaw Tun, U Sein Hlaing, U Tin Swe, U Sein Win, U San Tint, U Soe Min & U Chin Way in the EE Group photo — had passed away.
Two more — U Thein Lwin & U Nyi Nyi — are now GBNF.
Not in picture
U Myo Kyi, U Ba Lwin & U Tin Maung Thein were on Deputation
U Khine Oo missed the photo shoot
U Kyaw Tun graduated in 1948-49 and joined the EE Department. He is the most senior among the EE Sayas.
U Kyaw Tun recruited C Ping Lee, father of Dr. Win Aung (M62), to join the EE Department. Per request from H.E. U Than Aung, father of Saya U Aung, C Ping Lee transferred to head the Directorate of Technical Education and Vocational Training.
U Sein Hlaing matriculated in 1946 and finished Top in his class of 52. He joined the EE Department as Assistant Lecturer. He studied MS at MIT. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer & Head of the EE Department. He served as Professor until his retirement.
U Tin Swe matriculated in 1947. He was a member of the Prome Hall Soccer team which won the Inter-Hall Trophy for three consecutive years. He joined the EE Department in 1953 as Assistant Lecturer. He studied MS at the University of Michigan. Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer. He played good tennis. He was an early Power User at the Universities’ Computer Center (UCC).
U Sein Win studied his BSEE and MSEE at the University of Michigan. He served as President of RIT Swimming Club, President of RIT Rowing Club, Line Judge at RUBC Regattas, and Technical Advisor for UCC. He retired as Professor of EP Department at YTU.
Dr. San Tint joined the EE Faculty in 1961. He played soccer for the RIT Saya team. He served as External Examiner for UCC. Hevretired as Professor of EC Department at YTU. His former students performed Pyinnya Dana in Saya’s memory.
U Chin Way was active in SPARK. He migrated to the USA.
U Soe Min transferred to DCA.
U Thein Lwin retired from Singapore Polytechnic, but he was active helping students desiring to study in Singapore. He was President of the RIT Badminton Club. He managed the RIT team comprising of Sai Kham Pan (EP69), which won the Inter-Institute Trophy. He and Sayagadaw Daw May Than Nwe (RIT Physics) are now GBNF.
U Soe Paing was my mentor at RIT & UCC. He retired from UN after managing IT projects at various countries. He wrote about his experiences as a States Scholar, as Systems Manager at UCC and as UN Technical Advisor. He spends his retirement visiting UK and USA, playing golf and practicing vipassana meditation at Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung where his younger brother U Wara (U Win Paing, ChE70) is the Sayadaw. Saya had some operations for his heart and his back problems, but he is still active.
Dr. Win Tin was active in SPARK and as entrepreneur. He served as Associate Dean of Engineering at Assumption University.
Note: Scan of Page 23 is missing in the post.
U Ba Myint retired as Pro-Rector of YTU.
U Sein Maung taught at Assumption University. He attended SPZP-2000 at the invitation of Daw Lily Win (T72, spouse of Saya Dr. Tin Win M62).
U Myo Kyi (EE59) & Dr. Ba Lwin (EE59) are the two most seniors among the EE sayas. I met U Myo Kyi at the meetings (Alumni Association, SPZP, MES). I met Dr. Ba Lwin during his visit to the USA to see his daughter Thiri Lwin.
U Moe Aung chaired SPZP-2002 and SPZP-2010. He and his team published the commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010. After retirement, hevmoved back to Yangon. He is Patron of SDYF and several RIT-related activities. He is a Laureate Poet. He is active writing poems (often “Let Tann”) and articles (mostly on EE). Hevpublished two books and co-authored several books.
U Khine Oo was absent in the group photo taken around mid-1966. He took some computer courses before going abroad as states scholar.
U Nyi Nyi moved to UK. He is now GBNF.
U Tin Maung Thein was studying in the UK. He later taught in Thailand.
U Tin Shwe (EP66) joined EE Department after graduation. He taught and RIT and ABAC. He wrote an article about his final year days in the commemorative issue of “Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung” for SPZP-2010. He became a monk, and served as Dhamma Librarian. Sady, he passed away.
U Moe Aung wrote “To the Shwe Duo” in the memory of U Tin Shwe and U Hla Shwe (T69). I translated the poem and published in my RIT Alumni International Newsletter and Updates.
During one of visits to Yangon, U Myo Kyi provided two lists of EE sayas. One lists the senior sayas and the other lists the junior sayas.
EE 68 – 74
Daw Mya Mya Than (EP68) is now GBNF.
U Than Lwin (Henry, EC69) was my classmate. He became an EE saya.
U Kyaw Naing (EC70, GBNF), U Tin Win (EC71), U Ko Ko Kyi (EC72), Daw Nyunt Nyunt Yee (EP72, GBNF) & Daw Khin Swe Oo (EC74) are some of my juniors. They became EE sayas.
HlaMin 