DTMAlumni Appreciation Award Appreciation Award from NorCal RIT Alumni Association
Alumni
In Latin, there are four terms : alumnus for “male student” almuna for “female student” alumni for “male students” alumnae for “female students”.
In modern usage, the term “alumni” applies to all students.
Days of Month
According to “Ripley’s Believe it or not”, a graveyard inscription has February 30th.
Grapevine says that Followers of two Carsars took away a day each from February to make July (named after Julius Caesar) and August (named after Augustus Caesar) to have 31 days instead of 30.
February became the shortest month of the calendar year with 28 days. It was given back an extra day on a leap year.
The earth takes about 365.2422 days to revolve round the sun, so the discrepancy became 0.9688 day every four years (or 97 days in 4 centuries).
In Gregorian calendar, a leap year is defined as a non-century year that is divisible by 4, and a century year that is divisible by 400.
Wrote several articles for the 69er Golden Jubilee Magazine RIT Thaing Exhibition RIT Nicknames
Spouse (Mu Aye) is a cousin of Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC69, Australia)
Retired Member of Parliament of Pyitthu Hluttaw Oversaw Committees related to Mining and Natural Resources.
Surprised us at an ad hoc breakfast gathering with Uzin Aung Chaw, Ko Sein Myint, Ko Myint Maung, Ko Win Maung, Ko Shwe, Ko Maung Maung, Ko Myat Soe Lwin …
He is now GBNF
69ers
Kyaw Tint (Min69)
Kyaw Tint
Youngest, smartest and most stubborn among the 14 students in Min69.
Joined the Faculty
Received Masters from Australia.
Prisoner of Conscience.
Wrote an article in the 69er Golden Jubilee magazine.
GBNF #110 Passed away in September 2021
Khin Kyaw Nyein (GBNF)
Khin Kyaw Nyein
RIT Volleyball Selected
Taught/coached female Volleyball players (e.g. Ma Tin Aye, C73)
Also good at Soccer, Dobat & Dancing.
He is GBNF #117 Passed away in January 2022
Khin Maung Gyi (Min69)
One of two Khin Maung Gyi in the Class of 69.
Room mate of Ko Chit Pe (M69, GBNF)
Still have dark hair (hopefully original)
Mech KMG (GBNF) passed away in 2021.
Tin Win (Min69)
Hosted some 69er gatherings.
He was Honorary Consul for Switzerland.
Min69 (GBNF)
Aung Naing (Bahadhur) : Aug 14, 2011, #055, GTI Principal (Taunggyi), Yangon
Chit Htun
Chit Htun : Dec 11, 2011, #058, YIT Lecturer, Yangon
BAPS is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was founded as a merger of BEA (comprising of senior engineers) and BASTS (comprising of young engineers, scientists and technologists).
Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF), Saya U San Tun (M59, GBNF) and Saya Dr. K C Chiu (ChE63) served as President of Bay Area Burmese Engineers Association (BEA).
Burmese American Science and Technology Society (BASTS) was founded by young engineers and scientists (mostly graduates from USA). Some are children of RIT alumni. They include
Daniel Maung/Mao — son of Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62)
Eugene and Jonathan Shu — sons of U Aung Khin (James Shu, M70, GBNF)
With the approval of Sayagyi U Aung Khin, BEA and BASTS merged to become Burmese American Professionals Society (BAPS).
BAPS
I am a Life Member of BAPS.
I served as Contributing Editor for BAPS Newsletter.
BAPS Presidents
Saya U Nyo Win (M65)
Benny Tan (M70)
Maurice Chee (M75)
Edison Paw
Roger Sha
Daniel Mao
Edison, Roger and Daniel are founding members of BASTS.
BAPS Newsletter
Chief Editor : Henry Lim
Editors : U Thein Aung, Jane Wang
Contributing Editors : Linda Khaw, U Hla Min, Edison Paw, Mike Yin
Table of Contents (Sample)
Article on Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo
I wrote an article for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74, ex-UCC).
I had the honor to start the incinerator, and later to throw the ashes in the Santa Cruz waters.
The End of a Sad Saga
The weather was exceptionally beautiful this morning — not only in the Silicon Valley where we live and work, but also over the hills along Highway 17, and even in the coastal area around Santa Cruz. There were no fogs, mists, or clouds.
I am not an early bird, but I woke up really early this morning to prepare for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo’s final journey — the scattering of his ashes from a 35 foot trawler motor yacht, DESTINY.
On Saturday, 10th June, 2000, Dr. Khin Nyo Thet and Dr. Lyn Swe Aye had retrieved the cremated remains of HLN from Oak Hill Funeral Home (OHFH). OHFH had packed and sealed HLN’s ashes in a sturdy, shining metal box (in compliance with postal regulations). With the approval of HLN’s family members in Yangon, Myanmar, we decided to give HLN a sea burial.
RIT Alumni International had earlier sent an advance check of $75 to Captain Pete Petersen, skipper of DESTINY. In his brochure, Captain Petersen clearly stated that “inclement weather will result in a rescheduling”. We do not want high winds to prolong the sad saga. The unusually fine weather, according to Dr. Lyn Swe Aye, must be Htay Lwin Nyo’s kusala (kutho or meritorious deeds) and the well wishing of numerous friends and colleagues. We all agree.
Dr. Khin Nyo Thet had asked me to be at her house not later than 7:30 a.m. She was surprised but delighted when I showed up barely a few minutes after 7 AM. “It’s better to be early than late”, she said and gave me a cup of coffee and some biscuits [that looked and tasted like those way back in Burma]. Dr. Lyn Swe Aye had come back from his early biking round.
There was virtually no traffic on the way to Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. To cut the story short, DESTINY took off at 5 mph. There were no swells. More than a mile into the ocean waters, the Captain set the gears to neutral. Dr. Khin Nyo Thet scattered Htay Lwin Nyo’s ashes into the ocean waters. There were tears in her eyes. There was also relief knowing that she had done her best to give the last rites to Htay Lwin Nyo. We shared our merits once more to Htay Lwin Nyo.
The round trip took about 50 minutes or so. It was the finale of a sad saga.
Thanks to all those who endured with us. May Htay Lwin Nyo rest in peace.
Honoring U Nyo Win, Ko Benny and Ko Henry
On November 9, 2000, there was a special dinner at Ming’s seafood restaurant in Sunset, San Francisco to honor Saya U Nyo Win (M65), out-going president of BAPS and to welcome Ko Benny Tan (M70), the in-coming president. There were 30+ attendees. Saya U Nyo Win was presented a plaque in recognition of his leadership and services to BAPS.
A plaque was also awarded to Henry Lim (RIT Alumni) for his services as Editor of the BAPS newsletter. It grew from a 4 pager to a 20 pager.
BEA to BAPS
The first ever RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP did not happen out of the blue. One of the first seeds was sown with the founding of Burmese Engineers Association (BEA). The presidents Saya U Htin Paw (EE58), Saya U San Tun (M59) and Saya U KC Chiu (ChE63) — with the able support of Daw Khin Hta Yee (Lily Win, T72) — organized mini-reunions and reunions in the Bay Area. At the welcome party for Saya U Aung Khin, the idea of merging BEA with a younger association BASTS to become BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) was proposed and overwhelmingly approved.
BAPS Picnic to RIT Alumni International
At one of the BAPS picnics, several EC members — Saya Allen Htay, Saya U Nyo Win, Saya KC Chiu, Saya U Maung Maung, Ko Benny Tan, Ko Maurice Chee, — held an impromptu meeting with me and asked how they could support Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) and me regarding the ex-rit web site in general and other activities [such as Grand Reunion] in general.
Later, at Ko Benny’s house, the Bay Area Alumni Group was formed. The rest is history.
U Nyo Win
According to the bye-laws of BAPS, a President can serve for at most two terms. Saya U Nyo Win served two terms. Saya also chaired the meetings by the Organizing Committee of the RIT Reunion and SPZP. His colorful meeting minutes are enjoyable to read.
He is an outstanding writer and an excellent speech giver. Saya wears two hats: BAPS for the Bay Area activities and RIT Alumni International for activities related to his alma mater world-wide. Our kudos to you, Saya.
After Dinner
We went to Ko Aye Tun (Anthony Ng, M76)’s house, which is within walking distance from the restaurant. A preview of the raw / semi-edited copy of the video taken at the RIT Reunion dinner and SPZP took place. The 2+ hour footage caught several viewers by surprise. The “Waing gyi putt putt du way way” dance — started by Diana (Myint Myint Sein, M70) and Richard Chao (Htin Aung, M70) — was joined by Saya U Khin Aung Kyi, Saya U Min Wun, and several alums.
It was close to two o’clock in the morning when I got back home.
Henry Lim (Aung Myint)
Attended Rangoon Institute of Technology, but left for USA before graduation.
Writer and Publisher
Served as Chief Editor of the BAPS Newsletter.
Associate Editor of the commemorative issue of the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
Published “Shwe (Golden) Padauk” Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was a bi-lingual (Burmese and English) magazine.
For a short while, he published “Du Yin Thee (Durian)” Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was a ti-lingual (Burmese, English and Chinese) a magazine.
Had a medical problem that needed a kidney transplant. Doctors advised him to slow down and take care of his health.
Stopped the publications.
Fast forward. Had a successful transplant, and is now happily retired.
Represented RU and Burma in the First SEAP Games in Bangkok in 1959, and the Second SEAP Games in Rangoon in 1961 Won Bronze in 1959 and Gold in 1961 for 4x 100 m Relay
Team mates include Tun Mra (Sprint), Kyaw Mra (Hurdles) and Soe Mra (Pole Vault).
Mra Brothers
Mra Brothers
Sons of U Shwe Mra (ICS; Chief Secretary, Union of Burma; UN)
U Shwe Mra & Tun Mra
Tun Mra Represented RU and Burma in the First SEAP Games in Bangkok in 1959, and the Second SEAP Games in Rangoon in 1961 Won Bronze in 1959 and Gold in 1961 for 4x 100 m Relay. Full Green, Old member and Patron of RUBC. Appeared in Saya Nyein’s program for RU Diamond Jubilee.
RU Athletic Club
Kyaw Mra (GBNF) Represented RU and Burma in the First SEAP Games in Bangkok in 1959, and the Second SEAP Games in Rangoon in 1961 Won Silver for Hurdles at the Second SEAP Games. Retired as National Coach for Track and Field. Full Green, Old member of RUBC.
RU Athletes
Soe Mra won Gold for Pole Vault at the Second SEAP Games. He won Gold in subsequent Games.
Inter-Varsity Sports
Win Mra was a Medalist in Burma Pole Vault before doctors asked him to retire. He is an excellent guitarist and vocalist. Taught English at RIT. Retired as Myanmar Ambassador to the United Nations. Chair of Myanmar Human Rights Commission.
Maung Maung Mra succeeded his elder brothers as Burma Pole Vault Champion. Won Bronze at the Fifth SEAP Games. Also competed for RASU in High Jump at the Inter-Institute Tournament.
Dr. Aung Mra represented IM(1) in Track and Field. Pole Vault seems to be the favorite for the Mra brothers.
Kyaw Khin (GBNF)
Represented SPHS, RASU and Burma in Track and Field.
Events include 800m, 1500m, 110m Hurdles and 400m Hurdles
Became National Coach in Track and Field
Richard Yu Khin (GBNF)
Won Gold in Yachting with U Maung Maung Lwin (Commodore of Rangoon Sailing Club)
Trained with Burma Selected Swimmers, but he could compete in two sports at the SEAP Games.
U Aye (M62) wrote :
Mg Hla(Badminton), was from Moulmein. We were together at Moulmein College (1956-58). He was selected as a National player even at that time.
Aye Kyaw (Swimming) was from Mudon. He joined Navy after graduation.
It is named after Janus, two-faced God to symbolizetwo tasks : bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new year
It has 31 days.
Events
January 1
New Year’s Day (Start of the New Year). For most people, it is a holiday. In most parts of the world, New Year’s Eve is celebrated on 31st December.
Annual Soon Kyway at Panditarama (Shwe Taung Gone) by Ye Than (Winner Inn)
Birthday Soon Kyway by Ye Than
Peasant’s Day in the Union of Burma. It was a holiday. It was moved to 2nd March by the Revolutionary Council.
Sometimes : Lunar (Chinese) New Year
Sometimes : Sar So Daw Nay
January 4
Burma gained Independence on January 4, 1948 at 4:20AM
Grapevine : Burma was given a choice: “January 4th or January 6th”
In Lighter Vein : A British Official said, “We would have to get up early once on January 4, 1948. The Burmese will have to get up early January 4th of the following years.”
Unsolved Mystery : Who chose 4:20AM? Why?
Third Monday in USA
Martin Luther King’s Day
Birthdays
Saya U Than Lwin (Eric Lwin, my cousin uncle, GBNF) celebrated his birthday on January 1st.
Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry Tin Gyi, GBNF) and her elder Dr. Khin Tun (Peter Tin U, GBNF) celebrated their birthdays together on or around January 12. They offer requisites to the monks at Chan Myei Yeik Tha.
Ma Cherry’s 87th Birthday with family and friends (Jan 12, 2018)
Independence Day Regatta at Kandawgyi in 1948
U Tin U, Dr. Pe Nyun (Dick San Pe), Dr. Pe Thein (Tom San Pe) and Bobby Tin rowed for RUBC against the Burmese Laung at the Independence Day Regatta.
Myanmar Ah May အမေ၊ Mi Gin မိခင်၊ Mway Mi Gin မွေးမိခင်၊ Ah Mi အမိ၊ Mae Daw မယ်တော် Usage : Mae Daw Maya မယ်တော်မာယာ Ah Mi Myay အမိမြေ Ah Mi Tekkatho အမိတက္ကသိုလ်
English Mother, Mom, Mum, Mummy, Mama Usage : Mother Tongue Mother Earth Motherland
Pali Mata Usage : Mata Pitu Gu Naaw Anandaaw
Latin Mater Usage : Alma mater
Mother
Biological Mother Gives birth
Caring Mother Takes care
Adoptive Mother Adopt a child from a relative or others (e.g. via an Adoption Agency)
Surrogate Mother Conceives a child for someone who cannot give birth naturally (e.g. due to medical conditions)
Classification schemes vary with place, culture and time …
