Wednesday September 30, 2020, 13:00 p.m. at the Golden Jubilee Convention Center of Khon Kaen University – Human Resources Section, Division of Human Resources and organizations in KKU joined in organizing a farewell ceremony for the 2020 retirees. The event is held to congratulate the retirees, and, at the same time, to nurture the gracious culture and tradition inherited through generations. There are 262 retirees this year, 83 being lecturers and 179 are supporting staff members. A lot of KKU people joined the event, including Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University who presided over the ceremony, administrators, deans, directors of different institutes, staff members, alumni, students and relatives of the retirees. Asst. Prof. Dr. Anan Hiransalee, President of Senior Personnel Association of Khon Kaen University made a speech expressing his feelings towards the retirees. Prof. Dr. Kulthida Tuamsuk and Mrs. Piangpen Phakuthai, who represented the retirees, conveyed the speech showing their feelings towards the university. The ceremony went on with the “Bai Sri Su Khwan” tradition and presentation of tokens of appreciation by the President.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University conveyed his feeling of appreciation to the retirees, who have contributed to the growth of Khon Kaen University until this day. “The long period of every retiree’s dedication to the university demonstrates your experiences and expertise, your creativeness and work outcomes. Everyone including the superior and friends feel the loss of your competency and knowledge. All are grateful to you who have worked hard for the university until these days. The retirees are truly the dedicating people to the society and the country because you are government officials who work for the country without any expectations to be rich and well-off. You have contributed things of benefits to the country to the best of your capacities. I really appreciate and thank you all for the goodness you have done to the country and to Khon Kaen University. Although from now on, you do not work in KKU, but you are still KKU people and always in our heart.”
The event was held by integrating Isan tradition and culture with the “Bai Sri Su Khwan” ceremony carried out by a senior “Mo Khwan”, followed by Isan style performance by Sinsai Band of Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, and a “Choen Khwan” Thai classical dance. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of KKU lit the candles at the “Bai Sri” tray and tied the sacred string around 2 retirees’ wrists. The event also observed the precautions against Covid-19. Before the main ceremony began, relatives and friends came to congratulate and gave flower bouquets to the retirees in frontt of the building.
Prof. Dr. Kulthida Tuamsuk, a representative of the retirees this year said in the interview given to KKU News about her feeling towards KKU, saying that she feels attached to Khon Kaen University, for she has worked here for over 30 years. She thanked KKU, which is her second hometown and her family.
When asked about the attachment and the changes in the future regarding Khon Kaen University, Prof. Dr. Kulthida said, “The change that takes place today is that from now on, we are no longer the personnel of KKU, who wake up and come to work as usual. But the feeling of being part of KKU is still there and we are ready to help Khon Kaen University as ever. I believe all retirees still have their knowledge and competency, their physical strength and asset and are ready to support KKU.”
Mrs. Piangpen Phakuthai, the representative of the retiring staff said that she was proud to work for Khon Kaen University. Supporting staff is like the base of all aspects of work. “We love Khon Kaen University and if there is anything we can do to pay back to KKU, we are ready to do it. Personally, Khon Kaen University gave me the job and security in life. I was able to build my good family and status because of KKU, a very warm and friendly work place.”
“Today, I feel sad as well as fulfilled. Tomorrow, I’m not going to come here officially anymore. But I’m proud that I have done my job to the best of my ability until today that I retire from work. Khon Kaen University will be a house that I will return and I’m ready to help the University as ever,” Mrs. Piangpen said.
Mrs. Piangpen Asst. Prof. Dr. Anan Hiransalee, President of Senior Personnel Association of Khon Kaen University acted on behalf of the senior personnel who already retired, saying that Khon Kaen University supported the setting of the association and has been supporting many activities for the retirees. “Congratulations to every retiree who has done your work and contributed to the growth and reputation of Khon Kaen University until today, which is the most important day in an official’s life. The success of your job is the pride of the university. Your experiences and expertise are still useful for KKU. The Senior Personnel Association will be the liaison for everyone to meet and for relating news about the university, so that you can be acknowledged of KKU growth and so that you can be part of the support to the university in the future.”
At the end, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University acted on behalf of the university to present the token of appreciation to all retirees.
News / Photos: Udomchai Supannawong
