98-year-old student to receive master's degree in philosophy

Chao was born on July 4, 1912, the year the Republic of China was established. Notably, his birthday also falls on the same date as the United States independence day.

Chao, who has mastered the “bird-worm-style” calligraphy, used his research on the spirit of the Chinese calligraphic art as the basis for his degree from the Graduate Institute of Philosophy, Nanhua University in Chiayi County, southern Taiwan.

Chao said he learned the calligraphic style as child in China.

“It is a difficult form of calligraphy because each stroke in the script has to be shaped like a bird or worm,” he said.

As he had spent several decades of his life learning the style, which is now almost obsolete, he knew it would be the best subject for his thesis, Chao said in an interview with CNA Wednesday.

Chao, a graduate of a teachers' college in Shandong in northern China, moved to Taiwan in 1951. He taught at Kaohsiung Girls Normal College, which later became National Kaohsiung Normal University, and had attained the position of director of general affairs at the university before his retirement in 1978.

Asked why he decided to pursue a graduate degree so late in life, Chao said he wanted to encourage one of his friend's sons who appeared reluctant to go back to school. Chao said he invited the young man to study with him in graduate school.

As Chao was living in Kaohsiung, he had to commute to Chiayi by bus to attend university, but he was proud to say that in two years of study he never missed a class.

Physically, Chao appears to be in good shape and moves around unassisted. Asked about the secret to his good health, he said there is none, but noted that he never quarrels with anyone.

Chen Teh-ho, who is Chao's thesis adviser, described his student as diligent and said he has a sense of humor. Chen added that he was impressed by Chao's desire to acquire knowledge.

Chao is the best example of the saying “never too old to learn,” Chen said, adding that his student will receive a special award at the graduation ceremony Friday in recognition of his diligence.

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