百年薪傳，感恩前行
——政大建校百年感言

欣逢母校國立政治大學建校一百週年，身在海外的我，懷著深深的感恩，獻上最誠摯的祝福。百年歲月，承載著歷代師長的心血，也見證了一代代政大人從校園走向世界的足跡。

回首當年在外交系求學的日子，我對世界充滿好奇，也懷抱著投身外交、促進國際理解的理想。那時未曾想到，自己日後會在大洋彼岸落地生根，透過新聞、金融與社區服務，實踐年輕時的志向。

當年，我帶著夢想赴美，口袋裡只有五百美元。面對陌生的語言與生活環境，一切都得從頭開始。生活雖然艱辛，我仍相信，只要肯學習、肯努力，就能一步一步找到自己的道路。母校給予我的知識與視野，也成為面對困難時的重要力量。

一九七九年，我創辦美南日報，從一份週報起步，逐步發展美南新聞集團。四十多年來，我始終相信，媒體應當關懷人的處境，為社區傳遞可靠資訊，也為不同文化創造相互理解的機會。能夠陪伴移民家庭在異鄉安身立命，是我長年辦報最珍惜的意義。

在媒體事業之外，我也參與創建環球第一銀行（Global One Bank），將服務社區的理念延伸至金融領域。從報業走向銀行，每一步都有新的挑戰，也讓我更深刻理解企業經營與社會責任的關係。我期盼透過金融服務，支持企業發展，幫助更多懷抱理想的人開創自己的事業。

其後，透過休斯敦國際貿易中心的工作，我持續推動商務、文化與民間交流。接待各國代表、協助企業認識市場、促進不同族裔合作，讓我有機會將外交系所學，落實在一次次具體的交流之中。

人生中令我深感欣慰的一件事，是獲任命為西非幾內亞共和國駐休斯敦名譽總領事，完成了投身外交工作的宿願。從外交系學生，到海外報人，再到承擔促進國際友誼的職責，這條道路走了很久，卻始終與當年的初心相連。這份榮譽更是一份責任，提醒我繼續以真誠與行動，為不同國家與人民搭起溝通的橋梁。

能夠獲選為政大傑出校友，更是我深感珍惜的肯定。離開校園多年，仍能得到母校的鼓勵，心中的感動難以言喻。這份榮耀，也讓我想起求學時師長的教誨，以及一路扶持我的家人、朋友與工作夥伴。我期許自己繼續努力，不辜負母校的肯定。

最近，我也即將出版新書《從五百元創建的美國夢》，記錄赴美求學、創辦媒體、投入金融與服務社區的人生歷程。寫下這些故事，是希望留下奮鬥中的真實感受，也向曾經幫助我的人表達感謝。願年輕讀者從中看見，即使起點有限，仍能憑著信念與努力，逐步開創人生。

值此母校百年華誕，我向歷代師長致上敬意，也向學弟妹送上祝福。願你們珍惜求學時光，勇敢走向世界，保有好奇、誠實與善意。在追求理想之際，也願意為他人、為社會多做一些事。

從五百美元出發，走到今天，我最深的感受是感恩。無論身在何處，政大人的身分始終是我的驕傲，求學時的初心也始終留在心中。

衷心祝願母校國立政治大學百年薪火相傳、桃李芬芳，在新的世紀裡，繼續以教育照亮生命，以人才貢獻世界。

A Century of Learning, a Lifetime of Gratitude
A Reflection on the Centennial of National Chengchi University

By Wea H. Lee
Founder, Southern News Group
Chairman, International Trade Center–Houston
Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Guinea in Houston

As National Chengchi University celebrates its centennial, I send my heartfelt congratulations from Houston, Texas. This milestone honors generations of dedicated educators and students whose contributions have reached far beyond the campus. For me, it is also a moment to reflect on how deeply my university years shaped the course of my life.

As a young student in the Department of Diplomacy, I was curious about the world and dreamed of helping people and nations understand one another. I could not have imagined that I would eventually make my home across the Pacific, pursuing that purpose through journalism, banking, and community service.

When I came to the United States, I had only five hundred dollars in my pocket. Everything had to begin anew—in an unfamiliar language, culture, and environment. Those early years were difficult, but I believed that learning and hard work would help me find my way. The knowledge and perspective I gained at NCCU gave me strength when the road ahead seemed uncertain.

In 1979, I founded the Southern Chinese Daily News. What began as a weekly newspaper gradually grew into Southern News Group. Throughout more than four decades in journalism, I have believed that a newspaper should help people understand their surroundings, give their communities a voice, and encourage understanding across cultures. Helping immigrant families build a sense of belonging has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.

My commitment to the community also led me into banking. I helped establish Global One Bank, extending that commitment into financial services. Moving from journalism into banking brought new challenges and a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities that come with running a business. My hope has been to support entrepreneurs and help others gain the opportunity to build something of their own.

Through my work with the International Trade Center–Houston, I have continued to promote business, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. Welcoming delegations, helping companies explore new markets, and bringing people from different backgrounds together have allowed me to put my early interest in diplomacy into practice.

One of the most meaningful moments of my life was my appointment as Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Guinea in Houston. It fulfilled a longstanding aspiration to serve in diplomacy. The journey from diplomacy student to overseas publisher and, eventually, to a consular role took many years, yet it remained connected to the same purpose. I regard this appointment as a responsibility to strengthen friendship and understanding through sincere, practical work.

Being selected as a Distinguished Alumnus of NCCU has been another deeply treasured honor. To receive recognition from my alma mater after so many years abroad was profoundly moving. It brought back memories of my teachers and reminded me of the family members, friends, and colleagues who helped me along the way. Their support is part of every achievement, and the university’s recognition inspires me to keep contributing.

My forthcoming book, Building the American Dream with Five Hundred Dollars, recounts this journey—from arriving in America with limited means to building media and banking enterprises and serving the community. In sharing these experiences, I hope to preserve an honest account of the struggles as well as the opportunities, and to express gratitude to those who helped me. Above all, I hope younger readers will see that modest beginnings need not limit what they can accomplish.

On this centennial occasion, I offer my sincere respect to the generations of educators who have sustained NCCU’s mission. To today’s students, I would say: treasure your years of learning, explore the world with courage, and remain curious, honest, and kind. As you pursue your ambitions, make room in your lives to help others.

Looking back on a journey that began with five hundred dollars, my deepest feeling is gratitude. Wherever life has taken me, I have remained proud to be an NCCU alumnus. The aspirations I first carried as a student continue to guide me today.

May National Chengchi University enter its second century with renewed purpose, nurturing generations who will enrich lives, strengthen understanding, and contribute to the world.