Cheng-I Chu, “Chu,” graduated from the Ph.D. program in health policy and management at the University of Iowa in 2001. He now resides in Hualien, Taiwan, where he is a professor and chair of the Department of Public Health, Tzu Chi University in Taiwan.

Chu describes his time at the University of Iowa as unforgettable, and looks back fondly on the time he spent on the trails along the Iowa River, where there was “a nice view, birds, and people to see.”

But one of his most memorable experiences happened not in Iowa, but Taiwan, where he was overwhelmed by all of the blessings and care he received from people in Iowa when a huge earthquake hit his hometown in Taiwan.

Today, he remains thankful for his professor, Jim Price, referring to him as “my life and academic adviser,” as well as his friendships at Iowa.

Virtual Homecoming is a chance to share memories from your time at the UI and reconnect with your alma mater, regardless of where you are in the world. During International Education Week 2016 (Nov. 14-18), we will be sharing some of these alumni stories.