The university invited all students and personnel to contribute funds to help our brothers and sisters in the south deal with the flood disaster.  The Office of the President has been informed that a total of 25,590 baht was collected.  I want to thank all who generously had a part in this effort.  May God bless you.

On this past Wednesday January 25, 2017 the first Payap University worship service of the year was held.  It is too bad that so many missed the opportunity to receive a blessing from this service.  During the service on that day the Religious Affairs Unit took the special opportunity to honor the Rev. Dietrich Treping, a missionary from Germany who has joined in work here at Payap for the past 25 years and is now retiring and will return to his homeland very soon.  Those who know “Uncle Dee” will be impressed with his constant sacrificial willingness and love, and especially his sense of humor which kept those around him smiling.  The university wants to offer thanks to him for his work together with us over these past many years. 

An annual major event at the university to which I cordially invite everyone is the “Walk-Run Mini-Marathon” on February 5, 2017 beginning at 6 a.m.  This year we are combining the fellowship games, moved from last December.  Everyone is invited to wear your team’s colored shirt and join in the walk for exercise, for which there is no charge.  All who have costumes (“fancy dress”) are encouraged to wear them and join the fun.  Those who plan to run can apply to purchase 300 baht tickets to compete for a royal trophy donated by HRH “Phra Thep”.  All profits from this event will be used for the Athletic Field improvement being undertaken now.  In this regard, those of you with generous spirits can contribute as you are moved.  Donations are income tax deductible.

[International Personnel HOLIDAY NOTE:  Next month Machabucha Day, one of 3 annual major Buddhist holidays, is on Monday, February 13 and not on February 2 as posted on the International College page of the Payap University website.   The university will be closed on Monday, February 13.]