A Message from the President
Dear UWest Community,
As we step into the 2025 academic year, I am honored to welcome you to a new chapter in our shared journey of learning, transformation, and purpose. Whether you are a new student beginning your path with us or a returning member of our close-knit community, this year holds boundless opportunities for growth, discovery, and connection.
At University of the West, education is more than the pursuit of knowledge—it is the cultivation of wisdom, integrity, and service. Rooted in the vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, our university was founded to bridge East and West, bringing together academic excellence, cultural understanding, and humanistic Buddhist values. Today, we carry forward this legacy, preparing students to lead with mindfulness, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to the world around them.
Embracing Challenges as Pathways to Growth
Each year presents new challenges—but challenges are what shape us. They invite us to adapt, to innovate, and to rise with resilience. In a world that is rapidly evolving, our commitment to fostering critical thinkers, ethical leaders, and engaged global citizens has never been more vital.
This year, I encourage you to:
Seek knowledge that transforms – Challenge yourself to explore new perspectives, engage in meaningful dialogue, and apply what you learn to uplift others.
Build a community of belonging – UWest is a place where diverse cultures, backgrounds, and faiths come together in unity. Support one another, celebrate differences, and cultivate a spirit of understanding.
Lead with purpose – Whether in the classroom, in your community, or beyond, let mindfulness and compassionguide your choices. True success is measured not just by personal achievements, but by the impact we create for others.
A University That Cares
At UWest, you are never alone in your journey. Our faculty, staff, and advisors are here to support you—whether through academic mentorship, personal growth opportunities, or career development resources. From the classroom to the meditation hall, from student organizations to service projects, you will find spaces where you can learn, reflect, and grow in ways that matter.
The year ahead is a canvas, and you have the power to shape it. Together, we will uphold the values of wisdom, compassion, and service, ensuring that our university continues to be a beacon of transformative education and humanistic ideals.
Welcome to 2025. Let this be the year you embrace your path, discover your purpose, and make a meaningful difference.
With gratitude and optimism,
Minh-Hoa Ta
President, University of the West
