In 2025, at the graduation ceremony of Toucheng Jiashang, a special guest was welcomed - Chairman Lu Gentian, founder of Lanyang Food. For him, this ceremony was not only an opportunity to give a speech, but also a dream-fulfilling moment with deep emotions.
48 years ago, Chairman Lu Gentian was unable to attend his graduation ceremony in person due to the busy farming season, and this regret has always remained in his heart. Until three years ago, he needed to reissue his graduation certificate because he was preparing to apply for the EMBA in-service program at Tamkang University. When he returned to school to apply, he met the current president, Mr. Wang Guanhong. The two formed a deep friendship because of their shared ideas. After understanding this unfinished regret of youth, President Wang specially invited Chairman Lu to participate in this year's graduation ceremony. He returned to his alma mater as a business leader and was invited to serve as a VIP at the graduation ceremony, personally drawing a perfect end to his youth.
In his speech, Chairman Lu shared his experience of starting from scratch as a farmer's son and founding Lan Yang Food. He mentioned: "Education is the starting point for turning your life around, and persistence and gratitude are my core beliefs that have brought me to where I am today." He also encouraged the graduates to pursue their dreams bravely with his own experience, and presented his autobiography "Rooted in the Orchid Field" as encouragement, hoping that the younger students will stick to their original aspirations and move forward steadily no matter where they go in the future.
The book "Rooting in the Orchid Field" records his childhood, schooling, entrepreneurship, deep cultivation of the food industry, promotion of sustainable vegetarian food, and expansion of the international market. Just as the title suggests - he took root in this Lanyang land with integrity and steadfastness and started his own thriving career.
The principal, teachers and students of Toucheng Home and Commerce College were deeply moved by Chairman Lu's sharing. The scene was warm and touching. This is not just a graduation ceremony, but also a practical lesson in life, which allows graduates to understand that "every stage of life, no matter where you start, as long as you are willing to work hard, you have the opportunity to shine your own light."
