Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

Here's some more feedback.

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Class of 62
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First feedback message:

Dear U Hla Min:

Even as I am traveling overseas -- currently in the Czech Republic -- I have managed to keep in touch with the RIT website in order not to miss out on the latest. Thus, I would like to compliment and thank you once again for favoring us with your latest poem in Update No. 22.

Sincerely, Win Aung, ME '62.

Second feedback message:

Dear U Hla Min:

May I offer a suggestion: Why not compile all of the poems appearing in your various Updates into a little booklet for handout at the reunion, or mailed to members via e-mail?

Respectfully,
Win Aung, ME '62.

Editor's note: Thanks to Saya K C Chiu (a) Dr. Tin Aung (ChE 63) who asked Saya U Min Lwin (a) Chu Taik Choon (Mech 62) in Illinois to contact alums in general and '62 grads in particular. That's how Dr. Win Aung (NSF) came to know about the RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. Dr. Win Aung rescheduled his business trip so that he will be back in the US in time to attend the Reunion. At first he told Saya K C that he would be bringing his spouse, but "family first" and "myee ah hnit" -- age old Asian traditions which are declining/disappearing in the US -- ruled.

Saya Mao Toon Siong (Mech 62) lives and works in San Francisco. He was Burma selected in Ping Pong [Table Tennis] for many years. Saya's son, Daniel Maung, was/is webmaster of BAPS.

Saya U Min Lwin's son works for Cisco. He lives in Pleasanton [in the Bay Area]. Saya will visit his son on or around 21st October. To enjoy the Reunion fully, Saya and his son will stay at the Embassy Suites hotel for the night of October 28. A few days later, Saya plans to travel to Myanmar with a day stopover in Bangkok on the return trip. He plans to meet alums and Sayas in both Myanmar and Bangkok.

Saya Dr. Tin Win (Mech 62) and his spouse Lily (Tex 72) will try to make it to the Reunion. Saya had prominent positions with Brown and Root, an elite construction conglomerate, and Haliburton, an oil giant. They set up a "Pyinna Dana Fund" last year. It was announced on the web site. Lily was the indefatigible Secretary of BEA. She and Saya invited Saya U Sein Maung (Elec 63) and his spouse to attend the Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe.

I do not know much about Nine T. Hoe (a) Wilson Hoe (Civil 62) except that he was an early bird and a close friend of Henry Chee (a) U Myint Lwin (a) Cheng Hoe (Civil 63), who knows most of the grads from 61 to 63. Ko Henry took a sabbatical during his studies by getting married, but he had no regrets about his decision.

Another U Min Lwin (also known as Pan L. Moy (ChE 62)) reserved tickets by e-mail.

Willy Chow (ChE 62) from San Jose will also be attending.

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Who's coming?
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I have written down the list of attendees more than ten times. I seem to know the names, but do I really know them all?

It's difficult to say since I have not talked to many or met them in person. But getting e-mail responses make me feel closer to more alum.

One said, "Alum from five decades are coming. How many of them will be from our class? our discipline? both?"

Another asked, "Which Sayas that I know will be coming?"

All those who promised to come are listed on the Reunion Pages. The list can change as Murphy's Law hits some alums. But, like most alums wrote to me, the BIG DAY will surely be memorable. It will be captured on video tape and in digital pictures.

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When things are not smooth sailing
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This is a poem that is known to have inspired [would-be] leaders all over the world.

                 INVICTUS
                 by Henley

            Out of the night that covers me
            Dark as a pit from pole to pole
            I thank whatever Gods may be
            For my unconquerable soul

            In the fell clutch of circumstance
            I have not winced nor cried aloud
            Under the bludgeonings of chance
            My head is bloody but unbowed

            Beyond this place of wrath and tears
            Looms but the horror of the shade
            And yet the menace of the years
            Finds and shall find me unafraid

            It matters not how strait the gate
            How charged with punishments the scroll
            I am the Master of my Fate
            I am the Captain of my Soul

We all face adversity and at times feel discouraged and even demoralized, but words of wisdom can keep us sane for one more day at a time.

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That's all for now.
With metta,
Hla Min