Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

First, we present a short article written by Saya U Nyo Win (Mech 65), co-chair, Steering Committee, Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe. This was written before his recent trip to Singapore and Malaysia.

Saya U Nyo Win served for two terms [the maximum allowed] as President of BAPS. He is currently a contributing editor for the "RIT Alumni International" Newsletter (Special Issue) and "BAPS Newsletter". He holds a high ranking position with Agilent Technologies, a spin-off of Hewlett Packard (HP).

Earlier, I invited Saya U Soon Sein, retired Professor, Mining Engineering, now 80 years young by phone and by snail mail. Due to failing health, Sayagyi cannot come.

Fortunately, we can learn first hand about the incubation period of the Mining Engineering Department from Saya U Soe Khaw, who taught part time.

Saya U Soe Khaw and Mr. Judson Leong are alums of Missouri School of Mines. I know several people back in Burma who attended the other school: Colorado School of Mines.

With metta,
Hla Min

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                                    A Grand Reunion
                                      by U Nyo Win
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Organizing a grand reunion of the RIT alumni and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe started as a dream. With a dozen or so Bay Area RIT alumni gathering at Benny Tan's house one day in early June of 1999, the group formed the Bay Area RIT Alumni International with Saya Allen Htay as the chairman. The group raised enough fund to support the fledgling ex-RIT web site created by Ko Khin Maung Zaw and Ko Hla Min. The group brainstormed the possibility of a grand reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Paw for all the ex-RITs worldwide. Since then, the effort had been gathering momentum. With Benny, Maurice, Ko Hla Min and Ko Khin Maung Zaw spearheading the effort, more and more people were attracted to and enthusiastic about the idea of an early reunion in Northern California.

Almost a year later in May 2000, alumni from Northern and Southern California got together in Los Angeles to further the idea into a plan. Since then, October 28, 2000, was selected as the date for the reunion. A month later, the group met at the Embassy Suite in South San Francisco to check out the place as a possible site for the reunion. The meeting was destined to be a historical one. After enjoying a good brunch, the group decided to put down a down payment to reserve the place. In spite of the uncertainty of attendance four months hence, the group made a pledge: we would make it happen, regardless of whether or not we had sufficient attendance to finance the event. With the endorsement and the enthusiastic support of all the Sayagyis, in particular, Saya U Aung Khin, Dr. U Aung Gyi, Saya U San Htun, Saya U Tin Htut and Saya Allen Htay, our marching order was to go forward, and we must succeed. Through subsequent working meetings and effort, we are glad now to say that we've made it!

This reunion is a demonstration of the attachment of all the ex-RITs to the great institution that incubates our knowledge. We have so many Sayagyis, sayas, and graduates all over the world these days. Over the years, each and every one of us has been seeking out his or her own future. We have witnessed many successful ex-RITs that all of us can be proud of. They are well established, they have settled down. But all of us, in answering to the call of the reunion, being associated with RIT, are drawn together and identify ourselves as members of the one big RIT family. The RIT Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe Year 2000 will be a memorable event for all the ex-RITs. For the first time, ex-RITs worldwide will be getting together to pay homage and express their gratitude to the Sayagyis who impart them the knowledge. For the first time, ex-RITs worldwide will be enjoying the closeness of being together in one place as members of the big RIT family.

Looking ahead, what shall we be doing after the first reunion? Many more reunions? Of course. Occasional getting together? Sure. A few more thoughts to share:

- For the Sayagyis enjoying their golden years of retirement, it will be a great time to travel and tour the world; to meet old friends, colleagues and ex-students; and be the messengers to bring good news to those they meet.

- Continue our strong support of the ex-RIT web site so that all of us over the world can connect with each other and to know what each of us is doing.

1. With so many ex-RITs, the cumulative knowledge is enormous. It is the most precious commodity that RIT has given us. let's think about how we can response in kind to RIT what we owed her our success today.

2. Next time when we meet, we will not only be reminiscing the good old days but will also be painting the grand vision of the future.

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                                  Profile of Saya U Soe Khaw
                                      Part-time Lecturer
                                      Mining Engineering
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                  U Soe Kon Hock Khaw
                  1082 Noriega Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
                  Ph & Fax: 408-737 2973
                  email: usoekhaw@yahoo.com

       EDUCATION

B.S., Mining Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California, U.S.A. 1950
Honors: Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society. M.S., Mining Engineering, Missouri School of Mines, University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri 1952.

       EXPERIENCE

1953 - 1964    Service with the Ministry of Mines, Govt of Burma. Entry as Asst. Inspector of Mines, then promoted to Inspector, Chief Inspector, Director of Mines, and Deputy Dir. General PMDC

1954 - 1955    As Visiting Lecturer taught Mining Courses at the BOC Engineering College, Rangoon University **

1971 - 1984    Service with United Nations ESCAP in Bangkok as Economic Affairs Officer (P-4) and rising to Chief of Mineral Resources Section (p-5).

Note: (**)

In 1954, BOC Engineering College campus was located south of the Rangoon University estate between Prome Hall and the Teachers Training College on Prome Road. It consisted of modest single storied buildings. In addition to degree courses in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineering, Mining courses were offered for the first time during that year.

At Dean Sayagyi Tan Ba Hli's request, Ministry of Mines assigned me as part time Lecturer to teach Mining Engineering courses. U Soon Sein was later transferred from the Mines Department to the University and taught mining courses full time.

Warm regards,
U Soe Khaw