During the pinnacle of Su Wenkue’s cultural and historical work, Principal Yao Chung-jung from Tamkang High School approached him, seeking his assistance to leverage the experience gained from his cultural and historical activities in Tamsui and his research on Dr. Mackay to contribute to the school’s educational endeavors. Following the approach of many Tamkang alumni, they began by creating an introductory video about the school. After Tamkang High School transformed into a comprehensive high school, inspired by Principal Yao, it was decided to incorporate Tamkang’s centennial history into the school’s curriculum. Su Wenkue took on the responsibility of compiling the textbook “The History of Tamkang High School,” which became a mandatory course for high school seniors and served as a teaching material for local history in Tamsui. The integration of Tamkang’s history into the curriculum not only pioneered education in Taiwan but also became a distinctive feature of Tamkang’s educational approach.
By 2000, with the assistance of Tamkang High School, the Tamsui District Office established a sister city relationship with the hometown of Dr. Mackay in Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. Su Ba also led the Tamkang High School team to Canada to trace their roots and bring back the spirit and culture of Dr. Mackay. Upon their return, he officially returned to the school and inaugurated the School History Museum. In 2002, the Tamkang High School History Museum and History Teaching Area were officially opened, with Su Ba appointed as the director. He thus dedicated the cultural artifacts collected over the years, including those related to Dr. Mackay and Tamsui, to his alma mater and developed Mackay studies in Tamsui. What’s particularly noteworthy is that he trained students from Tamkang High School to serve as guides, assisting in guiding both students from other schools on educational visits to the Tamkang campus and visitors to the area. Furthermore, based on the rich cultural heritage of Dr. Mackay and Tamsui, he collaborated with Principal Yao on a series of transformations with a new theme each year. In less than ten years, they completely transformed this century-old school, witnessing the soft power of culture in action.
Su Wenkue got along very well with the students at Tamkang High School. They didn’t call him “teacher” but referred to him as “Su Dad.” He learned a lot from the students, not only in terms of life concepts but also computer skills. This enabled him to manage data, create blogs, and establish social networking sites. With these acquired skills, he led the students, using the School History Museum as a base, to continue participating in cultural work in the Tamsui area and to continue exerting his influence.
Su WenKuei not only actively participated in the practical work of the Tamsui Cultural Foundation and Tamsui Community University but also founded the Tamsui Agricultural Leisure Association and other cultural and creative organizations. He also served as an advisor to the Tamsui District Office and Tamsui Historic Museum, realizing many dreams he had for Tamsui in his earlier years. He was appointed as a committee member for heritage and historical architecture review, as well as a consultant for documents to the New Taipei City Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs, with his term spanning three different mayoral administrations.
Su Wenkui served at Tamkang High School for a long period of 16 years, retiring in 2016.
▲ Interior of the Tamkang High School History Museum.