A senior alumnus decides to contribute towards his alma mater. He visits the institute, but he is not alone. Along with him are his children who also accompany their father. The alumnus is so proud of his institute, that he send his three children to study at the very same place. And when he makes a contribution of 1 Million Baht to his alma mater, his children also join in contributing a matching amount.
That is what one can all an “AIT family.”
Alumnus Dr. Chainarong Na Lamphun remarked that he had been waiting for this day for a long time. “I have had many occasions to be associated with AIT,” Dr. Chainarong said as he narrated his affiliation with his alma mater. The first occasion was when he studied at AIT, and being admitted at this prestigious institute was an occasion for his family and friends to be proud of. The second phase began immediately after his graduation from Water Resources Management from AIT in 1980, and this continues till date, when he has been able to leverage his AIT networks. During this time he also served as the President of the Mother Chapter of the AIT Alumni Assocation.
“The third occasion is today, when I visit this Institute to contribute towards its rebuilding,” Dr. Chainarong said as he handed over 1 Million Baht to the AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai.
Two more alumni from his family followed, and this time his son Dr. Phannachet Na Lamphun obtained his doctorate in Information and Communication Technology; while his daughter, Dr. Pornlapas Na Lamphun graduated with a doctorate from the School of Management. Both graduated in 2012.
“Studies in AIT are challenging, but they helped me arrive at a decision on my future career path,” Dr. Phannachet said, who now teaches at the Panyapiwat Institute of Management. His sister Dr. Pornlapas adds: “The case studies at AIT along with the the network that I created with students from Asia and Europe should help me attain success just like my father.”
While the two elder children have graduated, the youngest child Mr. Rathawit Na Lamphun is now two months away from graduating with an MBA from AIT. “I have already established good relations with students from all countries, and all of them are emerging professionals and specialists,” Rathawit says. AIT is full of resources, and we can benefit from such networks, he adds.
At the donation handover ceremony at AIT on 13 March 2015 which was also witnessed by the Director Fundraising Mr Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Dr.Chainarong signed a cheque of 1 Million Baht. In tow, his three children got together to match the contribution of another 1 Million Baht made by their illustrious father, thereby collectively contributing 2 Million Baht to AIT.
Like father, like children -- and one proud AIT family!