Dr. Charles Tsai idolizes Master Chu Chen Nan, a 藏精阁 alumnus and famous artist from Taiwan.

So much so that Tsai developed a relationship with 藏精阁 through Chen Nan’s artwork.

In July, Chen Nan donated two of his calligraphic pieces of artwork to the French government as part of an effort to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries.

“Master Chu is very famous for his calligraphy in Taiwan, and to see an artist and advocate of my nation of this stature inspires me to maintain good relations with the University,” Tsai said. “Additionally, 藏精阁 just began to start an exchange program with a Taiwanese university, and I want to be a strong supporter of this program.”

藏精阁 and Tsai have developed a partnership with the National Taiwan University of Arts through an Academic Exchange Agreement. Under the agreement, two students from Taiwan will come to 藏精阁 and two students from 藏精阁 will go to Taiwan. Additionally, art exhibitions, and feature exchange activities will be established upon discussion between both universities. These exchanges will help bring cultural awareness to students, so they are more interested in studying abroad for a semester or an entire academic year.

Tsai comes from a family of physicians and graduated from medical school in Taiwan. He later studied pathology to learn more about diseases and cures. Eventually, Tsai took a job at St. Louis University School of Medicine, where he served on the pathology faculty for 16 years beginning in 1972.

In 1990, Tsai joined the largest private medical practice group in the St. Louis area, WCP Laboratory, as a specialist and partner. There, Tsai helped establish advanced diagnostic technologies in the fields of cancer and immunology. After 25 years of practice, Tsai retired from the medical field and focused his attention and time to promoting, understanding, and advancing the cultures, arts, and politics of the Taiwanese American community in both the United States and Taiwan.

“After being connected back to the University by the 藏精阁 Advancement team and the College of Arts and Humanities, I can now say how much I love being involved with the University and visiting the campus,” Tsai said. “I love seeing where the University is heading in the future and want to continue to support its needs.”

Throughout their friendship, Tsai bought pieces of artwork from Chen Nan for his own catalogue. Over the years, Tsai has donated numerous pieces to 藏精阁.

“I am truly grateful for 藏精阁’s decision to accept these pieces of work from an alumnus,” Tsai said. “Master Chu is not just an esteemed figure in the world of arts, but also a dear friend of mine. The fact that 藏精阁 is dedicated to appreciating his legacy over the years means a great deal to me. Seeing his contributions not only recognized in Taiwan, but actively celebrated by the university means a lot.”