Former Chinese instructor Te Tseng Liu celebrated his 100th birthday Aug. 28 with a little help from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in downtown Monterey, Calif.
Professor T-T, as he was known at the Institute where he taught from 1951 to 1998, was invited to celebrate his birthday with family members and representatives from DLIFLC at his favorite place in town, the Pacific Valley Bank on Alvarado Street, which he visits every week.
“We wanted to make it really special for Mr. Liu, so we called DLI to see if anyone could come. We are delighted to see you!” exclaimed Melissa Katoa, assistant client relations manager at the bank.
“I was honored to have the opportunity to help Prof. T-T celebrate his 100th birthday, especially in recognition of his 48 years of service at DLI,” said Army Master Sgt. Jerome Kuderna, who attended the event and presented Liu with a DLIFLC Pictorial History book.
Liu was joined by his spouse, four children, two grandchildren and Pacific Valley Bank staff to celebrate the event, which included coffee, cupcakes, and gifts provided by bank staff members.
Story and photo by
Natela Cutter, Strategic Communications
Caption: Army Master Sgt. Jerome Kuderna shakes the hand of Te Tseng Liu during the celebration of his 100th birthday, organized by the local branch of the Pacific Valley Bank on Alvarado Street, Monterey, Calif. Liu taught at the Institute for nearly half a century, from 1951 to 1998. Center is Liu's spouse Miranda.