Lucy is a real treasure, at FSU, in Tallahassee, New York, and around the world. She is a consummate example of the town and gown relationship at its best.
- FSU Interim Provost Sallie McRorie, PhD
Thanks to Christine Lamia, I was invited to Lucy Ho's Honorary Degree Ceremony at Florida State University.
An avid runner and trial attorney, Chris had befriended Ms. Lucy through their Zonta Club of Tallahassee (affiliated with Zonta International, which advances the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy). For the past month, Chris found it hard to believe that I never met Lucy Ho - whether through our Rotary International involvement or our relatives in Taiwan.
I drove five hours to reach Tallahassee. On October 15, 2015, I had the good fortune to witness Madame Lucy's Degree Ceremony at FSU's College of Music - Opperman Music Hall in the Kuersteiner Music Building: 
Prior to the processional, I met some of Lucy Ho's Zonta supporters, while the FSU Graduate Brass Quintet played from the balcony:
FSU's President John Thrasher welcomed us,
while Ms. Lucy sat patiently with PhD's galore (FSU deans and faculty).
I know one of the three guest speakers: Director General Philip T.Y. Wang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami, whom I saw with his wife in Miami celebrating Taiwan's National Day (10/10):
Director General Wang charmed us with his adoration of Ms. Lucy Ho. He had known Lucy Ho for 30 years; but then again, he chuckled that several attendees have been in her life just as long. He also admired the bond between Mrs. Ho and her late husband Dr. John Ting-Jui Ho, a former Professor of Anthropology at Florida State University.
Professor Emeritus Larry Gerber sang, accompanied on piano by Music Professor Douglas Fisher. After all, we were in FSU's College of Music.
When Interim Provost Sallie E. McRorie, Ph.D. spoke, she dazzled us with her humor. In a Taiwanese lady-like fashion, Madame Lucy bowed her head slightly, covered her face and laughed sheepishly with her mouth concealed...
Then, FSU President Thrasher had the honors of conferring Madame Lucy Ho with the honorary doctorate degree (for her tremendous opera costume designs to the FSU College of Music):
Including a few more smiles and giggles from both:
The tiny Taiwanese woman became a giant as she approached the podium with her head held high and accepted her honorary degree: Doctor of Humane Letters.
Her family was so proud of her. Son-in-law Winston Leong (married to Dr. Lucy Ho's daughter Suzy) flew all the way from Hong Kong to share his gratitude. He pointed out three things we should follow: 1) do what you love; 2) have passion (such as learning languages); and 3) gain a skill with your hands. Turns out that his mother-in-law possessed all three fine qualities. She loved making costume designs, became fluent in Taiwanese, Mandarin, Japanese and English and certainly honed her skills in sewing! Mr. Leong, a private investor and a member of the Board of Directors of Fontana Enterprises Limited of Hong Kong, also thrilled us with a Mark Twain quote: "They did not know it was impossible, so they did it!"
Later John L. Ho took command of the podium. John L. Ho is the son of Mrs. Lucy Ho and the late Professor John Ho and hails from New York City as the General Manager of Credit for the Americas for Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
John L. Ho acknowledged his mother as a pillar of the community...
and shared fun stories of how his mom has fed numerous dignitaries (her two restaurants - Masa and Azu - are staples for the Tallahassee visitors and residents). He even chimed "She has met more politicians than [FSU] President Thrasher."
We gave Dr. Lucy Ho a standing ovation as the recessional took place.
The celebration in the courtyard was filled with fun and yum! I got a quick pic with fellow Taiwanese Shu-Huei Su:
and captured the Zonta ladies:
I proudly wore my Taiwan pins (including Taiwan flag with US flag as well as "Taiwan - the heart of Asia" pin) and smiled with my Tallahassee best friend Chris Lamia. If we had known Lucy Ho's daughter was right behind us (in her stunning green bouclé jacket), we would have included Suzy in the photo:
An active FSU booster, Chris Lamia graciously introduced me to FSU President Thrasher, and we posed for our own paparazzi:
Director General Philip T.Y. Wang was certainly pleased to see me at Lucy Ho's celebration.
Florida's Secretary of State Ken Detzner was there for Dr. Lucy Ho too, so I introduced myself to him - it turns out that we share a common friend in Sarasota.
Dr. Lucy had several fans, including her Rotary Club of Tallahassee
And friends galore...
I had to photograph Dr. Lucy with her nephew Shaun Lee (donning a bow tie) and the master chef Masa:
Dr. Lucy Ho was later interviewed...
As I walked around the reception, I noticed the Honorary Degree framed and displayed on an easel:
I snapped another festive photo - a group of adoring Asian fans with Dr. Lucy Ho and even Director General Philip T.Y. Wang:
Upon departing, I graciously congratulated and thanked Dr. Lucy Ho in Taiwanese, then uttered my goodbye... She quickly interjected in Taiwanese, "Aren't you going to the FSU football game?!" I smiled, nodded and marveled about her sharp memory!
Later that same evening, I dined with Janelle King (an FSU grad student in criminology), whom I used to mentor when she was in high school. While we delighted in the cuisine at Masa, 
Dr. Lucy Ho rounded the corner (because she had just finished dinner with her visiting family members) and surprised us - still beaming from ear to ear.
On Saturday, Chris Lamia included me at the FSU football game - my very first footprints into that famous stadium. Again, our lucky fortune prevailed, and we ended up in the President's Box:
Soon we were greeted by FSU President John Thrasher, who automatically made eye contact with Chris Lamia (who educated me about the Lady Seminole).
Of course, I had to get a selfie with Dr. Lucy Ho and Patricia Flowers (Dean of FSU's College of Music):
My Tallahassee fond memories ranged from meeting Madame Lucy Ho to chitchatting with her at a college football game - filled with heartfelt joy and Taiwanese giggles, as if she were my very own Taiwanese Auntie.