That understanding helped to make Tapingkae globally successful, with the training and academic preparation to go on to earn advanced degrees and honors and to serve as president of Thailand’s first private university, Payap University, located in his home of Chiang Mai.

Tapingkae, who is now retired, modeled his successful approach in higher education and fundraising after the late Illinois College President Emeritus L. Vernon Caine. He once said, “The heart of education is the education of the heart. Illinois College educates the head and the heart.”

Neal Hart ’60 also took away more than a degree from his IC education. Hart has traveled and taught throughout the world, including at Illinois College, but his first interest in connecting to international cultures stemmed from his friendship with Tapingkae, when the two met as students at IC. Hart said that Tapingkae has always been helpful in connecting him to resources and contacts during trips to Thailand.

“I really believe in the value of travel. You don't have to agree with everything you see or change how you do things at home, but the experience will change your life,”said Hart.

Hart and wife Dianna recently returned from a trip to Thailand where they were volunteer teachers of English to Thai speaking natives, helping to standardize English in school. The trip was cut short when Hart was in an motorbike accident, putting him in the hospital for a three month recovery. During that time, Dianna Hart tried to take on both their teaching responsibilities while helping care for her husband. During this time, the couple was visited often by Tapingkae, who offered to help in any way possible.

Another result of the Harts’ most recent trip was the relationship they formed with a Thai exchange student, who assisted during Hart’s recovery. The couple has worked to bring the international student to Illinois College, continuing to build their connection to Thailand.