The four-story house of the Dean and the story of "For the dedicated students" at Dai Nam University.

Without charging rent or setting conditions, the four-story house of Associate Professor Dr. Truong Duc Thao, Head of the Faculty of Business Administration and Marketing at Dai Nam University, became the residence for four students from out of town for most of their university studies. Three years later, all four graduated with excellent results, including two valedictorians and two students graduating with honors. Behind this story lies a simple philosophy of education: when students can focus on their studies, that is also the happiness of the teacher.

Associate Professor Dr. Truong Duc Thao with the extended family of valedictorian Truong Thi Phuong Mai - one of the four students who stayed at his home on graduation day.

Open the doors of your home, open more opportunities for learners.

Throughout his years of teaching and administration, Associate Professor Dr. Truong Duc Thao has always been concerned about the difficulties faced by students from the provinces who come to Hanoi to study. For many families, rent and living expenses are a significant burden, forcing many students to work while studying to make ends meet.

Based on that understanding, the professor decided to offer his family's unused four-story house as accommodation for four students from the Faculty of Economics and Management.

"When I was a student, I also had to worry about meals and accommodation, struggling to make ends meet while studying. Having gone through those difficulties, I understand that for a student far from home, having stable accommodation will help them focus on their studies and reduce a lot of pressure."

The teacher shared that someone once offered to rent the entire house for about 12 million VND per month. However, he and his wife decided to let their grandchildren and students live there instead.

Three years later, all four students who received assistance from Professor Truong Duc Thao graduated with excellent results, including two valedictorians and two students who graduated with honors.

"Everyone values money, but we think that if the house can help the students in their studies, then it's more meaningful. The students have asked the teachers many times how much they have to pay each month. I just tell them to study well, be diligent, encourage each other to study, and strive for success, and that's enough to make the teachers happy. Money doesn't matter; rest assured, on graduation day, 'the teacher will collect the rent in the afternoon when you receive your diploma.' Later, some students sent the teachers one million dong per month, others one million two hundred dong per month as a way of sharing. That's not important. What makes my wife and I happiest is that the students have a stable place to live so they can focus on their studies and grow up. Some students were hired by businesses with salaries of around 20 million dong per month even before receiving their diplomas. Now that they've graduated, they encourage each other to continue their postgraduate studies. For us, that's the most valuable thing."

For a teacher who experienced difficult years studying in Hanoi, the greatest joy doesn't lie in the house or the rental income.

"As a teacher, and having once been very poor to survive and study in Hanoi, I always feel happy seeing my students, learners, colleagues, and those around me getting better and better. That is the greatest reward for a teacher."

That house became a place where students could study with peace of mind, conveniently located for internships and part-time work at businesses until graduation. No longer worried about monthly rent, electricity, or water bills, they had more time for studying, scientific research, participating in faculty and university activities, and all had jobs to gradually establish themselves, support their families, and develop their futures.

"Here in Hanoi, I have no other relatives..."

Vu Thi Mai Chi - Valedictorian of the E-commerce major.

As time passed, the teacher's choice was rewarded by the students' academic achievements. All four students who had received accommodation support from the teacher graduated with excellent results, including two valedictorians and two students who graduated with honors.

After her 2026 graduation ceremony, Vu Thi Mai Chi, the valedictorian of the E-commerce major, sent a long message to her teacher. Without mentioning her top-ranking degree, what she wanted to express most was her gratitude to the person who had been with her since her first days at university.

"He was the first teacher I met at Dai Nam University. I still vividly remember his insights from that first class. He was the one who motivated me to work harder, confidently participate in faculty and university activities, and dedicate myself to scientific research to improve myself every day."

But what touched the female student the most came from the simplest things.

"I have no other relatives in Hanoi, yet someone has given me a place to stay, a polite and comfortable living environment like home, so I really appreciate it. My mother also really wanted to meet you on graduation day to thank you in person, but you were busy awarding diplomas to other students that day..."

Those heartfelt words are perhaps the most meaningful gift for someone in the teaching profession. Because sometimes, what remains after the diplomas is not just achievement, but also the growth and gratitude of the students.

When dedication becomes the culture of Dai Nam University

A university's reputation is built on the quality of its education and the success of its students. But what creates its lasting identity lies in how the university supports its students throughout their journey of growth.

At Dai Nam University, the philosophy of "Dedicated to the student" is not only present in the training orientation or support policies, but is also demonstrated through the concrete actions of the faculty and staff every day: listening to students, creating conditions for student development, accompanying them when they encounter difficulties, and providing them with motivation to cultivate real skills and build a solid life .

The story of Associate Professor Dr. Truong Duc Thao is a beautiful glimpse into that culture. A house opened to the public not only provides accommodation for four students but also offers them peace of mind for studying, confidence for striving, and the opportunity to achieve well-deserved success.

At Dai Nam University, education is not just about imparting knowledge. It's also about accompanying, sharing, and creating an environment where each student feels cared for, given opportunities, and can fully develop their potential. When dedication becomes a culture, positive values will continue to spread and be nurtured through each generation of students at Dai Nam University.