Prof. Lawrence J. Lau was installed as the University's sixth Vice-Chancellor and 5,030 degrees, including four honorary degrees, were conferred at the 61st congregation of The Chinese University held on Thursday, 9th December 2004.
The occasion saw the official installation of Prof. Lawrence J. Lau, who had been appointed by the University Council as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University with effect from 1st July 2004.
The four distinguished persons receiving honorary degrees were Prof. Lao Yung-wei (Lao Sze-kwang), renowned philosopher, professor of philosophy at Huafan University, Taiwan, and academician of Academia Sinica; Mr. Yang Liwei, the Chinese astronaut who commanded China's first manned space flight; Prof. Sir James A. Mirrlees, Nobel Laureate in economic sciences 1996, and distinguished professor-at-large of The Chinese University; and Dr. William Mong Man-wai, chairman and senior managing director of the Shun Hing Group.
Prof. Lao was conferred the degree of Doctor of Literature, honoris causa. Mr. Yang received the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa. And Prof. Mirrlees and Dr. Mong were each awarded the degree of Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa.
The introduction of Prof. Lawrence J. Lau and the citations of the four honorary graduates were written and delivered by Prof. Serena Jin of the Department of Translation and Prof. David Parker of the Department of English. Prof. Mirrlees addressed the congregation on behalf of the honorary graduates.
The graduation ceremonies of the four colleges and the part-time degree programmes for first degree graduates took place in the afternoon. Officiating at these ceremonies were the college heads and Prof. Liu Pak-wai, pro-vice-chancellor. Ms. Lina Yan, Prof. Lo Wai-luen, Mr. Alfred W.K. Chan, and Mr. Timothy Cheung were the guests of honour.
The master's degree graduation ceremony was held on 10th December at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall. It was presided at by Prof. Kenneth Young, pro-vice-chancellor, with Sir C.K. Chow, Mr. Ricky W.K. Wong, and Mrs. Ng Fong Siu-mei as guests of honour.
Dr. Yang Liwei met with CUHK students, staff, and secondary school students on the afternoon of 10th December at the lecture theartre of Shaw College.