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Idea of University Manifested by Conferment of Honorary Degrees |
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CUHK held its 66th Congregation on 29 June at Lee Hysan Concert Hall, Esther Lee Building. Dr. Edgar W.K. Cheng, Chairman of the University Council, presided at the Congregation. Prof. Pai Hsien-yung Kenneth, world renowned writer, was conferred Doctor of Literature, honoris causa. Prof. Alison F. Richard, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, and Dr. Wu Po-ko Michael, a philanthropic entrepreneur, were each awarded the degree of Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa.
CUHK conferred honorary doctorates on three distinguished individuals at its 66th Congregation. They were a literary giant, an exceptional university helmsman, and an illustrious philanthropist known for his unstinting support for education enterprises. Close to 200 guests were in attendance on the occasion. When giving the vote of thanks to the University on behalf of the recipients, Prof. Alison F. Richard said it seemed to her that their three lives and experiences point to certain important values of universities—and to a celebration of CUHK in particular. By awarding Prof. Pai Hsien-yung Kenneth an honorary degree, she believed that CUHK is not only celebrating the great distinction of Professor Pai in his field, but also the cultural value of dramatic art and the civilizing mission of universities. She emphasized that the value of universities cannot be construed in terms of material wealth and well-being alone, for they are stewards and creators of cultural wealth as well, for their own societies and for the world. The other fellow honorary graduate is Dr. Michael Wu, Secretary of the Wu Yee Sun Charitable Foundation and a member of a family who has supported CUHK for many decades. The foundation had pledged a major donation to CUHK for the establishment of Wu Yee Sun College in 2007. Professor Richard said it is both exhilarating and moving when the vision, means and generosity of a benefactor meet and match the aspirations and ambitions of a university. These are true partnerships, and a university flourishes in no small measure thanks to these partnerships. Cambridge University has a collegiate system with over 800 years of history. Professor Richard pointed out the benefits of colleges are to allow the University to grow large without losing the intimacy and support so valuable to students and to academic staff. 'Colleges are places where boundaries are crossed: between academic disciplines, between generations, and between scholarship, performance and practice.' Citations of the Three Honorary Doctorates
Address by Prof. Alison F. Richard
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