CW Chu College The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

Teachers and students of CW Chu College spent a memorable Valentine's Day with Professor Charles K Kao, CUHK's former Vice-Chancellor, and his beloved wife, Mrs Gwen Kao, who visited the College on 14 February 2015 to share a love story that spans over 50 years.

Decked out in passionate colours of purple, pink and red, the venue was brimming with an air of romance even before the guests arrived. Bows of lustrous heart-shaped ribbons dotted the room; couches in the middle hugged each other like a family; teachers, friends and students arrived in groups and pairs — all waiting patiently for the moment to greet the loving couple.

Welcomed with hugs, Professor Kao showed his usual youthful joy and gaiety; greetings and laughter filled the room. The party began with welcome remarks by the College Master, Professor Kenneth Young, who honoured his respected mentor and friend, and passed the stage to Mrs Kao for an unforgettable sharing.

From their first encounter, through career, family, to these later years, Mrs Kao impressed her audience by transforming the familiar story of Professor Kao with anecdotes of their courtship and marriage. She related how the handsome lad would seize the chance of a brief daily chat with her, and persisted in winning her heart. She told the love story of how the persistence of a devoted engineer and scholar had won, in addition to the Nobel Prize in Physics, a lifelong companion who would share his joy and passion.

To pay tribute to Professor Kao and to tell this moving story, four students from the College, Ms Min Ji Cha, Ms Azura Choi, Mr Kevin Dhali and Ms Carissa Ma read a poem of exceptional elegance. The poem, titled 'The Man who Shrank the World with Light', was written by Professor Kao's friend Richard Epworth, and praises Professor Kao's vision and achievements for bettering the world and humanity; the stanzas of verse were succeeded by rounds of applause from the enthralled audience.It was a heartwarming tale of what perseverance can build for love and for science, of how technology enlightens humanity, and of the man who shrank the world with light.

As the tea party started, Mrs Gwen Kao surprised her lover and guests with the art of origami, by making a pretty lilac rose. She gave it to Professor Kao, who accepted it with a warm smile, a simple gesture that says a thousand words.