It is a well-established tradition at institutions of tertiary education for degrees to be bestowed, honoris causa, to individuals with distinguished contributions to the world of learning, or the community at large. The citations presented do not only form a precious part of the university’s archives, but, much more importantly, represent the character and dignity of the university itself. Thus the drafting of citations, over the centuries, has developed into a consummate art unto itself, one in which rhetorical and hagiographical skills are integrated with the author’s literary talents.

Prof. Jin Sheng-hwa Serena obtained her first degree at the CUHK and had a long and fruitful academic career at the University as teacher and researcher. She is now our Emeritus Professor of Translation. Collected in this volume are the citations she composed for 16 honorary graduates and fellows of the University from 1996 to 2009. The luminaries include Pai Hsien-yung, Lien Chan, and Gao Xingjian, and to the citations are added her sketches on Lee Woo-sing, Chou Wen-hsien Vincent and Lee Ming-kwai Dick. In Professor Jin’s own words, ‘It is nothing less than providential chance that I could compose the citations for these leaders of their respective professions, and be inspired by their merits and benevolence, both in word and deed.’

There are chapters in the book which record her friendship with other outstanding personages, and remembrances of close friends and family members who have departed from this life. Among these articles, members of CUHK will find those on the late Prof. Philip Shen and Prof. Lin Tzong-biau particularly poignant to read because they represent a chapter of the University’s history.