The First Six Years 1963-69

there must be many relatively strong centralized functions and that for a while these may have to continue to grow ， bu t tha t the nature o f the Colleges themselves has changed from the days when they were independent isolated post-secondary Colleges. They are now parts ， integral and essential parts ， o f a much greater whole.” He continued: “ The Committee believes that the present central admin istrative structure ， the health o f which is essential to University growth ， is understaffed in relation to its responsibilities." Even w ith this strong recommendation to strengthen the staff o f the central adminstrative structure, the University has acted w ith deliberation and caution, keeping in m ind that the temporary physical separation o f the Colleges imposes limitations on the speed and effectiveness w ith which changes can be accomplished. Proper tim ing is essential in the process o f making an orderly transition from three previously independent Colleges to a fu lly integrated and viable federal university. W ith the generous support received from the Government, the community, other institutions o f higher learning and cu ltural or ganizations, The Chinese University has emerged in the relatively short span o f six years w ith a distinct ind iv idua lity o f its own. We m ight well derive satisfaction from the progress made to date; however, this should not become self-satisfaction nor give rise to complacency or vacillation. Rather ， our past achievements should encourage us to keep looking ahead for new ways and means o f further accomplishment. Six years from now ， some three thousand students w ill lite ra lly share the same roof at Shatin. New physical facilities costing ap proximately two hundred m illion dollars w ill be in use. Hundreds o f young trees w ill begin to cast their leafy shadows over the new 330-acre campus. The three Colleges w ill be functioning w ith in an integrated whole, while retaining their own ind iv idua l identity. What an inspiring and impressive situation this w ill be. The Chinese University w ill continue to proceed towards its original goals steadily and firm ly. “ Steadily” does not infer sluggishness ， nor does “ firm ly ” connote stubbornness. The Chinese University w ill proceed deliberately and w ithou t deviation in its purpose o f enriching Chinese culture ， promoting cultural exchange between the East and the West, and developing the fu ll potential o f its students to serve their community. These are worthy objectives and toward the attainment o f them The Chinese University has made a firm start in the past six years, is actively pursuing them now ， and w ill relentlessly continue its efforts in the future. 89