A New Era Begins 1975-78

other cultures. There is nothing unique about that. Then what is so unique about The Chinese University of Hong Kong? First of all it goes without saying that we are a modern university wi th all its necessary attributes. But what is unique is that we have dedicated ourselves to a special mission, namely, the introduction and development o f Chinese data into each and every one of the academic disciplines. This special mission is of tremendous importance to us, for it will enable our teaching staff to render their teaching materials more relevant to our social needs, to advance the existing frontiers of knowledge, and to make original contributions to the theories and principles of various sciences. In a nutshell, The Chinese University of Hong Kong is the university that seeks to include a Chinese dimension in all academic disciplines. The University motto reads 博文約禮， a quotation from Confucius. In the modem sense, the second character “ 文”， the same as the second character of the name of the University, denotes all academic disciplines. Thus the motto reinforces the proper meaning of the name of our University. While, as I said before, all universities established in China or by Chinese overseas are Chinese universities, ours is The Chinese University, with a capital T, in order to put into sharp focus the special mission of this University. Having said all that, I must express my profound and everlasting gratitude to the Hong Kong Government for its statesmanship in establishing The Chinese University and letting it completely alone to work out its own destiny, standing ready to help only when necessary. A question very frequently put to me in recent months is what has given me the most satisfaction in looking back over the last fifteen years. The answer may be given in many different ways, each with equal truth. The one that comes closest to my heart is that over the last fifteen years the university community of the world has accorded due recognition to The Chinese University of Hong Kong and holds high expectation for its attainments. Now that I am leaving Hong Kong soon, I must admit a heavy feeling of sadness in parting with my colleagues, my staff, my students and alumni, and my friends, all of whom are very dear to me. As far as the University is concerned, the foundation has been solidly laid and I have nothing but full confidence in its future. Professor Ma Lin is an ideal choice for the new leadership and he will always have my full support, and I know the same will be given him by the Government, the community, the University Council, and all alumni, staff and students in the University. God bless you all. 16