Annual Report 2003–04

for the overall strategic approach and reach consensus on the way forward. Preliminary proposals were then drawn up and communicated to the stakeholders for feedback. They were modified based on new input and on account of circumstantial changes before being presented to the Senate and the Council for endorsement. CUHK would not have been able to overcome these financial hurdles without the understanding and support of University members. I have come out of it thankful and even more appreciative of the hardy spirit of CUHK faculty and staff. At a time of retrenchment, donation support from our benefactors becomes particularly meaningful. The University believes that a philanthropic culture is vital for sustaining its growth. Leveraging on its 40th anniversary celebrations, the University launched a large-scale fundraising drive to tap non-government sources of funding support. This was complemented by the government's initiative to match dollar for dollar any donations raised by the UGC funded institutions. The scheme was conducted in two phases, with a total commitment of HK$1 billion. By 30th June 2004, the University had succeeded in raising very generous donations from thousands of local and overseas donors, including members of the public, corporations and foundations, alumni, friends, University Council members, college trustees, faculty and staff. The bulk of contributions received was then matched dollar-for-dollar by the government up to HK$228 million in support of the University's development. A considerable amount has been left unmatched as government funds for the purpose were limited. The University is deeply thankful to all benefactors for their support, and to the government and the UGC for their remarkable efforts in promoting a philanthropic culture in higher education. These are timely gifts which will help the University grow from strength to strength. The University will actively solicit the continued support of its patrons and the public for its new decade of development. Evolution of University Governance The year under review also saw important changes in University leadership. Council chairman Dr. Lee Hon-chiu retired on 23rd October 2003 and was succeeded by Dr. Edgar W.K. Cheng. Dr. Lee had played an active role in leading the University's development since 1997. CUHK is most grateful to him for his excellent leadership and contribution throughout the six years of his chairmanship, and is most fortunate to be able to benefit from his 我和特別專責小組曾與各學院院長、學系系主任 及有關的學科主任進行多輪諮詢，隨後亦諮詢了 有關敎師。他們都支持整體的策略性方案，並對 路向達成共識。校方並就重組的初步建議與利益 相關者溝通，聽取意見，隨後根據新的意見及外 在環境的新發展修訂了建議。建議獲敎務會一致 核准，並獲大學校董會通過。面對這個立校四十 年來最嚴峻的挑戰，能得到全校成員的諒解和支 持，使我更加珍惜中大同人、同學和衷共濟，同 赴時艱，在逆境中創造新機的精神。 我們深信，大學要騰飛精進，社會的捐助不可或 缺，特於四十周年校慶舉辦大型籌款活動。而敎 資會同期的十億元等額資助金計劃，更令我們一 往直前，把握機會，既拓展民間的捐款，並爭取 政府的額外撥款。截至二零零四年六月三十日， 中大獲得市民、企業、基金會、校友、大學友 好、大學校董、書院校董、敎職員等各界的慷慨 捐助，籌得大量款項，政府亦相應劃撥高達二億 二千八百萬元的等額補助，供中大發展之用。由 於等額資助金計劃有上限，捐款並未能全部得到 政府的等額補助。但我們對各方的不斷支持，由 衷感激，亦感謝政府和敎資會積極支持和推動高 等敎育的籌款文化，這對大學的持續發展極其重 要。當然，我們將繼續爭取各界友好和市民大眾 的支持，並會善用籌得的一分一毫，推動大學向 前邁進。 人事更替 煥發精神 今年大學管理層注入了許多新力量。校董會主席 利漢釗博士於二零零三年十月二十三日榮休，由 鄭維健博士接任。利博士任主席六年，對中大愛 護有加，貢獻卓著，深為大學同人欽佩，榮休後 慨允出任終身校董，與我們保持密切聯繫，是中 大之福。鄭博士領導才能非常傑出，更獻身服務 校長報告 Vice-Chancellor's Review 9