Bulletin Spring‧Summer 1991

Eulogy by Prof. Charles K. Kao ，V ice-Chancellor, CUHK Twenty-one years ago, at the invitation of Dr. Choh-Ming Li, I returned to Hong Kong from the UK to take up the post of reader and then professor of electronics and the task of establishing an Electronics Department in the University. In the four ensuing years, I had many opportunities to learn from and about Dr. Li himself. Today, when I recall his graceful demeanour and his sincerity in dealing with people, I cannot but grieve deeply over the loss of this good friend and mentor of mine. Dr. Li devoted his life to education and scholarly pursuits, and is a remarkable example for all of us working in the field of education. Prof. Ambrose King just now told us about Dr. Li's life and achievements, which I do not intend to repeat. What strikes me most about Dr. Li, in fact, is his drive, which persisted even after his retirement. Not only did he continue to teach upon his return to Berkeley, at the age of 70 he was still travelling between the shores of the Pacific, taking up honorary professorships in major universities in China, and serving on the Board of Trustees of the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok. Only in recent years did he take advice not to go on long journeys for health reasons. In any case, several decades of hard work have brought him numerous friends and students all over the world, who, on learning the sad news of his passing away, have been grief-stricken. All of them will deeply cherish the memory of this great educationalist. Dr. Li once said, ‘I well remember how deeply moved I was to see the very first graduate stand before the Chancellor for the conferment of the degree.' When he said this he was referring to the congregation in 1964 when the University produced its first batch of 180 graduates. By 1978 when Dr. Li retired as vice-chancellor, the number had already increased to 1,004. To demonstrate how Dr. Li was loved and respected by his students, let me now quote from a speech delivered by the president of the student union at Dr. Li's farewell party. The quotation reads: ‘In these 15 years, Dr. Li has successfully overcome many problems. Now the University is established, and from what used to be a barren hill has risen a university town, for which Dr. Li has worked so hard. ... All these years, Dr. Li has cared for the students of the University as if they were his own children.' Over the years the University has produced numerous alumni. Some are seated here today in this hall. Hardworking and dedicated, they are making contributions in their different roles both locally and overseas, and have different accomplishments. Had Dr. Li had the chance to learn of their achievements after graduation, he would have been most proud and gratified. Dr. Li was a farsighted and capable leader with tremendous dynamism. Under his able leadership, the University developed on the sound foundation of three constituent colleges, to become a thriving modern university of high standing, all within 15 years. In the area of academic development, Dr. Li expanded the established faculties and departments to accommodate original programmes in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, and facilitated their further consolidation. He also introduced professional disciplines such as education, business administration, social work, electronics and medicine. He exhorted all faculty members and students to attach equal importance to studies of Chinese and Western cultures and to the acquisition of knowledge about modern sciences. Only thus, he believed, could they break new ground in the advancement of knowledge. Moreover, he actively encouraged the setting up of research institutes for interdisciplinary research and the publication of research findings to serve societal needs. He was one of the first in this part of the world to advocate these educational goals and ideals. Dr. Li's significant contributions to the building of this university will be forever remembered by all of us. He laid a firm foundation for the growth of the University and et the right direction for its future development. Let us propagate and carry out his ideals and strive for further progress. On behalf of all faculty members, staff and students of the University, may I now express our greatest respect and deep mourning for Dr. Choh-Ming Li, and convey our condolences to Mrs. Li and other members of the bereaved family. On behalf of the University I would also like to thank the chancellor of the University for sending his aide- de-camp here to pay respects to Dr. Li on his behalf, and to thank all council members, alumni, and guests for coming here today to attend this memorial service. • In Memory of Dr. C. M. Li 10