Bulletin No. 1, 2012

20   Chinese University Bulletin No. 1, 2012 Organizers of the Floral Festival (from left): Prof. Ma Kit-wai Eric, Prof. Ng Wai-yin Will, Prof. Chow Po- chung, Prof. Chu Shun-chi Donna, Prof. Chan Kin- man, and Dr. Leung Kai-chi Floral Festival 2012 I mmersed in a sea of flowers, the beauty of the Chinese University campus during springtime is beyond words. In March this year the I·CARE Programme prepared a special gift for final-year students bidding farewe ll to t he Uni ve r si t y. I t wa s an unprecedented month-long cultural fiesta, featuring three sessions of public lectures on civility, and concluding with a grand-scale gala ‘Blossoms of Life Floral Festival’ held on 29 March by Lake Ad Excellentiam . ‘Let us cherish the times when we can exchange ideas and ideas about life. Let us recite a poem, write a few lines of calligraphy, and take a photo to commemorate youthful times,’ reads the event brochure. How does a floral festival on campus relate to the theme of I·CARE, which is to enhance students’ social awareness and participation? Prof. Chow Po-chung , convener of the Committee on the University Lecture on Civility, said the the programme’s title ‘I care’ says it all. I·CARE does not set quantifiable outcomes as its goal. It’s about emotional education which is lacking in university education. It provides a chance for students to cultivate and nurture the sensitivity that they desperately need. ‘We care about our students, and our students care about society, people, the environment and the world. And to do that, you need to love nature. Immerse yourselves in the campus environment, love it and learn to appreciate it,’ he said. The committee members who organized the events believed that social concerns stem from aesthetic beliefs, which should not be regarded merely as meant for personal enjoyment. A person must first have a romantic view of life before he or she can commit to social reform. Also, university graduates are more likely to contribute to society in unconventional ways if they have been encouraged by the ethos of their universities to break the mould. Failure, Success, and Daring to Dream In the first University Lecture on Civility, Prof. Lee Ou-fan unveiled to students the nobility of failures through his personal experience. His CV is undoubtedly very impressive, but who would have thought that the first half of life of this perfect scholar was paved with adversities, twists and turns? Seeing disappointment as his best tutor, failure as his best friend, he gladly accepted everything and skilfully led a meaningful life.