Newsletter No. 56

CUHK NEWSLETTER Somew he re My Love Barbara Boozer, English Language Teaching Unit Thinking back to the flight that brought me to Hong Kong on St. Valentine's day, 1968, to take up my duties at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, I remember that 'Somewhere My Love' ("Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago) was being played on the intercom as the plane circled to land. I looked down at the islands scattered below as the plane zeroed in on the one built up area — Central District and Kowloon flanking the sides of the narrow harbour. I had visited Hong Kong several times before and been infected by the excitement the 'colony' (as it was then referred to) generates. The stirring music prompted me to wonder if this would indeed be the 'somewhere' for me. Now, 26 years later, I feel that even if I eventually leave Hong Kong, it will always be the most important place on earth to me because no other place has ever affected me so deeply. This may simply be because I have spent almost half my life here — and, of course, the most recent half — but I think it is also because of the uniqueness of Hong Kong. Its precariousness, which stimulates the changes needed for survival, also seems to create a special energy that results not only in survival, but also in growth. In 1968, The Chinese University, which was only five years old, was just about as scattered as the islands. My college, United, was on Bonham Road on Hong Kong side and — there being no MTR or Cross Harbour Tunnel — it was months before I ever visited New Asia College, on Kowloon side, for a Board of Studies meeting, and longer yet before I made the long journey to Ma Liu Shui to find out what was going on at Chung Chi College. Thinking back to those days, I realize just how much The Chinese University has grown—both in size and stature — and feel very privileged to have been a part of this metamorphosis. I wish The Chinese University equal growth in the coming quarter of a century and hope that I will be around to see the result. Seeing them take wing is the greatest joy. A photo taken with my dughter at a degree congregation The Chinese University- My Home Ling Tat-hung, United College Office It has been 25 years since I joined United College in 1968.I have always lived on campus, and so the University is my home. As I receive the award I feel greatly encouraged, and I am also grateful for all its kindness to the staff. I hope everyone w i l l play his part in making the University an academic institution of the first rank. (Translation) NO.56JULY 1994 7