Bulletin Spring‧Summer 1991

Or. CM. Li talking to Sir David Trench, Governor of Hong Kong and chancellor of the University special meaning: it implies a mission not only to cultivate the Chinese cultural heritage, but also to promote and promulgate Chinese culture. In 1974 when he was awarded the Elsie and Walter A. Haas International Award by the University of California, his citation read, 'Under your guidance, The Chinese University of Hong Kong is evolving into a unique centre for the study of contemporary China; an institution of higher learning dedicated to enriching Chinese civilization everywhere.' Tha t was a compliment Dr. Li well deserved. Qualities that Help Transform Ideals into Reality Dr. Li was not only a person with lofty ideals, he was one with the ability to turn his ideals into reality. If you care to read the three reports he wrote as vice- chancellor of the University: The First Six Years: 1963-69, The Emerging University: 1970-74, and A New Era Begins: 1975-78, you w i l l see ho w Dr. L i managed step by step to do it. The first 15 years of the University were strewn with obstacles of all sorts but Dr. Li was always optimistic, positive, and full of confidence. In 1967, for example, the University's development plans were nearly aborted because of the riots in Hong Kong. At this crucial moment, Dr. Li urged the Hong Kong Government to declare its firm decision to go ahead with the building of the new campus for The Chinese University in Sha Tin to demonstrate its commitment to Hong Kong. That was precisely what the government did, and with hindsight, we all know how correct Dr. Li had been. Dr. Li had a very exciting and many-faceted life, but I'm sure THE event of his life was his founding of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, a task which both taxed and exemplified his potentials to the full. Dr. L i was a tremendously energetic person wit h strong determination and will power. He used to say, 'Either you don't take it up or you try your best to carry it through.' He would not allow obstacles to block his way: he overcame them. Neither would he back down under pressure or be deterred by setbacks. After work, he liked to play tennis and bridge. He also practised Chinese calligraphy to relax and to regain his peace of mind. The Chinese name of the University in six characters at the main entrance, written by Dr. Li, clearly reflect his inner strength and poise. It was also Dr. Li's hobby to read and study Chinese dictionaries, a pastime that could relieve him of the pressure from work and help him achieve internal balance. What resulted f r om such a pastime over the years was the voluminous Li's Chinese Dictionary he compiled, which is good proo f of his versatility and his exceptional ability. The most admirable quality Dr. Li exhibited in the 15 years of his vice-chancellorship, however, was not so much his dynamism that turned a barren hill top into a university town. It was rather his persuasiveness and his ability to convince other people that he could build a university that all Chinese could be proud of. That was also why Dr. Li was oftentimes regarded as a most capable fund-raiser, and why the new university enjoyed so much support from so many in Hong Kong. E ither you don't take it up or you try your best to carry it through.' Dr. C.M. Li receiving a donation on behalf of the University Numerous Awards and Honours The Chinese University of Hong Kong in Dr. Li's vision was certainly not a conventional 'Chinese' university. And Dr. Li was certainly not a vice- chancellor that can be measured by conventional standards. He was at once a scholar, an entrepreneur, and a general manager. He was Chinese in his feelings and global in his vision. His sagacity, ability, and accomplishments made him a world-class university vice-chancellor. They also won him numerous awards and honours from universities and important organizations worldwide. These include honorary doctorates from the University of Hong Kong (1967), University of Michigan (1967 )， Marquette Universtiy (1969), In Memory of Dr. C. M. Li 5