Bulletin Spring 1976

Vice-Chancellor's Welcoming Remarks On behalf of The Chinese University, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone of you on this happy occasion to celebrate the completion of the Postgraduate Hall Complex. The Complex consists of three parts, namely, Sir Cho-Yiu Hall, Lady Ho Tung Hall and the Postgraduate Hall. Sir Cho-Yiu we all remember with great affection. He had been so thoroughly dedicated to the welfare of the people of Hong Kong that when he passed away in December 1971, many of his friends decided to establish a monument that would permanently represent his lasting contribution to the community. And they all felt there would not be a better memorial than a residence hall for the postgraduate students in this University, the university for which he had laboured with complete devotion ever since the preparatory stage in 1961. The Hong Kong Government, in its deep appreciation of Sir Cho-Yiu's selfless services to the community, generously agreed to this plan and committed itself to participate in the project. A committee was set up in March 1972 to handle this matter with Sir Yuet-keung Kan as chairman, Dr. R.C. Lee and Dr. Ho Sin Hang as the two vice- chairmen and Dr. the Hon. Q.W. Lee as honorary treasurer, all of whom have since made a tremendous effort to ensure success. A sum of HK$3 million was raised from private sources and the Government contributed HK$4.7 million. Among the private donations is the sum of HK$1 million that comes from Mr. Ho Shai Lai and his family in memory of his mother and in testimony to the deep friendship between the Ho and Kwan families. That is why a wing of this building is identified as Lady Ho Tung Hall. I am delighted that both Lady Kwan and Mr. Ho are with us today. The Postgraduate Hall, the third part of the Complex, stands adjacent to Sir Cho-Yiu Hall and Lady Ho Tung Hall. It costs HK$5.3 million and is completely funded by the Government as part of the construction programme of The Chinese University campus. The confidence so placed in the University has been a constant source of strength and inspiration to all of us. To take care of student life in this whole Complex is the Master, Dr. Tam Shang Wai, who is also on the platform. In welcoming all of you here today, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the donors, the friends, the Government and the whole community of Hong Kong for their continued support. Thank you. The Chancellor's Speech We are here today to thank our benefactors who have made possible the construction of this Postgraduate Hall Complex, to celebrate its opening, and I think also to reaffirm our confidence in the future of our University. It is normal for universities to start with a partnership of private benefactors and government, with the public purse playing a progressively predominant role as it comes to be accepted that higher education for ever-increasing numbers is essential to the social and economic health of the community. So it has been with our University which is so deeply rooted in all that is best in the hopes and ambitions of Hong Kong, and many buildings like this have been erected wholly or in part through the public spirit of dedicated individuals. This is the first residence for students from all the University where graduates and undergraduates irrespective of their college or faculty affiliations may mix together freely. This marks a new era in the history of the University, and is a natural development from the coming together of all three Foundation Colleges on one campus. Together with the College hostels, it will play an important role in the development of corporate and intellectual life among students and serve as a communications centre between local and visiting scholars. I feel sure this new concept accords with both the needs of the University and the intentions of the benefactors. And I would like to add my thanks to those of the Vice-Chancellor to those who have contributed to this building. The Ho Tung family which has done so much for Hong Kong, and those who subscribed to commemorate Sir Cho-Yiu Kwan, who played such a decisive part in the formation and direction of this University during its first 8 years, and who died as he had lived in the service of Hong Kong. 2