Two new books capture Lingnan University’s glorious history and achievements in half a century

18 Jan 2018

Book Launch Ceremony

(From left) Dr Simon Wu, Director of Lingnan Education Organization, Dr David Chan Pun, Chairman of the Court, Lingnan University, Mr Patrick Wong, Chairman of Lingnan Education Organization, Mr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen, Chairman of the Council, Lingnan University, Prof Leonard K Cheng, President of Lingnan University, Prof Joshua Mok Ka-ho, Vice-President of Lingnan University, and Prof Lau Chi-pang, Coordinator of the Hong Kong and South China Historical Research Programme, Lingnan University, officiated at the book launch ceremony.

Two new books were launched today (18 January) which captured the glorious history, development and achievements of Lingnan University over the past 50 years.  The books, titled 50 Years of Lingnan Spirit and The Old Spirit in a New Setting — The Hong Kong Story of Lingnan University respectively, were published in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Lingnan University’s re-establishment in Hong Kong.

 

At the book launch ceremony, Prof Leonard K Cheng, President of Lingnan University said that the 50th Anniversary commemorative books reminisced the glorious achievements attained by the collective efforts of Lingnanians in the past, and inspire Lingnanians to continue with their relentless efforts in perpetuating the proud Lingnan Spirit.

 

“Despite going through countless changes, the passion, loyalty, perseverance, openness and serving heart portrayed by the ‘Lingnan Spirit’ has always been the University’s core values, uniting our staff, students, alumni and supporters.  The fact that Lingnan has travelled an arduous journey and attained the achievements we see today is a true demonstration of the ‘Lingnan Spirit’,” said President Cheng.

 

Published by Lingnan University and edited by Prof Lau Chi-pang, Coordinator of the Hong Kong and South China Historical Research Programme of Lingnan University, 50 Years of Lingnan Spirit features 50 prominent Lingnanians including the University’s founders, staff, alumni, students and friends.  It gives readers the interviewees’ personal insights and perspectives into how Lingnan was transformed from a modest institution into a leading Asian liberal arts university. 

 

The book presents stories of Lingnan University’s founders who played crucial roles in helping it to achieve different important milestones through the decades – from the Lingnan College in 1967, to a degree-conferring tertiary institution funded by the then University and Polytechnic Grants Committee in 1991, and to a university in 1999.  It also includes special stories and fond memories of alumni and their days in Lingnan, and stories of many others whose lives were transformed by Lingnan’s unique liberal arts education.

 

On the other hand, The Old Spirit in a New Setting — The Hong Kong Story of Lingnan University, published by the Lingnan Education Organization with its Director Dr Simon Wu being the editor, traces the history and development of Lingnan as an institution over the past 50 years, in particularly the extensive contributions made by the Lingnan Education Organization in carrying on the fine traditions of Lingnan education in Hong Kong.

 

Mr Patrick Wong, Chairman of Lingnan Education Organization pointed out that it was a novel attempt when Lingnan University was founded as Lingnan College 50 years ago.  “Nevertheless, we regard it as ‘re-establishment’ rather than ‘establishment’ because our founders, when setting up this new college, also hoped to inherit and further promote Lingnan’s traditional spirit to serve.  Therefore when we say ‘re-establishment’, it embodies both meanings of ‘founding’ and ‘inheriting’,” he said.  He added that today’s Lingnan University, as a Hong Kong story, is a continuation of its tale in Guangzhou.  The book The Old Spirit in a New Setting — The Hong Kong Story of Lingnan University is a birthday present to the University from Lingnan Education Organization, which at the same time pays tribute to Lingnanians who supported the development of Lingnan University in Hong Kong.

 

The book launch ceremony today was officiated by Mr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen, Chairman of the Council, Dr David Chan Pun, Chairman of the Court, Prof Leonard K Cheng, President and Prof Joshua Mok Ka-ho, Vice-President of Lingnan University, Mr Patrick Wong, Chairman of Lingnan Education Organization, as well as Prof Lau Chi-pang and Dr Simon Wu, editors of the two books.

 

Both books will be available for sale at Chung Hwa Book Co., or can be purchased from Lingnan University starting from today.