The Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2019, and its official launch at the Opening Ceremony cum Homecoming Day on March 9, 2019 marks the commencement of a host of year-long celebration activities.
Professor Xiang ZHANG, President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, appreciated the continuous efforts of the Faculty in creating new frontiers in scientific research. ‘HKU Science has long been a forerunner in education and research, striving to inspire the next generation and benefit the mankind through pioneering research. This unfailing quest for knowledge of HKU Science community echoes with the anniversary motto “Science Founds Sapientia; Oak Sprouts Virtus”, derived from the symbolic meaning of oak, the chosen gift for 80th anniversary. I hope this Faculty oak grow lush, vibrant and strong and reaches far to the community.”
Professor Matthew EVANS, Dean of Science, was delighted to see the solidarity and opportunities for meeting old friends that will be brought by the 80th anniversary. ‘This auspicious occasion allows the Faculty to highlight its notable contributions, to reconnect with our generations of alumni and feature their achievements. We hope this reunion brings memories of joy and laughter for all, and through fun-filled games, exhibits, campus tours and the chance to mingle with faculty members and students, our alumni can reminisce about their fond memories of university life and get to know about the latest developments of the Faculty. To add meaning to the oak anniversary, we also invite our guests to witness the planting of our anniversary oak today and its growth over the coming years.’
While reiterating the Faculty’s vision ‘being pre-eminent in Hong Kong, leading in Asia and highly competitive globally across research, teaching and knowledge exchange’ at its launch of anniversary celebration, Professor EVANS hoped that the establishment of the Faculty Oak Anniversary Fund could provide eye-opening learning experiences for students, facilitate the development of new innovative research, and furnish the central research facilities in the new science building and the expansion of Swire Institute of Marine Science.
On its 80th birthday, the Faculty would also like to take the opportunity to promote science literacy. “We would like to further enhance the linkage of science to the community and reconnect our alumni and friends,” Professor EVANS said. “The Faculty endeavours to engage the public in a wide range of knowledge exchange activities, making scientific knowledge accessible to enhance human and environmental well-being,” he added.
Oak Anniversary emphasises the “connect” message among generations of HKU Science family. In light of this, we are collecting 80 Science stories. We hold the belief that via sharing, Science family could reconnect and exchange. Our alumni may step into different industries after graduation and live diversely, but undoubtedly they share the same starting point — HKU Science; our teachers, students and staff may come from various backgrounds and have their own past, but undeniably their present and future attach to HKU Science. We wish these stories could arouse resonance among HKU Science community and together we grow the Oak tree.
For the aforementioned stories and details of HKU Science Oak Anniversary, please visit: https://www.scifac.hku.hk/alumni
For press enquiry, please contact Ms Cindy Chan, Assistant Director of Communications of the Faculty of Science, at (852) 3917-5286/ 6703- 0212 or by email at cindycst@hku.hk
Image download and illustration: https://www.scifac.hku.hk/press
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