1st ‘University Day’ at CityU champions community-oriented engagement; introduces new brand-building University Mascot

 

Nearly 300 staff members, students, alumni and supporters participated in the virtual inauguration ceremony, which was held online to maintain social distancing. Mr Lester Garson Huang, CityU Council Chairman, President Way Kuo, and the management team officiated at the event.

“University Day is one of many recently launched strategic developments at CityU aimed at pursuing excellence in higher education,” said Mr Huang, in his opening remarks. “It will serve as a platform for us to herald the achievements of our hard-working students, our world-class researchers, and our incredible supporters.”

 

President Kuo said, “U-Day aims to communicate to the community more about our very special brand, and share and celebrate CityU’s remarkable accomplishments.”

Debuting at the ceremony was our much-anticipated University Mascot, which is the embodiment of CityU’s primary qualities, which are to be wise, vital, vigorous, strong and proactive, like a tiger. These traits are evident in the forward-looking way that we pursue world-class research and education. They echo our aspirations to venture beyond boundaries and to overcome challenges. Moreover, as is befitting a leading global university, they embody our commitment to connecting with the community and attracting further community support for advancement.

 

President Kuo raised the idea of designing a mascot for the U-Day Inauguration Ceremony. The Senate subsequently endorsed the plan to adopt a tiger as the University Mascot on 9 November 2021, and  reported this initiative to Council. The University Mascot will appear at various activities and in different communications, continually promoting our special brand and characteristics. 3D and other versions will be launched in the future.

Another highlight of the ceremony was the first public airing of part 2 of the University Anthem. Part 2 is named “Knowledge and Wisdom” and has the same melody as part 1, which was named “Beyond Boundaries” when it was introduced last year. With new lyrics penned by President Kuo, part 2 encapsulates our aspirations to integrate teaching and research, and our determination to stay focused on education. Both the first and second parts of the Anthem capture our central character and ethos, singing out our special features, values and aspirations.