From passion to action: We love CityU!
In line with the theme “We love CityU”, students, alumni and staff members told how their “love affairs” with CityU started and grew. Deeply touched by the passion and caring spirit demonstrated at the session, Dr Dennis Sun, CRC Chairman, pledged on the spot to donate HK$700,000 to support CityU’s internal fund-raising activities. His supportive and generous act received a big round of applause.
“CityU is part of our lives”
Reflecting on the future of
Sense of belonging and solidarity
Ms Debby Lai, a PhD student in the Department of English and Communication, said the sincere invitation of one of
her teachers helped her decide to return to CityU for a research degree. “I treasure the warm atmosphere and friendly relationships here. At CityU, I got many chances to develop myself. For example, the Student Ambassador programme organized by Student Development Services (SDS) has helped me better understand myself and enhance my capabilities.”Mr Patrick Lee, an alumnus and now a Senior Inspector of the Hong Kong Police Force, also felt grateful to the University. “I was deeply motivated by Outward Bound activities initiated by SDS, through which I learned a lot about interpersonal skills, which was very important to my career development,” he said. “Because I had gained so much from my alma mater, I want to contribute to its development by uniting more alumni to support and serve CityU,” said Mr Lee, who is also Chairman of the CityU Alumni Association. “The more I know about CityU, the more I want to get involved in its development.” Apart from his devotion to the Alumni Association, Mr Lee has shown his attachment to CityU by planning to return to the University to pursue further studies in September.
Chair Professor Pak L Chu joined CityU’s Department of Electronic Engineering four years ago. He treasured the opportunity he found to cooperate with a group of young and dynamic teaching staff. “Teachers of different ages and experience work together for the benefit of our students. This is a stimulating and rewarding experience,” he said. He was also thrilled by the freedom to do research and the advanced equipment and facilities provided by the University. He urged all members of the University to work together for a better future for CityU.
Mr Yeung was grateful for the many opportunities CityU provided him to learn and grow. “I hope that more students can benefit like I did from similar opportunities,” he said.
Mrs Dorothy Davies, Associate Director of SDS, was among the first batch of staff members to join CityU in 1984. “It was such a great challenge working for CityU at that time because we had to start everything from scratch,” Mrs Davies said. Because of her great involvement in building up the University over the years, Mrs Davies has developed a deep love for CityU. “I’m so proud of CityU. This is a place to fulfil one’s aspirations. Here, I have made my dreams come true as our staff, students and alumni can now enjoy excellent sports facilities,” she said.
Echoing several earlier speakers, she hoped that more resources received from future donors would be devoted to student services.
Proud of CityU
“CityU had to struggle to grow under less favourable conditions in the past,” Professor Ho said in concluding the forum. “But over the years, we have built up a strong network with industry and the community. Looking ahead, we expect further progress under the leadership of our supportive Council members.”
Sir Gordon Wu, Chairman of the University Council said, in his remarks to the gathering, he valued the opportunity to chat and interact with CityU students face-to-face. “A good university must emphasize nurturing the young minds who will care for and make contributions to society. CityU has excelled in this respect,” he said. He also said he was impressed by CityU’s Chinese civilization courses, which require all students to study and learn about Chinese history and culture.
Sir Gordon noted that the University now needed to gear itself up for the four-year curriculum and to solve its space shortage issue so as to provide students, staff and alumni with better facilities to communicate and interact. He said CityU had an excellent location, a good reputation, good programmes and dedicated staff. As Council Chairman, he was committed to devoting his best efforts to providing better facilities for the students, staff and alumni of the University.
In later discussions initiated by Dr Sun, participants supported the suggestion that having a university anthem would help to unify the University community. The CRC will gather information and follow up on this idea.