11 June 2014 Dear alumni, We were all very excited by the exhilarating opening of the “Freeze Frame” art exhibition which showcased the creative media outcomes of the recent expedition to Antarctica. The creativity and innovative thinking that went into the 13 installations were truly inspiring. The decision to go to Antarctica was not only a very courageous one, given the often inhospitable climate around the South Pole as well as the complexity of the logistics getting there; it was also one that encapsulated the strategic direction that CityU has adopted in recent years. The project brought together expertise in science and the arts to find new interdisciplinary ways of understanding climate change. It followed on from a trip two years before to the Mojave Desert that set out to achieve similar objectives. We are now establishing a reputation for ourselves as a university prepared to pioneer exciting learning opportunities that have a direct impact on society. Apart from this art exhibition, many celebratory events for the University’s 30th anniversary are taking place. In particular, I have been very impressed by the number of alumni who have celebrated the University’s 30th anniversary in a distinctive and meaningful way—by making an anniversary gift. Similar kinds of donations have been a vital part of our success over the years, and the University is certainly indebted to the alumni for all their support. As a token of our appreciation, we have arranged a special acknowledgement exclusively for these generous alumni plus the bonus honour of being named at the University's Chinese Garden under the “Honour Trees Alumni Fundraising Campaign”. I am also very pleased to announce that the 30th Anniversary Alumni Story Book (“三十而立”) is now available for ordering online and at bookstores. In the publication, 30 outstanding alumni from different disciplines and generations over the past 30 years, including government officials, legislative councilors, professionals and entrepreneurs, share their success stories. The book not only demonstrates CityU’s excellence in education, its proceeds will be used to support student development programmes. News that two prominent alumni—renowned industrialist Dr Peter Ho Ka-nam and dedicated social entrepreneur Mr Francis Ngai Wah-sing—were selected for the 3rd Distinguished Alumni Award was very gratifying, too. Both former students have contributed enormously to CityU and society. I would also like to use this opportunity to mention the successful launch of our new Beijing Liaison Office, which opened on 17 May, and was followed by two alumni reunions in Beijing and Hangzhou on 17 and 18 May, respectively. This new office will definitely strengthen ties with the mainland government, the education and industry sectors, as well as students and alumni. Our alumni network is expanding rapidly and the Beijing Liaison Office will provide us with a strong base in the capital of mainland China from which we can continue to develop. Best wishes for the summer! |
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