Laughter Filled the Air at the Launch of Oak Anniversary Celebrations

From the left: Dean of Science Prof. Matthew EVANS, President Xiang ZHANG, Vice-President Prof. Andy HOR and Associate Dean of Science Prof. Billy CHOW

The Faculty of Science is celebrating its 80^th 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. The event was attended by more than 200 alumni, friends and members of HKU Science family.

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 80^th 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 80^th 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 80^th 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.

Video: https://youtu.be/gMEmsQHQ9nY
Photo gallery: https://www.scifac.hku.hk/photo-gallery/openingcere