Peking University, Feb 20. 2017: A commemoration of the 100th year anniversary of the birth of PKU late President Cai Yuanpei, was held by Sun Hua, Communist Party Secretary of Yuanpei College, on the morning of 11 January, 2017. PKU President Lin Jianhua, along with Vice President Gao Song, Cai Yuanpei's granddaughter, Cai Leike, and other representatives of PKU attended the ceremony and paid their tributes.
PKU President Lin Jianhua and Vice President Gao Song sending flowers
Born on January 11, 1868, Cai Yuanpei was a famous Chinese educator, thinker and an influential figure in the New Culture and May Forth Movements. On 26 December, 1916, he was appointed as president of PKU. He valued academic study and advocated for free thinking. In 2001, the Yuanpei Plan was launched, with the purpose of reforming undergraduate education. Six years later, Yuanpei College was established, pursuing the same goal set at the very beginning.
PKU President Lin Jinhua acknowledged the outstanding contributions Cai Yuanpei made to the educational development of PKU. “We are here today to commemorate President Cai Yuanpei, because we want to carry forth the Yuanpei spirit,” said Lin Jianhua. “It is every PKUer’s responsibility to make contributions to our own country and the Chinese dream.” PKU Vice President Gao Song praised Cai Yuanpei’s contributions to China’s higher education. He emphasized that Cai’s thoughts on education have led to practical educational reforms. He encouraged Yuanpei College to carry on with their own traditions and to continue exploring educational reforms. Cai Yuanpei’s granddaughter Cai Leike said, “My grandfather Cai Yuanpei always worked for a purpose. When he was named as president of Peking University, it was to serve the country by means of education. The interest of Chinese people was always been a top priority for him.” She expressed hope for her grandfather’s Yuanpei spirit to last a long time. Assistant Dean of Yuanpei College, Li Chenjian, also delivered a speech on behalf of the faculty of the college.
At the end of the event, representatives such as the curator of the Museum of Peking University History, Ma Jianjun, Vice Dean of Yuanpei College, Su Yanjie, along with students of Yuanpei College, presented flowers before the bronze statue of Cai Yuanpei. In the evening, there was a special screening of a film named “Teacher: Cai Yuanpei”.
Written by: Li Xiaotong
Edited by: Gan Zhonghao
