This photo dated May 23, 2011 shows the Loke Yew Hall of the University of Hong Kong. (PHOTO/HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
The University of Hong Kong commemorated its 111th anniversary with an impressive light display on Wednesday, encouraging its staff, students and other Hong Kong residents to stay resilient and keep their hopes alive in the battle against the pandemic.
For about 15 minutes starting at 8:30 pm, colorful lights were projected onto HKU’s Main Building and other well-known sites to illuminate the entire campus while conveying a message of hope to Hong Kong residents and those at the frontlines in the fight against the virus.
The University of Hong Kong President and Vice-Chancellor Zhang Xiang said HKU’s resilience in the past 100 years is a manifestation of the “Lion Rock Spirit” as Hong Kong had gone through war, occupation and disease outbreaks
University President and Vice-Chancellor Zhang Xiang paid tribute to the people of Hong Kong, as well as staff and students of the university, and encouraged them to persevere.
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Describing the university’s Main Building as a symbol of this spirit of resilience, Zhang said: “Loke Yew Hall has experienced two world wars and served as a hospital for soldiers and citizens. It was recently designated as a community vaccination center, particularly for the elderly, who are among the more vulnerable groups.”
He said HKU’s resilience in the past 100 years is a manifestation of the “Lion Rock Spirit” as Hong Kong had gone through war, occupation and disease outbreaks. In each case, Hong Kong survived and has emerged stronger. He commended Hong Kong residents who have supported and shaped the university for over a century and whose contributions to the COVID-19 battle have been outstanding.
HKU staff members of the Shenzhen and Beijing Centers, as well as alumni from around the world, sent their best wishes through short videos for the university’s special program.
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Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong is the city’s first and oldest institution of higher education. It has dedicated itself to creating knowledge, providing education and serving society for more than a century.
