Special China convocation leaves lasting impression

Chancellor Ron Lou Poy leads the procession after the ceremony, held in one of the chambers in the Great Hall of the People. Following him are: President David Turpin, Annie Suk-Ching Wu, Albert Hung Chao-Hong, and dean of business Ali Dastmalchian. See related story

UVic further strengthened its ties with China last month when, for the second time in the university’s history, it honoured Chinese humanitarians in Beijing’s imposing and historic Great Hall of the People.

On May 12, UVic chancellor Ron Lou-Poy conferred honorary degrees on Annie Suk-Ching Wu, the managing director of the Hong Kong Beijing Air Catering Company, and Albert Hung Chao-Hong, a successful importer/exporter with a strong record of philanthropic support for education, health and welfare, and athletics.

Wu’s community activities tend to focus on women’s and children’s issues and she’s actively involved in more than 30 business, volunteer and public service organizations.

The ceremony echoed a poignant convocation in the same location 24 years ago when revered stateswoman and social rights activist Madame Soong Ching-Ling was honoured by UVic in the same auspicious location (see story).

The return to the Great Hall of the People made an impression on members of the UVic delegation who attended the ceremony.

"The ceremony was so beautiful," says Gail Flitton, a member of UVic’s board of governors. "We were in a huge hall with high ceilings and white marble walls, yet the convocation felt so familiar. Then I’d remember how extraordinary it was for all of this to be taking place literally in the parliament of China. It was a very happy occasion, too, especially since so many of the honorary graduands’ friends and family members were able to attend."

UVic President David Turpin joined Lou-Poy in recognizing the two honorary degree recipients. Also representing UVic were: associate vice president academic and director of international affairs Dr. Jim Anglin; dean of business Dr. Ali Dastmalchian; the UVic Hong Kong Foundation chair Charles Cheung; honorary patron of UVic Yik Fung Au-Yeung; mace-bearer Bruce Vallor; acting director of development project services Allan Berezny; and director of university ceremonies and events Alison Ducharme.

Alex Dunn of the Juno Award-winning UVic Chamber Singers played guitar as the guests arrived and the singers sang during the procession and then again during the ceremony.

UVic already has strong ties with China. The university is home to the centre for Asia-Pacific initiatives (CAPI), the centre for global studies, and the department of Pacific and Asian studies. UVic has co-operation and exchange agreements with East China Normal University, Shandong University, the University of International Business and Economics, and Yanbian University. Currently, 17 UVic faculty members are conducting China-related research.