An exemplary celebration
It is hoped that more universities can follow the example of Wuhan University in holding simple anniversary celebrations, says an article in the Workers' Daily. The following is an excerpt:
The 115th anniversary of the founding of Wuhan University has featured collecting and reminiscing old stories of the period when the campus was forced to be moved westward to Leshan, Sichuan province, due to the invasion of Japanese troops in the 1930s. Students have been immersed in the collective search of the spirit of the university through the celebration.
The austere celebration held by Wuhan University has attracted wide attention from the public, for its way of celebrating the anniversary of the century-old institution is different from those by some of its peers in China.
A good many universities have vulgarized their founding anniversary celebrations, which would include inviting celebrities and high-ranking officials to grand functions that cost huge amounts of cash. They do this in the hope of lifting the image of the university to a higher level.
But Wuhan University has chosen to separate itself from the pack. Their celebration is not only a return to the university spirit, but more importantly, it's a departure from the extravagant trend.
The "quiet" celebration has set a role model for its peers, which can learn from Wuhan University and join hands in searching for the real spirit of the university.
(China Daily 12/05/2008 page8)
