Peking University, May 30, 2013: Peking University (PKU/Beida) should take over the flag of forerunners and take every step steadily in the course of building a world-class university, urged a top administrator.

“On the university’s 20th anniversary, Cai Yuanpei, then president of the Government University of Peking, expressed his strong desire to see the university’s 'parallel development' with topnotch ones such as Berlin and Leipzig universities. However, since the whole nation was at a standstill, this dream had not been realized,” said PKU Council Chairman Zhu Shanlu.

“Now that 95 years have passed, Peking University should answer to the request of pioneer Beida people like President Cai,” Professor Zhu said at a symposium for the university’s 115th anniversary.

Speaking to some 200 alumni and friends at the meeting on May 22, Professor Zhu elaborated on the university’s “2048 Perspective Plan” and “Three-step Strategy.” 

“Peking University strives to become the best university around 2048, its 150th anniversary that coincides as well with the centennial of New China,” said Zhu, “a world-class university with both distinctive Chinese characteristics and Beida style and features; a university that can earn recognition and self-esteem in the world on behalf of China and the Chinese nation.”

The university is lagging behind the world-class university “quite a lot,” Peking University’s 12th Five-year recognized. The next five years is to see its breakthrough in realizing the Beida dream: building a world-class university, read a Peking University News editorial.

“It is not only the wish of all Beida people, but also the historical requirement of the nation and the ardent expectation of the whole society,” added Zhu, who also expressed sincere gratitude to all friends for their understanding, tolerance, lenience, and support of the university.

PKU Council Chairman Zhu Shanlu

President Wang Enge

"I hope the meeting will enhance the understanding and strengthen friendship," noted President Wang Enge at the symposium, which aimed to promote communication between the university and its friends from all walks of life.

The Beida dream, or the aim of edging into the world-class university, is a lofty mission, "but also a great challenge for us," said President Wang. "We should try our best to keep pace with the global standard on one hand, and respect local features on the other."

President Wang expressed his hope: "The meeting could congregate great ideas and wisdom in a joint effort to realize the Beida dream and the Chinese dream."

Written by: Li Chiyang

Edited by: Jacques

Source: PKU News (Chinese)