School of Life Sciences turns 90
May 05, 2015
Peking University, May 3, 2015: On May 3, 2015, PKU School of Life Sciences kicked off its 90th birthday celebrations. Over 1300 alumni from 15 countries and regions attended the ceremony. The opening ceremony was held at the Administrative Building and broadcast live at Room 101, Classroom Building No. 2 and Hall 101, New Biology Building.
“It is very exciting to see so many alumni gathering together to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the School of Life Sciences,” said Professor Wu Hong, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, at the opening ceremony. She warmly welcomed all the alumni and expressed her deep gratitude for their continuing support for the school.
Professor Wu Hong welcoming the alumni [Photo/PKU School of Life Sciences]
In 2014, PKU School of Life Sciences was ranked 37th by the QS World University Rankings. “The school has developed fast during the past ten years,” Professor Wu said, “and I am confident of a glorious coming decade.”
In addition to school achievements, Professor Wu shared some precious moments in the history of the school. At the National Day Parade in 1984, the Class of 1985 (entered PKU in 1981) unfurled a banner saying “Hello Xiaoping”, showing their admiration for the great leader. This historic moment became a national hit then and is engraved on the memory of the Chinese people.
Professor Deng Xingwang sharing his college memories [Photo/PKU School of Life Sciences]
Later in his speech, Professor Deng Xingwang, member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, recalled his happy days in the school. He talked of his mentor, Professor Mei Zhen’an, at PKU and appreciated her generous help. “Professor Mei guides me into the biological research,” he wrote in his memoirs, “her work ethic greatly influences my research career.”
Professor Xu Zhihong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and former President of Peking University, addressing the ceremony
[Photo/PKU School of Life Sciences]
Professor Xu Zhihong, former president of PKU as well as an alumnus of the Class of 1965, looked back upon the hard times the school and its members fought through and expressed his sincere hope for a better future of the school.
The ceremony is part of the events celebrating the anniversary. Alumni are invited to visit the campus and attend alumni parties. Other activities include Bioindustry Forum and Scientific Research Forum.
Written by: Li Yike
Edited by: Yan Shengnan
Photo Source: PKU School of Life Sciences
