St Hugh’s celebrates10th anniversary of Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building
On Friday 25 October 2024, St Hugh’s celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building which was opened in September 2014 by HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. The project’s donors and supporters joined the College for an afternoon of celebration, including a cream tea and “Curtains to China” exhibition in the Wordsworth Tea Room, a display of rare Chinese books in the KB Chen Bodleian Library and a special lecture in the Kin-ku Cheng Lecture Theatre entitled: “The Enduring Value of China Studies in a Changing World: A conversation between Rana Mitter and Todd Hall”. This was followed by a champagne reception and celebratory dinner in St Hugh’s College Dining Hall hosted by the Principal, Lady Elish Angiolini.
Lady Elish gave a speech during dinner, recognising all those that had supported the project: ‘I would like to say a huge thank to all our alumni, benefactors and their families, whose contributions helped to make this project possible and without whose support we could not thrive.
‘Tonight, we are celebrating the multi-generational connection between St Hugh’s College and Hong Kong – a friendship that began in Oxford 340 years ago when Michael Shen Fuzong was the first Chinese person to visit Oxford University in 1684. However, it was in the early 1980s that the most significant relationship was formed between St Hugh’s and Hong Kong which brings us together tonight. It began when a student’s father, Alex Wu, introduced Rachel Trickett to four of his Hong Kong business colleagues during a fundraising campaign in 1981 to raise money for new curtains in the Dining Hall. The meeting resulted in much more than a pair of curtains, and in fact raised £400,000 raised overnight! This helped to establish a scholarship programme and secure the College’s current site. Several of the Victorian houses on Woodstock and Canterbury Roads are named in their honour, including Ho Houses and Leung Houses. We are humbled to have members of their families with us tonight.
‘It has been a true privilege to have been part of the Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building project, and I have no doubt that with the ongoing support from our alumni and benefactors, it will not be the last success story we see at St Hugh’s College.’
One of our most valued benefactors, Sir Dickson Poon, was sadly not able to attend our celebration, but he sent this wonderful message:
‘Congratulations on reaching your 10th anniversary milestone! These ten years have gone by quickly and seen tremendous changes in China and its relationships with the rest of the world. What has not changed has been the mission of the Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building to examine and promote dialogue among the relevant parties to foster understanding that will improve relationships across diverse areas and groups. It is inspiring to see how your dedication and commitment has made the Centre a beacon of learning and connection, bridging cultures, achieving academic excellence while supporting collaborations that have created opportunities for countless individuals. You have succeeded because of your patience, openness and mutual efforts —core principles of the China Centre. As a proud supporter of the Centre, I hope that in another ten years, we can all look back with satisfaction and pride, knowing that we have truly made a difference. Wishing you continued success in your worthy efforts to grow the China Centre.’
Below is a selection of photographs taken during the celebrations.