Fudan
University, which celebrates its centenary today, has included
in its anniversary exhibition what has been billed as the oldest
surviving diploma awarded in China, according to a Chinanews.com
report on September 22.
The "Diploma of Fudan College," awarded in 1909, was printed
under the imperial edict of the Empress Dowager Cixi and is on
display in an exhibition that began in the History Museum of Fudan
University in May.
It is decorated with eight golden dragons and a decree in the
center encouraging students to study hard and contribute to their
country. Unlike its modern counterparts, this diploma records the
exact marks the student achieved over three years.
A part-time Fudan professor, Zhang Shousheng, donated the
document after finding it while cleaning up at home. It belonged to
his grandfather, Zhang Yi, who was one of the second batch
graduates from Fudan University and who passed away sixty years
ago.
A scroll written by Sun Yat-Sen saying "Tian Xia Wei Gong,"
which means "the whole world as one community," is also being
exhibited. Sun was not only a revolutionary pioneer, but also the
first director of Fudan.
(China.org.cn. by Wang Ke September 24, 2005)
