Q+A: Gong Ke Nurturing new generation for revitalization of China

How did you feel after moving to head a new university (from Tianjin University to Nankai University) ?

As a university known for liberal arts, Nankai has an innate temperament totally different from that of Tianjin University, which is a college of engineering. It was like turning a new leaf for an engineering man like me. It took me time to fit in.

What's the biggest change you brought to Nankai University?

It is still too early to point out the biggest change. Generally speaking, I hope it's stressing that responsibility, capability and creativity can be carried on by the new generation. We must strive for the all-round development of students, promote frontier research, global faculty recruitment and improve its governance.

What do you want to say to graduates of Nankai this year?

They are the generation who will be able to contribute to China's revitalization and make this country an innovative area while developing on a sustainable track. I hope they are fully aware of their historic responsibility and devote themselves to the task.

What do you want to leave to the university when you retire?

I hope by that time the fabric of the university will be well-established, and the configuration of its governing groups, namely the Party committee, the administration, the academic board, the faculty assembly and the student union, are able to ensure smooth functioning.

What kind of president do you want your students to remember you as?

I haven't even thought about it. It is difficult to summarize at the moment.

By Zhao Yinan