Fudan Anecdotes

Author: Qian Jisheng, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-08-01
Features: Fudan University was founded in 1905 and is one of the oldest universities in China. From 1905 to 1949, it went through three phases: Fudan Public School, a private university, and a national university. Since 1949, it has become a key university in New China. The founder of Fudan was the renowned modern educator, Mr. Ma Xiangbo (1840-1937). Before establishing Fudan, Ma Xiangbo donated all his wealth in 1902 to found Shanda College in Xujiahui. Later, Shanda College was controlled by the French church in China, which enraged the patriotic students and faculty, who took down the school plaque and collectively withdrew from the school. With the support of the faculty and students, as well as prominent figures like Yan Fu and Xiong Jili, Ma Xiangbo founded Fudan University again in September 1905 in Wusong Town. The name "Fudan" is derived from the famous line "The sun and moon shine brightly, and the day will rise again" from the Great Commentary on the Book of Documents·Yuxia, symbolizing both the restoration of "Shanda" and the rejuvenation of China.