Northwestern University Centennial Old Photos

Author: Editor-in-Chief: Bei Yan / et al
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-04-01
Features: Excerpt: This is a great sacred place, a mirror of Chinese history, and a witness to a century of storms. Strolling through the campus, you will not overlook the Monument to the Revolutionary Martyrs of March 18th in Jing Yuan, nor will you miss the Wei Shi Yi Monument by the small bridge and flowing water shore. There are also the names of Zhang Zhongchao, Huang Jiazhen, Liu Hezhen, and Yang Deguan—these are not forgotten, but rather remembered forever for these heroes, for these immortal souls. You should also pay respects to the bronze statue of Li Dazhao among the cypress and bamboo, expressing your reverence for this great revolutionary pioneer and educator. You may also climb the small hill opposite the Flower God Temple to visit the grave of the charming American Edgar Snow, recalling the famous Red Star Over China and those fervent years. You will be moved to walk to the western shore of Wuming Lake to see the secret passage. You may not believe it, but from autumn 1938 to around 1941, the Communist Party of China used this place as a liaison point to transmit documents, intelligence, propaganda materials, and military equipment between Beijing and Tianjin and the anti-Japanese bases. Though history has been submerged in the mountain winds and waves of time, it still stands here in quiet contemplation. Continuing toward the west gate, you should visit the grave of Professor Grep, who lies here in eternal rest. As one of the founders of modern stratigraphy, this American conducted geological research and teaching in China for 26 years. After the outbreak of the Pacific War, at the age of 72, he was imprisoned and suffered for four long years before passing away on March 26, 1946. In accordance with his last wishes, he was buried at Peking University, where he had dedicated his youth. Let us remember those who have left a glorious mark in history! And let us not forget the scholars who toiled silently and devoted their lives to knowledge. This is the source of Yan Yuan’s enduring charm despite its hardships, the eternal monuments of Peking University, and the memories we cherish forever. Have we forgotten? Hu Shi, who pioneered vernacular Chinese; Chen Duxiu, whose life was fraught with trials; Lin Yutang, whose wit and humor were unparalleled; and Shen Jianshi, Feng Youlan, Li Siguang, Liu Banong, Liu Shipei, Ma Yinchi, Ma Xulun, Zhu Guangqian, Zhou Peiyuan, Chen Daizun, Zhang Daonian, and Ji Xianlin. As Ye Shi said, “I cannot stop; I must move forward.” Through frequent trials and tribulations, time is like a tree in the courtyard, bearing spring blossoms and autumn fruits. In cold nights, it always keeps the light burning for the eternal worries of the ages. Suddenly, I realize that the days of my youth are gone, my hair has turned gray early, and there is always another distant horizon. Indeed, history will eventually forget all the ups and downs, but how can we forget the past glory of Yan Yuan? Because we are its children. On the occasion of its centennial, how can we not recall, cherish, and be moved to the depths of our hearts? The sky remains blue, the lake remains calm, and the pagodas still stand, having weathered countless storms. History has entered 1998, and Peking University, like history itself, has been purified, tested, grown, and is now welcoming the call of the new century.