Back to 80: My literary life.

Chapter 794: School Board Argument

He told his idea to his good friend, Fants, chairman of Stanford University's Honor Committee, who was specifically responsible for this work.

Fantes had some knowledge of Fang Minghua. He was a best-selling author in the United States. The Harry Potter novels, which are currently in hot sales, were his works. Of course, this alone does not qualify him to receive an honorary doctorate from Stanford University.

But James told him about Fang Minghua's achievements in the field of literature, the various literary works he had published over the years, and the literary awards he had won. He felt that Fang Minghua was qualified.

Of course, the donation of 1000 million is also an important factor.

Stanford University's honorary doctorate evaluation criteria clearly state:

Candidates are required to have significant academic achievements in their field of expertise and a high reputation in the industry.

The selected person's contribution to society and the university, including his/her performance in public service, charity, etc.

Obviously, Fang Minghua meets both criteria.

So, Fantes started the selection process. Stanford is a private university, and the process is not as complicated as that of a public university. However, the power of the university honor committee is not as great as that of a public university. The real evaluation power is concentrated in the hands of the school board of directors!

The Honorary Degree Committee only plays a nominating role.

So, at James' suggestion, the school board held an extraordinary meeting.

Stanford University's board of directors has 37 members, including the president, vice presidents, deans of various colleges, and several alumni representatives. It is not easy to gather so many people for a meeting at once.

But it doesn't matter. According to the board charter, a meeting like this is legal as long as two-thirds of the directors are present, and if more than half vote in favor, the proposal will be passed.

As an attending representative, Fantes briefed the board members on Fang Minghua's basic situation.

The board members immediately started discussing the matter, some agreed, while others opposed.

The most common opinion among opponents is: Is it appropriate to award an honorary doctorate to a non-American and Chinese person?
This is the first time at Stanford or in an American university!
"Who says there is no precedent? Gentlemen, have you forgotten? 60 years ago, Chinese scholar Hushi was awarded an honorary doctorate in literature by Harvard University, and later American universities successively awarded him honorary doctorates!" Smith reminded.

"But the situation is different now! Don't forget that many of the Chinese students funded by his scholarships will return to China and will challenge our advantages in science and technology in the future!"

The most aggressive opponent was another vice-principal, Alex, who glared at Smith.

How could such a trivial matter be escalated to such a high level? ?

In the end, it was Principal Donald Kennedy who stopped the quarrel.

"Stanford University is an academic institution and should not be politicized. Mr. Fang has made great contributions both in the literary world and to our school, so I still support awarding him an honorary doctorate."

Who is Donald Kennedy? He is not only the president of Stanford University, but also a famous neurobiologist, a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has a high prestige on the board of directors.

With Donald's words, everyone expressed their agreement. After all, it was not a matter of great benefit - such as increasing or decreasing the budget of a certain college in the university's annual budget.

If this is the case, it would be strange if everyone doesn't fight to the death.

In the final vote, Fang Minghua was awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of Literature by a majority vote. Three days after Fang Minghua received the news,
Smith personally called Fang Minghua and told him the good news in addition to telling him about the donation ceremony.

"Mr. Minghua, you are another person after Mr. Hu Shi to receive an honorary doctorate in literature from our American university," Smith said on the phone.

Oh my god
Don't mention Hu Shi.

But it has mixed reviews in our country.

Of course Fang Minghua couldn't say this out loud, but he still expressed his gratitude. After all, it was a pleasant thing.

Smith then told him that the award would be made at the upcoming summer graduation ceremony, and then the donation ceremony could take place.

The specific details and precautions will be sent to his mailbox via email.

After the call ended, Fang Minghua told Li Li the news when she came back from school in the afternoon.

Li Li was surprised and happy.

"Wow, I never expected that Stanford University would award you an honorary doctorate in literature! Congratulations!"

"Don't you think this has something to do with the 1000 million US dollars I donated?" Fang Minghua asked with a smile.

"Well, it is somewhat related, but your achievements in the field of literature are also unquestionable!" Li Li replied, and then said with a smile:

"Originally, I wanted to propose that our school award you an honorary doctorate in literature, but San Francisco State University is not as prestigious as Stanford."

"Okay, don't do these fancy things. I really don't want to be like Hu Shi, who had 36 honorary doctorates. I don't have that ability." Fang Minghua said with a smile.

7月9日，斯坦福大学在斯坦福体育场举行了第107届毕业典礼，共授予1080个学士学位、1803个硕士学位和675个博士学位，方明华作为其中之一穿着红色博士服接过所授予的荣誉博士学位证书。

After the graduation ceremony, Fang Minghua was invited to attend the donation ceremony held in the school conference room. The school's vice president James personally presented the honorary certificate to Fang Minghua and thanked him for his contributions to the school.

In addition to school personnel, the ceremony was attended by about 60 international students from mainland China, all of whom were beneficiaries of scholarships and were all very excited.

Fang Minghua, wearing a short-sleeved shirt and tie, gave an impromptu speech in Chinese.

"All of you in the audience are outstanding students from top universities in China, such as Tsinghua University, Yan University, Fudan University, and Nankai University. You have received the best education in China and have come to this top university in the United States to continue your studies. I would like to congratulate you."

"I also know that many of you, especially those who are studying abroad at your own expense, have no intention of returning to China after graduation. Frankly speaking, the working environment and salary here are much better than those in China."

"Everyone has their own aspirations, and we cannot force them, but I still sincerely hope that you will return to China to work after graduation. I have decided to set up an entrepreneurial fund specifically for returned overseas students in China to provide the greatest help for your life and work. The country is now in a period of rapid development and is in urgent need of high-quality talents like you."

Just as Fang Minghua was giving a speech at Stanford University, at Yenching University, Song Tangtang walked into the International Student Service Center at the Brilliant Times Building, No. 56, North Fourth Ring Road West, Haidian.

(End of this chapter)