Saint John’s University: Echoing Through the Ages

Today, we’re going to delve deeper into the story of Saint John’s University and its unwavering commitment to knowledge and enlightenment, which continues to reverberate among universities both in the East and the West to this day.

Transcript

Saint John’s University: Echoing Through the Ages

Hello, and welcome to The Context. My name is Wang Yan and I’m a reporter with NewsChina. With our podcast, we aim to provide insight into the current trends of modern China, allowing you to clearly see what’s happening today through a historical lens.

Today, we’re going to delve deeper into the story of Saint John’s University and its unwavering commitment to knowledge and enlightenment, which continues to reverberate among universities both in the East and the West to this day.

Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, a substantial number of foreign educators were gradually expelled from the Chinese mainland. In 1952, the new government implemented extensive reforms within the national higher education system, which inevitably affected St. John’s University. 

The university was dissolved, leading to the dispersion of its faculties, which were subsequently integrated into various esteemed institutions, including Shanghai Jiaotong University, Tongji University, Fudan University, East China University of Political Science and Law, and East China University of Science and Technology, among others. This marked a transformative period in China’s educational landscape, involving both the restructuring of institutions and the repositioning of academic resources.

The original campus, which now houses the East China University of Political Science and Law, encapsulates a significant epoch in the history of Chinese mainland. Presently, this campus remains adorned with numerous historical vestiges of the St. John’s University era. Notable among these is the hall where Dr. Sun Yat-sen delivered a pivotal address. Commemorative plaques adorning the external walls provide insightful narratives, offering visitors a window into key moments of the past. This preservation of historical artifacts serves as a tangible link to the university’s heritage, and its role in shaping the trajectory of China’s development.

In February 1913, Francis Lister Hawks Pott, president of St. John’s University, extended an invitation to Sun Yat-sen, widely acknowledged as the father of modern China, to address the students and faculty. His presence was met with a warm reception and, during his speech, Dr. Sun imparted: “You have gleaned from the teachings of the Bible the principle that when you possess enlightenment, you must illuminate the path for others. Consequently, having acquired knowledge, your duty is to impart it to others. The bedrock of a democratic nation is education. As long as the populace seeks to learn, it becomes your obligation to facilitate their education. What you have received, you should bestow upon others.” Dr. Sun’s profound message underscored the importance of education as a vehicle for enlightenment and progress, imparting upon the audience a sense of responsibility to the broader community.

By January 1941, at the age of 77, Pott decided to step down from his position as president, assuming the role of honorary president. This marked a poignant moment for Pott, as he had transitioned from being the dean of the College to leading St. John’s University as its president in 1881, beginning a tenure that spanned an impressive 53 years. Six months after stepping down, in June of 1941, Pott reluctantly, bid farewell to China and returned to his hometown of New York. Subsequently, he embarked on a global journey, attending speaking engagements and sharing his experiences of his life, spanning over half a century, in Shanghai. In doing so, he was committed to disseminating his insights and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

On October 23, 1946, Pott returned to China, this time as the honorary president of St. John’s University. Upon his arrival in Shanghai, he engaged in an interview with a reporter. When asked about his motivation for returning to China, he responded with profound sentiment, “This is my home; I shall remain here indefinitely, until I reach the end of my days!” Pott’s words echoed his deep emotional connection to China, emphasizing his enduring bond with the country he had dedicated a significant portion of his life to.

Not long after his return, Pott was admitted to Hong En Hospital, which is now known as East China Hospital. Tragically, a few weeks later, on March 7, 1947, he passed away due to heart failure at the age of 83. On March 9, a memorial service was held in the church on St. John’s University campus, drawing more than 700 participants, including faculty, alumni, as well as his relatives and friends from both Chinese and Western backgrounds. This commemorative gathering served as a testament to Pott’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the university and the wider community.

The Minister of Education, Zhu Jiahua, conveyed a message of condolence, extolling Pott’s significant contributions to Chinese education. Pott’s remains were transported to Wanguo Funeral Hall for cremation, and his final resting place became the Jing’an Temple Cemetery. Here, he found eternal repose, a testament to his lasting impact on education, and his legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

In the aftermath of the 1952 dismantling of St. John’s University in Shanghai, Mr. Au Wai, the former Chairman of the Council of St. John’s University, alongside Mr. Lee Ying Lam, President of Lingnan University, and in collaboration with the collective efforts of Hong Kong church bodies, undertook a momentous endeavor. They amalgamated the faculties and staff from 13 distinguished Christian universities in the Chinese mainland, culminating in the establishment of Chung Chi College. This transformative initiative marked a significant chapter in higher education history, as it represented the harmonization of resources and expertise to forge a new institution in Hong Kong that would continue to uphold the values and traditions of these renowned Christian universities.

In 1957, the Chinese College, New Asia College, and United College collaborated to establish the Chinese Tertiary Student Association, with the shared goal of advocating for the creation of a “Chinese University.” Subsequently, in 1963, the vision was realized with the establishment of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. 

Among its founding entities, Chung Chi College stood as one of the three constituent colleges, and it seamlessly merged into the newly formed Chinese University of Hong Kong. This pivotal transition marked the unification of academic efforts, paving the way for the continued development and prominence of the university within the educational landscape of Hong Kong and beyond.

Presently, within the chapel of Chung Chi College at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, wooden carvings bearing the emblems of 13 Christian universities, including St. John’s University, endure as a tangible tribute to their collective legacy. As one of the nine prominent colleges constituting the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chung Chi College continues to thrive and contribute significantly to the university’s academic and cultural tapestry. Its enduring presence serves as a living testament to the influence and contributions of these Christian universities within the educational milieu of modern China.

In 1967, alumni from St. John’s University in Taiwan sought to reignite the university’s spirit within the island’s educational landscape. Yet, due to the prevailing education policies of the Kuomintang government of the time, private entities were constrained in the establishment of colleges. In response, St. John’s University, along with the St. Mary’s Hall Alumni Association of Taiwan and the Anglican Church of Christ in Taiwan, collaboratively established the Hsinpu Institute of Technology. In 1993, the institute underwent a name change to become the Hsinpu College of Commerce and Industry. This evolution continued as the school transitioned into the St. John’s College of Technology in 2003.

The revered motto “Light and Truth” was selected as the first of the institution’s three school slogans. In 2005, a transformative reorganization led to the emergence of the St. John’s University (Taiwan), signifying an ongoing commitment to nurturing academic excellence and embodying the cherished ideals of the original St. John’s University.

In 1997, alumni of the former St. John’s University in Shanghai, residing overseas, congregated in Vancouver, Canada. With the University of British Columbia’s backing, they established St. John’s College UBC. Situated amid serene woodland surroundings adjacent to the Asian Library, this institution prioritizes graduate education. A collaborative endeavor, it underscores the enduring bond among alumni and their shared commitment to fostering educational excellence, transcending geographical boundaries to create an academic haven in a modern context.

Diverging from its Shanghai predecessor, St. John’s College situated on the UBC campus in Canada no longer operates as a teaching institution affiliated with a religious organization. Nevertheless, it proudly carries forth the essence of St. John’s University, Shanghai, upholding a tradition of esteemed education. Functioning as a cross-cultural hub of knowledge, it now welcomes students from varied backgrounds, embodying the spirit of its origins, while fostering a diverse learning environment. This evolution showcases the enduring legacy of quality education and underscores its role as a beacon of intellectual growth and exchange for students from all over the world.

Eminent author Lin Yutang, an alumnus of St. John’s University, nostalgically recounted in his autobiography: “My fundamental perspective on Western civilization was not merely gleaned from textbooks, but was profoundly shaped by Francis Lister Hawks Pott, the president of St. John’s University, alongside a handful of other professors. Their collective influence encapsulated the essence of true gentility.”

This sentiment expressed by Lin Yutang underscores the significant role that St. John’s University and its educators played in molding his intellectual and personal development, making a lasting impact on his life’s journey.

In March, 2018, dozens of alumni from around the world gathered at the original campus of St. Johns University in Shanghai to attend an exhibition of cultural relics at the university. Wang Jiafan, an endowed history professor at East China Normal University, said the illustrious history of the St. Johns University, which blends Eastern and Western cultures into a harmonious whole, should not only be scattered in the sporadic memories of its alumni, nor should it be forgotten by history. 

“China’s higher education has undergone significant development and progress in the past few decades. The noble principles advocated by the education of the past, and the valuable spirit of the founders, should not be discarded,” he concluded.

Well, that’s the end of our podcast. Our theme music is by the famous film score composer Roc Chen. We want to thank our writer Lü Weitao, translator Du Guodong, and copy editor James McCarthy. And thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed it, and if you did, please tell a friend so they, too, can understand The Context.