On September 27, 2024, the donation ceremony by the Alumni Association of Peking University (Hong Kong) was held at the Bocheng Café (Bocheng Café) of the School of International Studies (SIS), PKU. Guests in attendance included Chen Shangzhi (Director of the Alumni Association of Peking University (Hong Kong), Honorary Trustee of PKU) and his wife Yu Anni, Wang Lu (Alumni Association of PKU (Hong Kong)), Geng Shu (Deputy Secretary-General of the Peking University Education Foundation), and Chen Shangjun (Program Manager, Asia Affairs Department, Peking University Education Foundation). From SIS, attendees included Tang Shiqi (Dean, SIS, PKU), Xiang Zuotao (Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee, SIS), and Jin Rui (Deputy Director of the Alumni Office, SIS). The ceremony was hosted by Zhang Xinyang (Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee, SIS).

In his speech, Dean Tang Shiqi recalled that 14 years ago, thanks to the vision and generosity of Chen Guoju (Founding Director of the Alumni Association of PKU (Hong Kong), Honorary Trustee of PKU) and Chen Wuyuhua (Honorary Council Member of the Peking University Education Foundation), Bocheng Café was established at SIS. He highlighted that Chen Shangzhi and Yu Anni have carried forward this noble spirit across two generations, continuously supporting the development of SIS in areas such as café operations, scholarships, and talent cultivation. The café has become a cultural landmark of SIS and an important platform for communication among faculty, students, and alumni. Tang expressed heartfelt gratitude for their generous donation, emphasizing that the Alumni Association of PKU (Hong Kong) exemplifies warmth and inspiration through their philanthropy, aligning with the educational mission of SIS. He looked forward to an enduring partnership that will continue to foster talent cultivation and institutional growth.

Chen Shangzhi shared his fond memories of studying at PKU. He noted that for over a decade he has been committed to the philanthropic principle of “help received, self-help, and helping others.” He expressed his honor and responsibility in contributing to SIS in such a cross-generational way and looked forward to further cooperation across diverse fields to advance education in China.

Yu Anni expressed her deep affection upon returning to her alma mater after a year, sharing her reflections on the importance of education and her children’s growth. She hoped that this donation would help create a better working environment for faculty and students, and support the continued development of SIS.

Amidst warm applause, Yu Anni, Xiang Zuotao, and Geng Shu signed the donation agreement together.

On behalf of SIS, Dean Tang Shiqi presented commemorative gifts to Chen Shangzhi and Yu Anni, followed by a group photo.

This donation is of special significance as SIS celebrates the 60th anniversary of its Department of Political Science and the 20th anniversary of the SIS Building. In 2010, Chen Guoju and Chen Wuyuhua fully funded the purchase of coffee equipment and interior furnishings, making Bocheng Café the first faculty-run café at PKU. For many years, two generations of the family have supported SIS in various aspects of talent cultivation and institutional development. The evolution of the café reflects not only physical renewal but also the transmission of cultural and spiritual values. Looking ahead, SIS will make full use of this space as a warm hub for communication among faculty, students, and alumni, further serving the mission of cultivating talent and fostering virtue.

Written by: Gao Jingwen
Photo by: Luo Gewei
Edited by: Zhang Xinyang