Alumni's Story of HKBU Department of Religion and Philosophy

"The Department brings me unexpected changes. I learnt how to speak, write, think and organize after three years of study here. "

"I had a memorable time in the Department of Religion and Philosophy for three years. I made friends with like-minded and found teachers who could always give me guidance. I established my self-goals and foundation of my life via training in critical thinking. Forget about the job and career! Come and enjoy your campus life and learning in the Department of Religion and Philosophy!"

"What young people possess is time and opportunity. Students should equip themselves continuously for achieving their dream. I believe success is not related to one’s educational background, while studying Arts is not a barrier of one’s future development. What really matters is one’s effort and attitude in the long run."

"Religion and philosophy are indispensable to humans. Therefore, studying religion and philosophy is not only the knowledge of the disciplines, but also a model of thinking and a framework of understanding the world. It is still useful for working after graduation. "

"Beside rich academic resources, the Department is committed to students’ whole-person development. They organize study tours to Europe and Mainland China, as well as visit of local religious communities. Students can have the chance to experience religious ceremonies and interact with social institutions. These activities enrich my knowledge and understanding in religion and culture, on the one hand deepening local observation and on the other hand broadening global horizons. "

"The relationship between professors and students of our department can be as close as friends. “Eating” is a special feature of the department. Our professors teach seriously, eat seriously and play seriously. They frequently invite students to eat together, discussing religions and philosophy on the table, or simply chit-chating."

The Department of Religion and Philosophy organized the 30th Anniversary Dinner on 16^th November 2018 in celebration of the establishment of its first bachelor programme. Nearly 300 teachers, students, alumni and friends participated and refreshed their fond memories of studying and working at the Department.

Prof. Carver Yu, programme founder of the Department, and Prof. Mette Hjort, Dean of Arts, officiated the dinner. Several former teachers attended, and Prof. Gerhold Becker, former Head of Department, and Rev. Dr. Ip King-tak, former Chaplain, even made a special trip to Hong Kong to join. Scholarships were presented to outstanding undergraduates and MA students, whereas alumni association was announced to be established. Lucky draw, as well as singing, piano and magic performance and sharing by student, teachers and alumni of different generations made it a joy and warm evening. The anniversary dinner was drawn to an end with the sing-a-long led by former and current teachers.