Ding Shisun facts for kids

Ding Shisun (Chinese: 丁石孙; September 5, 1927 – October 12, 2019) was a Chinese mathematician, university leader, and politician. He was the president of Peking University during a time of student protests in 1989. After these events, he had to step down from his role. Later, he became the chairman of the China Democratic League and served as a Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Early Life and Education

Ding Shisun was born in Shanghai, China, on September 5, 1927. His family's original home was in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu.

From 1944 to 1947, he studied at Utopia University in Shanghai. He took part in student activities that were against the government. Because of this, he was arrested and expelled from the university. He then moved to Beijing and started studying at Tsinghua University in 1948.

Early Career as a Professor

Ding Shisun finished his studies in mathematics at Tsinghua University in 1950. He then became an assistant professor there. In 1952, he moved to Peking University, where he later became a lecturer and then a full professor.

During a difficult political period in 1958, Ding Shisun showed support for people who were criticized by the government. He faced some challenges and was removed from the Communist Party of China for a while. However, his membership was later given back to him. When the Cultural Revolution began in 1966, he was held and later sent to do manual labor.

After the Cultural Revolution ended in 1976, Ding Shisun was able to return to his academic work. He was made vice chair of the Mathematics Department at Peking University. In 1980, he became the chairman of the department.

Leading Peking University

In 1982, Ding Shisun took a break from his role as mathematics chair. He went to Harvard University in the United States as a visiting scholar. While he was away, Peking University held a vote among its senior teachers to choose the next president. Ding Shisun received the most votes.

In March 1984, at 57 years old, Ding Shisun became the president of Peking University. As president, he wanted to make sure teachers were doing their best. He gave rewards to those who taught classes, especially important basic courses. He also held back bonuses from teachers who did not teach. If someone could not teach or do important research, he would let them go. Even as president, Ding Shisun continued to teach a basic course called Advanced Algebra.

An interesting story from his time as president involves Mao Xinyu, the grandson of Mao Zedong. In 1988, Mao Xinyu's mother wanted him to attend Peking University. However, Ding Shisun said no. He explained that he could not promise Mao Xinyu's safety among the students, who often had strong opinions. Mao Xinyu ended up going to a different university.

During his time as president, Ding Shisun encouraged "democracy and science" at the university. However, some of his ideas for change were stopped by the government. In 1988, he tried to resign, but his request was not accepted.

In April 1989, students at Peking University played a big part in protests that happened in Tiananmen Square. Ding Shisun did not stop his students from joining these protests. After the government took action to end the protests in June 1989, Ding Shisun was asked to resign in August 1989. Another leader took his place.

Ding Shisun once said that he felt his time as president was not a success. He felt he could not make Peking University the ideal school he imagined. However, a famous scholar named Ji Xianlin said that Ding Shisun was one of the two best presidents in the university's history.

Later Political Career

In 1993, Fei Xiaotong, who was the chairman of the China Democratic League (CDL), invited Ding Shisun to join them. Ding Shisun became a full-time vice chairman of the CDL, but he still taught math to first-year students at Peking University.

In November 1996, Ding Shisun became the chairman of the CDL, taking over from Fei Xiaotong. In 1998, he also became a Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. He served in this important role for two terms, until 2008. In December 2005, Ding Shisun retired as chairman of the CDL and became an honorary chairman.

Death

Ding Shisun passed away on October 12, 2019, in Beijing. He was 92 years old. On October 17, he was buried in the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery, a special burial ground.

Personal Life

In 1956, Ding Shisun married Gui Linlin [zh]. She was a teacher in the chemistry department at Peking University. Their wedding was held on the university campus, and many students and teachers attended. They had two sons.