Lingnan University (Guangzhou) facts for kids

Martin Hall

Lingnan University (simplified Chinese: 岭南大学; traditional Chinese: 嶺南大學; Mandarin Pinyin: Lǐngnán Dàxué; Jyutping: Ling5 Naam4 Daai6 Hok6) was a private university in Canton, Guangdong, China. It operated from 1888 to 1952. American missionaries started it in 1888. Back then, it was known as the Canton Christian College (格致書院).

In 1952, the Chinese government changed how universities were organized. Lingnan University's engineering parts joined a new school. The rest of the university became part of Sun Yat-sen University. Later, in 1988, Lingnan College was started again within Sun Yat-sen University.

Some people from the university moved to Hong Kong. They started a new school called Lingnan College in 1967. This college moved to Tuen Mun in 1999. It then became a full university and was renamed Lingnan University.

History of Lingnan University

An old building of Lingnan University, now located in Sun Yat-sen University

The university began in 1888. Andrew Happer founded it in Canton. He wanted to offer a Christian education that was open to everyone. The university moved several times over the years. In 1900, it moved to Macau to avoid problems in China.

In 1903, the Chinese name changed to Lingnan Academy (Chinese: 嶺南學堂; pinyin: Lǐngnán Xuétáng; Jyutping: ling5 naam4 hok6 tong2). It moved back to Canton in 1904.

Medical School Development

First graduating class of the University Medical School in Canton, 1911

In 1906, the University of Pennsylvania's Christian Association looked into helping the medical part of Canton Christian College. Josiah McCracken visited Canton and thought it was a good idea. In 1907, the medical school was renamed "The University Medical School in Canton, China." McCracken was its president until 1913. After that, he helped start a new medical school in Shanghai.

In 1916, the Chinese name changed again to Lingnan University (Chinese: 嶺南大學; pinyin: Lǐngnán Dàxué; Jyutping: ling5 naam4 daai6 hok6). This happened as the college grew into a larger university. By 1927, Chinese leaders took over running the university. The English name also became Lingnan University. Dr. Chung Wing Kwong was the first Chinese leader of the university. In 1933, a branch focused on farming studies opened in Hainan.

Hackett Medical College for Women

The Hackett Medical College for Women was a special medical school in Guangzhou. It was the first medical college in China just for women. Dr. Mary H. Fulton started it in 1902. She was a female medical missionary. The college taught a four-year medical program. It also had a hospital called David Gregg Hospital for Women and Children.

By the end of 1932, the medical center was officially recognized by the Chinese government. In 1936, it joined with Guangzhou Hospital and Lingnan University. Together, they formed the Sun Yat-Sen Medical College.

Wartime Challenges and Relocation

During the 1930s and 1940s, the university had to move many times. This was because Japanese armies were moving across China. In 1937, it moved to Hong Kong when the Japanese took over Canton. Then, in 1942, it moved to Qujiang, Shaoguan in northern Guangdong Province. This happened when the Japanese occupied Hong Kong. After World War II ended, the university could finally return to Canton.

In 1953, Lingnan University became part of Chung Shan University. Some members of the university moved to Hong Kong. They started Lingnan College in Hong Kong in 1967. This was to keep the spirit of the university alive. That college later became Lingnan University in 1999.

University Presidents

• Charles K. Edmunds (1907–1924)

Famous Alumni

• Lee Sun Chau: She graduated from Hackett Medical College for Women. She was one of the first female Chinese doctors of Western Medicine.
• Liang Yusheng: A famous novelist who wrote wuxia stories.
• Wing-tsit Chan: A very important Chinese philosopher and scholar.
• Wong Shik Ling: A linguist who studied Cantonese.
• Paul Kwong: He became the Archbishop of Hong Kong.
• Rong Baisheng: A well-known architect.