Lingnan University (Guangzhou) facts for kids
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Former name
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Canton Christian College |
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| Type | Private University |
| Active | 1888–1952 |
| Location | , |
Lingnan University (simplified Chinese: 岭南大学; traditional Chinese: 嶺南大學; pinyin: Lǐngnán Dàxué) was a private university in Guangzhou, China. It operated from 1888 to 1952. American missionaries started it in 1888. Back then, it was called the Canton Christian College (格致書院).
In 1952, the government in China changed how universities worked. Lingnan University's engineering parts joined a new school. This school is now called South China University of Technology. The rest of Lingnan University became part of Sun Yat-sen University. Later, in 1988, a part of Lingnan was restarted within Sun Yat-sen University.
Some people from the university moved to Hong Kong. They started the Lingnan School in 1967. This school moved to Tuen Mun in the 1990s. In 1999, it became known as Lingnan University in Hong Kong.
Contents
A Look at History
The university began in 1888. Andrew P. Happer started it. He wanted to offer a Christian education. The university moved and changed names several times.
In 1900, it moved to Macau. This was to avoid problems with the ruling Qing dynasty in China. In 1903, its Chinese name changed to Lingnan Academy (嶺南學堂). It moved back to Canton (Guangzhou) in 1904.
In 1907, a medical school was added. It was called "The University Medical School in Canton, China." Josiah McCracken was its first president. In 1913, this medical school became separate. Josiah McCracken then helped start a new medical school in Shanghai.
In 1916, the university's Chinese name changed again. It became Lingnan University (嶺南大學). This happened as the college grew into a full university. In 1927, Chinese leaders took over running the university. The English name also became Lingnan University. Dr. Chung Wing Kwong was the first Chinese principal.
In 1933, a branch of the university opened in Hainan. This branch focused on farming studies.
Medical Education for Women
The Hackett Medical College for Women was very important. It was the first medical college for women in China. Dr. Mary H. Fulton started it in Guangzhou. She was a female medical missionary. The college opened in 1902. It offered a four-year medical program.
By 1936, this medical center joined with other hospitals. They formed the Sun Yat-Sen Medical College.
Moving During Wartime
During the 1930s and 1940s, the university had to move often. This was because Japanese armies were moving across China. In 1937, it moved to Hong Kong. In 1942, it moved again to Qujiang. This was in northern Guangdong Province. After World War II, the university finally returned to Guangzhou.
In 1953, Lingnan University became part of Chung Shan University. Some university members moved to Hong Kong. They started Lingnan College in 1967. This was to keep the university's spirit alive. That college became Hong Kong's Lingnan University in 1999.
University Leaders
- Charles K. Edmunds (1907–1924)
Famous People Who Studied Here
- Lee Sun Chau: She was one of the first female Chinese doctors. She studied at Hackett Medical College for Women.
- Liang Yusheng: A famous writer of wuxia novels (Chinese martial arts stories).
- Wing-tsit Chan: A well-known Chinese philosopher and academic.
- Wong Shik Ling: A linguist who studied the Cantonese language.
- Paul Kwong: He became the Archbishop of Hong Kong.
- Rong Baisheng: A skilled architect.
