在西安交通大学建设世界一流大学誓师动员大会上的发言

1997年诺贝尔物理学奖获得者 William D. Phillips

Dear Chairman of theBoard of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Professor ZHANGMaizeng; Dear President of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Professor WANGShuguo,Distinguished university presidents and visitors from across China and around the world, and honored members of the JiaotongUniversity community,

It is a great pleasure to be here today to participate in this celebration of the 120 anniversary of this great university and of the 60 anniversary of its relocation to this great western city of Xi’an.

Since ancient times, Xi’an has been an important player, both on the Chinese and on the world stage. Xi’an was the starting point of the famous Silk Road, connecting the East and the West for the exchange of commerce and culture, but also for the exchange of knowledge and ideas. Today, in large part because of the presence and the activity of Xi'an Jiaotong University, this great city continues its important role internationally.

Jiaotong University was founded in 1896 in Shanghai, and is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in China.Most of the faculty of that time got their higher education from universities in the US, the UK,and European Countries. In this way, an international character was a part of Jiaotong University from its very beginning and the University established a bridge of intellectual exchange between China and the western world.Inits 120 years, Jiaotong University has educated a large group of talented individuals who have made great contributions to the development of China and the world.

In 1956, the main body of Jiaotong University moved from Shanghai to Xi’an.Jiaotong University was relocated in this historic city,filled with Chinese culture, so that today Xi’an Jiaotong University reinvigorates the legacy of the ancient city, adding the element of modern higher education to the international exchange of the Silk Road.

I work in the University of Maryland in the US, and although this is my first visit to Xi’an, I know Xi’an and Xi’an Jiaotong University from the students who come from this university to continue their education at Maryland. I believe such exchanges in the area ofhigher education exchange will enhance international understanding and collaboration and will be animportant element in resurrecting the Silk Road in a modern context. In fact, Xi’an Jiaotong University has initiated the Universities Alliance of the new Silk Road in 2015.If we say that historically, Jiaotong University reached out to the rest of the world across the PacificOcean from the port city of Shanghai, now, Xi’an Jiaotong University will be reaching out to the rest of theworld throughthe heartland, the north-west part of China, from the starting point of the Silk Road. Thisexchange will enhance understanding and cooperation throughout the world. It will also solidify the position of Xi’an Jiaotong University as one of world’s top universities.

A wonderful city full of Chinese culture,and a great University with international recognition—what a magnificentcombination!

I give you my best wishes for the future. I am confident that your future will be filled with continued success, and even greater accomplishments.