New York, Oct. 9 (CNA) A memorial service for renowned sinologist William Theodore de Bary, who passed away on July 14 in his home in New York at the age of 97, was held at St. Paul's Chapel at Columbia University on Oct. 5.
Winner of the 2016 Tang Prize in sinology, de Bary was honored by the Tang Prize Foundation in Taipei for his "remarkable academic career spanning over seven decades."
The sinologist wrote and edited over 30 books, with many of them making groundbreaking contributions that provided both enlightening insight and honest critique into Confucianism.
Chinese American Academic and Professional Society (CAAPS) Chairman Lin Feng-bao (林豐堡), who attended the memorial service on behalf of the foundation, said de Bary set out to become a bridge-builder between East and West throughout his academic career and ended up becoming a cornerstone of the bridge itself.
Commenting at a reception after the service, Lin said de Bary was long a role model for his students, who were all inspired by his long-term dedication and commitment to education.
"De Bary left huge assets to the world, and his contributions to the field of education will long be remembered," Lin said, adding that de Bary will always be a role model as an educator.
The American sinologist's children, Paul de Bary and Brett de Bary, both attended the Oct. 5 ceremony and presented the service's opening and closing speeches in memory of their father.
Rachel E. Chung, associate director of the University's Committee on Asia and the Middle East and a student of de Bary, also attended the service at St. Paul's Chapel.
The day's memorial service was followed by a reception at the university's C.V. Starr East Asian Library.
(By Timothy J. Hwang and Ko Lin)
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