President and Mrs. Rhodes, Professors Mellor, Robinsonk Sisler and Stanton, Mr. Liu and the Ithaca Organizing Committee, alumni and students of my alma mater, Chinese residents and students from Taiwan, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It has been a long uphill climb, but the view is worthwhile. Finally, I am back here in Ithaca after a solid twenty-seven years. At this very moment, my heart is filled with warmth and excitement as I see before me all these familiar campus scenes, friendly smiles and cordial greetings.
I return here at the invitation of my alma mater to deliver the internationally-renowned Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Lecture and to join all other alumni for the Reunion Weekend. I shall also refresh my fond memories of the good old days at Cornell. First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the University Board of Trustees, to President Rhodes, and to the faculty and alumni. Without their strong support and continuous attention, my homecoming would not be possible.
Regrettably, my visit here will be for only a few days. That makes me even more cherish this valuable opportunity of experiencing a dream come true. It has been my firm belief that, with determination and perseverance, one can bring one's dreams to realization. During my stay here, I will make the best of every moment comparing notes with President Rhodes, my former professors and fellow alumni, taking a good look at all the progress and achievements of my alma mater, and taking strolls around the campus for recalling my memories.
Since my stay would be rather short, I certainly would not be able to chat with each of you about what I have been doing since my graduation from Cornell. But in my Olin lecture scheduled for tormorrow afternoon, I will give you a concise account of my public service after I left Ithaca, and also share with you the developmental experience of my country--The Republic of China--in the past decades.
Please forgive me if I could not correctly remember the name of each and every one of you. But during this reunion time, why don't we just forget about what we are and greet each other with the name all of us bear, which is Cornellian. Therefore, my fellow Cornellians, let us cherish this Reunion Weekend and enjoy the warmth and vitality of our alma mater.
Thank you very much for your warm welcome. Thank you indeed.