鍾賜賢先生離開我們一整年了，我們永遠懷念他。
在這個特殊的時刻，發表去年4月30日深夜寫成的紀念文字“桃李春風念先賢”，附上同事們安排完成的英文譯文，表達我和家人同事對鍾先生的深深緬懷。鍾先生的簡介附在文末。
桃李春風念先賢
2024年4月30日夜
已經記不清跟鍾先生見過多少次面，記不清跟鍾先生談過多少次話，記不清聽過他的多少次真心宏論。十八年了，一直理所當然地期待每年他來北大見面暢談，或者每次訪美時看望，從來沒想到有一天他會永遠告別，更不敢相信他居然現在此刻就走了。
鍾先生的音容笑貌就在眼前，清亮溫和又略帶沙啞的音色正在耳邊響起。談起核物理、高鐵、科技創新，談起過往師長和青年學生，他的眸子放著光，他清瘦白皙的臉龐也發著光。鍾先生的眼睛特別亮，很好看，充滿智慧、善良和熱情。他的臉龐清瘦又柔和，面色白淨，謙謙君子，溫文爾雅，我們都願意親近他。他的耳朵很大，看起來永遠朝氣蓬勃、興致勃勃、活力滿滿。鐘太太笑著說，他不僅耳朵大，而且基因強大，孫輩的耳朵都像他，招風耳。他說話很溫和，但滿懷自信，熱情又堅定。他相信的事，是一定要說出自己的思考和感受的，如果遇見談得來的人和感興趣的話題，可以討論幾個小時不停歇。他興趣廣泛、學識淵博，又虛懷若谷、真誠待人。他比我年長40歲，但從來沒有因為我年紀小而有任何老者的姿態，只有青春的活潑好奇和長者的智慧溫和。有一次到灣區他的家裡看望，他談起中國高鐵建設的成就，吐槽加州灣區大橋建設的拉垮，根本停不下來，鐘太太在一旁笑著幾次催吃飯。
這樣一位聰明的智慧的溫和的熱情的堅定的善良的無私的赤誠的健康的活力滿滿的好先生、好老師、好長輩、好朋友，這樣一位好奇的愛學的可愛的甚至有些淘氣的任性的大男孩，怎麼就會走了呢？
回憶初識，從第一天起，鍾先生就給我展示了現代一個完美的人該是什麼樣子，也讓我深刻認識到自己工作的意義。那是2006年，我剛留校在北大教育基金會工作。當時帶我的師傅、基金會的許諍老師帶我參加北大鐘盛標教育基金物理研究生學術論壇。許老師說，鍾賜賢先生和夫人夏曉巒博士都是特別有情懷重感情的大好人，都是飽有學問的大專家。鍾賜賢先生是北大物理系老前輩鍾盛標先生的兒子，帶著父輩對母校的熱愛，來北大捐資幫助物理學發展。鍾盛標先生1930年從北大物理系畢業，後留校，1934年到法國巴黎大學做研究，和居里實驗室做研究，回國後繼續在北大任教，抗戰期間在楊振寧李政道都是他的學生；鍾賜賢先生是麻省理工的核工程博士，夫人夏曉巒女士也是麻省理工的博士，都是大專家。那年，鍾先生62歲。
鍾先生對青年愛得真誠。2002年鍾賜賢先生和夫人來北大問物理學院發展是否需要支援、討論如何支援時，他敏銳地觀察到，物理學院各個專業的研究生在埋頭做自己的學問，至於同學們同輩們在做什麼，彼此之間並不甚瞭解。他馬上捐資啟動物理學研究生學術論壇，鼓勵研究生站出來公開講自己的研究、促進相互交流；他了解到有一些老師比如實驗老師一心撲在教學上，在幕後做很多的輔助工作但默默無聞，馬上捐資獎勵做輔助支撐工作的老師。從物理學研究生學術交流、師生獎助，到北大化學院、工學院的研究生乃至全校的本科生科研，又到暨南大學、中山大學……鍾先生和夫人對中國教育的貢獻非常廣泛。他對北大和中國多所大學的貢獻，對數以千計青年的獎勵鼓勵，對中國大學教育理念的貢獻特別是親自推動開闊學生視野促進科研交流合作的辛勤付出，將永遠被這些大學和青年學子所銘記。我相信，隨著時間的推進和科教事業的發展，人們將會越來越認識到他教育眼光的深邃、教育理念的先進和教育慈善專案的珍貴。我常跟人說，在大學基金會工作所遇見的前輩和朋友，他們一般具備三個特點：一是人品優秀事業成功，二是善良有愛心，三是有格局有遠見。鍾先生是這三者的完美綜合體。
鍾先生對鄉祖愛得熱烈。他以自己是客家人而自豪，遇見身具優秀品質的福建人，或鍾姓的同胞，他總會問是不是客家人。有一次我參觀蚌埠博物館，看到鍾離國的遺蹟，發給他，他很興奮地跟我講鍾姓的起源。北大考古文博學院趙朝洪教授團隊發現東胡林人遺骸後，他興致勃勃地去實地參觀。雖身在美國，他給美國孫輩從小就講的教育，是中國文化，教孫輩們自豪地背誦中國的歷史朝代、省份名稱、大江大河……
鍾先生對北大愛得生動。自從在北大設立資助專案後，鍾先生幾乎每年都來北大。他興奮地說，過去二十多年中國發展日新月異，每次來，北大都有新變化，甚至每年都住不同的酒店——那都是北大周邊建設的新進展。他對北大的一草一木深有感情，他對北大的點滴進步常記心頭，他對北大的老朋友們也惦念在心。早些年見到的青年教師、校內院系或部門的負責人，很多已經成為大教授、大專家，甚至院士、院長、校長，他會很開心地說起以前短暫共事的故事，像是鼓勵期盼著一年又一年的新同學、新的年輕朋友像他見到的先輩們那樣快快成長，擔當做貢獻。
2010年初夏，參加完學生見面活動後，我陪鍾先生和鐘太太在未名湖畔散步。微波粼粼，涼風習習，萬千柳條如簾如夢，片片綠草如毯如茵。鍾先生穿著短袖白襯衣，坐在湖邊石頭上，深情地望著這生機勃勃的校園。
剎那間，我感到這是未名湖畔無比動人的美景，便輕喚一聲：“鍾先生！”他便扭轉頭來，頭髮一絲不苟，眼神親切明亮，我趁機摁下相機快門。
這張照片，我說很好看，他也說很好看，鐘太太也說很好看。
今天晚上，我又經過未名湖畔這塊石頭，也是暮春時節，夏天即將到來。斯人已去，木石猶存，暖風又吹過，我不禁潸然淚下。
我一直好奇，鍾先生的名字為何叫賜賢，如今想起，實在是妥帖。之前，我推測可能是有“我勸天公重抖擻、不拘一格降人才”的寓意，但今日，我相信賜賢不是靠天公，而是靠世間的賢者。是人而不是老天，行走在世間，捧著心來，用自己的雙手、腳步，跨越重洋，丈量土地，用自己的心血和汗水，不辭勞苦，不怕煩憂，日復一日、年復一年地哺育著世間的青年。
今天，賜賢大德已回上蒼，育賢重任仍在人間。
“金門博雅同悲慟，桃李春風念先賢”——我的孩子，鍾先生親切關愛的胡蘿蔔，畫了一張小畫，紀念先生。
畫面上，舊金山金門大橋和北大博雅塔的背景前，鍾先生慈愛地注視著世間。
他的胸前，鮮花碩果，桃李春風。
後學 胡俊
2024年4月30日夜
於北大蔚秀園
痛悼鍾賜賢先生
I cannot begin to count the number of times I met Mr. Choong, nor can I recall the countless conversations we shared or the many occasions I was captivated by his heartfelt and profound remarks. For 18 years, it has been a ritual to meet Mr. Choong annually at Peking University for a good chat, or to visit him during trips to the U.S. It never occurred to me that a day would come when he would leave us forever. Even now, I find it hard to believe that he is no longer with us.
Mr. Choong's image is vivid in my memory—his voice, clear yet gently hoarse, resonates still. Whenever he talked about nuclear physics, high-speed rail, technological advancements, or reminisced about past mentors and young scholars, his eyes sparkled with intelligence, and his slender, face radiated enthusiasm. Mr. Choong's eyes, particularly bright and beautiful, were wells of wisdom, kindness, and fervor. His face was slender and refined, a countenance typical of a humble, cultured, and gracious gentleman. We all loved being around him. His prominently large ears, which always seemed to brim with vitality, often invited affectionate teasing from Mrs. Choong. She delighted in pointing out that his ears were not only distinctive but also indicative of his potent genetic legacy, a trait clearly passed down to his grandchildren. Mr. Choong spoke in tones soft yet confident; his words conveyed warmth and determination. He enjoyed expressing his thoughts and feelings. If he found a compatible listener or an intriguing topic, he would delve into hours-long discussions without a hint of fatigue. Broad-minded and deeply knowledgeable, yet always self-effacing and sincere, Mr. Choong never imposed his seniority despite our 40-year age difference. Instead, he exhibited a youthful vigor paired with the wise gentleness of an elder. During a visit to his Bay Area home, I recall how his passionate exposition on China's high-speed rail achievements flowed ceaselessly, interrupted only by Mrs. Choong's smiling reminders to pause for dinner.
From our very first encounter, Mr. Choong personified the quintessential modern individual. Through interactions with him, I came to truly appreciate the significance of my work. In 2006, shortly after joining the Peking University Education Foundation, my mentor, Xu Zheng, introduced me to the Postgraduate Academic Forum sponsored by the Peking University Paul Shin-Piaw Choong Educational Fund for Physics. Xu described its creators, Dr. Philip Tsi-Shien Choong and his wife, Dr. Shaw-Lwan Hsia, as individuals who deeply valued personal connections and possessed vast academic knowledge. Mr. Paul Choong, Mr. Choong's father, was a distinguished figure in the Department of Physics at Peking University. At the age of 62, Mr. Choong carried forward his father's affection for his alma mater by supporting the university's efforts to advance physics, thereby honoring his father's legacy.
Mr. Choong's commitment to nurturing young minds was profoundly heartfelt. In 2002, Mr. and Mrs. Choong visited Peking University to assess the needs of the School of Physics and explore support avenues. Mr. Choong keenly observed that while the physics postgraduates were deeply engrossed in their individual research programs, they appeared largely unaware of their peers' work. In response, he donated funds to establish the Postgraduate Academic Forum, encouraging physics postgraduates to present their research publicly and exchange with one another. Furthermore, Mr. Choong recognized the unheralded dedication of certain faculty members, such as laboratory instructors who committed themselves tirelessly to teaching and provided robust support behind the scenes. He promptly arranged financial rewards to acknowledge these unsung educators. Mr. and Mrs. Choong have contributed significantly to educational initiatives at Peking University— from fostering academic exchanges among physics postgraduates to rewarding faculty members and students, from facilitating postgraduate research at the colleges of chemistry and engineering to enhancing undergraduate research across the university. Mr. Choong's endeavors at Peking University and other prestigious institutions, including Jinan University and Sun Yat-sen University, have benefited thousands of young scholars, expanding their academic perspectives and fostering research collaboration. His enduring legacy is cherished by these universities and the students whose lives he touched. As time moves forward and as science and education continue to evolve, an ever-greater number of individuals will come to recognize his insights, his advanced philosophy, and the value of his philanthropic pursuits.
Mr. Choong's passion for his ancestral homeland was fervent. Proud to be of Hakka descent, he always inquired whether outstanding individuals from Fujian he met or those sharing his surname were also Hakka. When I visited the Bengbu Museum, I shared with him photos of artifacts from the State of Zhongli dating back to the Spring and Autumn period. He eagerly explained the origins of the Zhong (Choong) surname. After the Donghulin remains were unearthed by Prof. Zhao Chaohong's team from the Peking University School of Archaeology and Museology, Mr. Choong paid an enthusiastic site visit. Although he lived in the U.S., he instilled a deep appreciation for Chinese culture in his grandchildren, teaching them to recite the names of Chinese dynasties, provinces, and major rivers with pride.
Mr. Choong's connection with Peking University was vividly evident. Since establishing a fund at our university, he made it a point to visit almost annually. He observed with excitement the profound transformations within China over the past two decades, particularly noting the new changes at Peking University. He harbored a deep affection for every facet of our university, cherishing a vivid recollection of each incremental advancement. He always held his old friends at Peking University in high regard. Early acquaintances—from budding faculty members to school or department heads, many of whom have ascended to positions as distinguished professors, leading experts, deans, or university presidents—brought him immense joy as he reflectedon past collaborations. Equally, he delighted in witnessing the rapid growth and contributions of new students and young friends, much like those he had known earlier.
In early summer 2010, after attending a student gathering, I accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Choong on a stroll along Weiming Lake. The lake shimmered gently, its surface cooled by a delicate breeze, while thousands of willow fronds cascaded dreamily like curtains, and patches of green grass spread out like lush carpets. Mr. Choong, dressed in a short- sleeved white shirt, was seated on a lakeside stone, his gaze affectionately sweeping across the vibrant campus.
At that moment, struck by the breathtaking beauty of Weiming Lake, I softly called out, "Mr. Choong!" He turned his head, his hair impeccably neat, his gaze warm and bright. I seized the opportunity to snap a photo with my camera.
I believe it is an exceptional photo, and both he and his wife agreed.
Tonight, I passed that very stone on the shores of Weiming Lake. It is late spring, with summer just around the corner. Although Mr. Choong has passed away, the stone remains; a warm breeze blows, and I find myself moved to tears.
I have long pondered why Mr. Choong was named "Tsi- Shien", a name that now seems particularly apt. Initially, I thought it might echo the ancient saying, "I beg Old Man Heaven to bestir himself and send down talents of more kinds than one." However, I have come to understand that "Tsi-Shien" does not derive from divine acts but rather from the sagacity of humanity itself. It is we, not the gods, who journey through this world— our hearts as our guides, our hands and feet charting courses across seas and mapping terrains. Relentlessly, we nurture the world's youth through days and years, without a word of complaint.
Today, the profoundly virtuous Tsi-Shien has rejoined the cosmos, yet the significant mission of nurturing talents endures among us. My child (nicknamed "Carrot"), who had been tenderly nurtured by Mr. Choong, drew a small picture in his honor. Set against the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco and the Boya Tower of Peking University, the drawing features Mr. Choong, his gaze warm and encompassing. Emblazoned across his chest are vibrant blossoms and ripe fruits, flourishing amidst the gentle breezes of spring and redolent with the scent of peach and plum blossoms.
—Hu Jun's eulogy for Mr. Choong, written at Peking University's Weixiu Garden on the evening of April 30, 2024. We will forever remember Mr. Choong.
鍾賜賢先生簡介
鍾賜賢教授（Philip Tsi-Shien Choong）是知名空間技術專家，1969年畢業於麻省理工學院核工程系，獲博士學位。曾任洛克希德·馬丁公司技術顧問，有多年在房地產、生物技術、CAE軟體、銀行業務和資本投資領域的工作經驗。
鍾賜賢教授與夫人夏曉巒博士是北京大學尊敬和親近的老朋友，與北大有著跨越世紀、跨越大洋、傳承數代人的深厚情誼。鍾賜賢教授的父親鍾盛標先生1905年出生於廣東梅縣，1930年畢業於北京大學物理學系，後在北大研究院物理學研究所擔任助理研究員，1934年赴法留學，獲博士學位後在巴黎居里實驗室擔任研究員，研究原子核物理，1938年回到北大研究院物理研究所任研究員，後在中山大學、臺灣大學、東海大學、新加坡南洋大學執教，在物理學的科學研究和人才培養方面做出了卓越貢獻。
2001年，鍾賜賢先生與夫人夏曉巒女士來到北大捐資助學。二十多年來，鍾先生夫婦滿腔熱情、不遺餘力地支援北大教學科研工作。他設立的基金累計獎勵北大優秀學生兩千餘人、教師百餘人，他倡導的育人理念、推動的改革和創新使更多人受益，他倡導建立的“鍾盛標物理研究生學術論壇”已經舉辦了二十二屆……他曾在北京大學物理學院、工學院教授課程，堅持每年專程來北大與師生分享科研工作的心得，無私地將自己的寶貴知識和思考傾囊相授，在促進北京大學物理、化學、工學等學科的人才培養、科研創新方面發揮了突出的推動作用。
鍾先生夫婦的愛心和善行，既是對父輩精神的傳承與弘揚，也代表著海外華人助力貢獻中國教育事業的拳拳之心。他高尚的品行和傑出的貢獻，將為北大和世人銘記。
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