Honorary University Fellows

Citation delivered by the Dean of Architecture, Professor Ralph Lerner:

Born in Macau, the Honourable Patrick Lau received his primary and secondary education in Hong Kong before studying architecture in Canada, France and Macau. He taught architecture here at the University of Hong Kong from 1973 to 2004, and was the Head of the Department from 1996 to 2000. Some of you may remember him as the Mace Bearer at the University's key ceremonies. In fact, Professor Lau holds the distinction of being the longest- serving Mace Bearer in the history of the University.

Professor Lau's experience with schools goes beyond teaching. He has also literally built many schools. As an architect, he has designed and completed many award winning projects, including the University of East Asia in Macau, the French International School, the Hong Kong International School, West Island School, the Australian International School and the Hong Kong Institute of Education Jockey Club Primary School.

Professor Lau is a member of the Legislative Council, serving the Architectural, Surveying and Planning Functional Constituency. He is also Chairman of the HKTDC Infrastructure Development Advisory Committee, a Member of the Commission on Strategic Development, the Housing Authority, and the Antiquities Advisory Board. He also brings his professional expertise to projects that serve the public interest, for example, with his design for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for the Blind, which incidentally, also won him the Design Award for the Most Accessible Building in Hong Kong.

Professor Lau received the Silver Bauhinia Star from the HKSAR Government in 2000, and was appointed Justice of the Peace in 2004.

It gives me great pleasure, Mr Pro-Chancellor, to present the Honourable Patrick Lau for the Honorary University Fellowship, in recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong and academia.