Mrs Elsie Elliot Tu is an active campaigner for public justice and social welfare in Hong Kong. As one of the most approachable persons in the service of the public, Mrs Tu has been regarded by many as their champion. She is respected for her strong sense of justice, her ardent interest in the promotion of a better life for Hong Kong, her appreciation of problems at a grassroots level, and her readiness in conveying the people's opinions to the Government departments concerned.
Having lived in Hong Kong for 33 years, Mrs Tu demonstrates in her contacts with the local people and in her involvement in public affairs a deep knowledge and thorough understanding of the place and the needs of its people. She has been prominent in local affairs from as early as the 1960s, her main areas of concern being in education, housing, medical welfare and public justice. Her teaching career has been paralleled by a deep involvement in civic duties. Her public service has included membership of the Hong Kong Samaritans, the Urban Council, the Hong Kong Housing Authority, the Transport Advisory Committee, the Hong Kong Branch of Justice, the Association for the Promotion of Public Justice, and the Kwun Tong District Board.
She is perhaps best remembered for her campaign to reinforce measures for the elimination of corrupt practices in public life in Hong Kong. Her actions were in some way instrumental in the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 1974, an organisation which has been significant in combatting bribery and corruption both in the public and private sectors of Hong Kong life.
In recognition of her services to the community, the University has resolved to confer upon her the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa.
