Another long record of service to Hong Kong, this time in rehabilitation work and education, has been rendered by Mr Erik Kvan since he came to the territory soon after the Second World War.
He was born in Denmark in 1917 and graduated from the University of Copenhagen in 1942 where he studied Theology, Philosophy and Psychology. He was ordained in 1943 and after his arrival in the territory taught at various missionary schools.
From 1952 to 1960 he taught Psychology at the University on a part-time basis and he became a full-time lecturer in 1961, being promoted to senior lecturer in Psychology four years later. From 1976 until 1980 he was the University's Head of the Department of Psychology and in 1968 he was elected Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, a post he held until 1974. On the administrative side, he had served as Warden and then Master of St John's College, and Master of Robert Black College of the University.
Apart from being a dedicated University lecturer and administrator, Mr Kvan also found time for a wide range of community affairs, particularly in the fields of education and rehabilitation. He has been chairman of the Mental Health Association, the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association and the Spastics Association, in addition to being a member of the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Mr Kvan has maintained his close ties with the University since his retirement by teaching further education students.
In recognition of his services to the community, the University has resolved to confer upon him the degree of Doctor of Social Sciences honoris causa.
