Professor Leonard Kenneth Young has been closely associated with the development of the University of Hong Kong for nearly three decades. He first joined the University in 1960 as a Lecturer and was appointed to the Chair of History in 1968. Professor Young has made major contributions not only to the teaching of his subject but also in the academic governance of the University. He was elected Dean of the Faculty of Arts from 1973 to 1976, and from 1977 to 1988 he has been a Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University, being appointed the Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor since the middle of 1986. He has been the Acting Vice-Chancellor on many occasions during the absence from Hong Kong of the Vice-Chancellor, and he has held key positions in a number of important committees which are responsible for the formulation of policy as well as for the functioning of the University. Many of Professor Young's students are now holding responsible positions in the public and private sectors, and Professor Young himself has played advisory roles on public bodies in education, notably the Hong Kong Examinations Authority of which he has been a member since its inception. In recognition of his outstanding service to the University he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1983. His is one of the most distinguished records of service at the University.
In recognition of his many contributions to university education, the University has resolved to confer upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa.
