The ferrymen of science
Our generation, the QHX – 2012 students of the History Department, entered the university when Professor was already in his eighties. Due to his advanced age, he rarely came to school or taught, but by chance, we, students from out of town interested in history and archaeology, were fortunate enough to meet him, get to know him, and often visited his home to listen to him lecture for hours on dragon and phoenix motifs, ancient coins, artifacts he discovered during excavations, or simply to hear him share his thoughts on life.
Then, we, the first-year students who knew nothing about what Student Scientific Research was, were guided step-by-step by the professor. Our outlines were filled with red and blue ink, marked with countless corrections and erasures, as we brought them to him. He was the one who opened the door for me, a Hmong student from Dien Bien who had come to Hanoi feeling completely unfamiliar, to the methods of studying and research that opened the door to incredibly fascinating knowledge about Vietnamese history and about my own Hmong people," shared Vang A Cu, a student from the History department.
Throughout his life, from the moment he embarked on his career, Professor has always devoted himself wholeheartedly to scientific research and the education of future generations. From his youth to his twilight years, he has always used paper as a mat and pen as a walking stick, his footsteps traversing the entire length and breadth of Vietnam.
Dr. Do Thi Thuy Lan, a lecturer in the History Department and a former student and descendant of Professor Khoan, shared, "Professor Khoan is one of the leading experts in Vietnamese archaeology. Having the opportunity to travel, study, and receive his guidance in scientific research is a great fortune for me. With over 80 years of life and more than half a century of professional experience, Professor Khoan has accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge. Students fortunate enough to have him as a mentor are incredibly lucky."
Despite his friendly demeanor, the professor was also very strict with his students. He taught them that in life, people must possess certain qualities.Personalityand put two lettersPersonalityHe was the top student. He was willing to scold students when they made mistakes, not out of hatred, but out of love. He always knew how to motivate students to overcome difficulties and strive to achieve their dreams. Personally, besides learning knowledge from him, I also learned how to be a good person and how to interact with others.
The heartfelt gratitude of a student for their esteemed teacher.
During a conversation with me about Professor Khoan, Vang A Cu, a K57 History student and first prize winner of the 2nd "Humanities in My Heart" writing competition organized by the University's student union, shared: "From my first year, Professor Khoan guided me in doing my student research project, and since then, he has remained a familiar figure whenever I have questions about my studies or life. He is friendly and enthusiastic with students; sometimes, even when he's busy writing, he still takes the time to talk about history and culture with us. The most memorable experience for me was during my first year of doing the student research project. We took a bus to the Imperial Citadel to watch the archaeological excavation there. Professor Khoan told stories about the Imperial Citadel during the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties, revealing different cultural layers. He then taught us how to get into the Imperial Citadel without paying an entrance fee. We talked and laughed with the archaeologists until noon."
When asked about her feelings for her teacher, Bui Thi Diem Hang, a student from class K57, History majoring in Archaeology, shared, "Teacher Hoang Van Khoan is a great role model for students. He always cares for and helps students wholeheartedly. I hope he stays healthy so he can help many more generations of students."
"He was as close to me as my grandfather. My most memorable experience was the trip with him to Tuyen Quang to visit Hong Thai Temple, where I listened to him talk about history and share his life and career experiences. It made me love my chosen profession even more. He was an inspiration to me in my studies. Sometimes, when I went to his house to ask for help with homework, I saw him diligently working alone on the second floor, and I felt so much affection for him," Ngo Thi Ngoc Tu, a K57 History student, confided to me during our conversations about him. Sharing this sentiment, Khuc Thu Phuong, a K57 History student majoring in Cultural Studies, said, "I often feel that Professor Khoan is like a grandfather. In his work, he is always strict but also very approachable, dedicated, and caring towards his students. Being able to do student research with him, being his student, is a great happiness in my life."
We, the fortunate students, have had the opportunity to meet you, to have you guide our theses, and to have you treat us like your own grandchildren. Sometimes, reading news about archaeology conferences on the university website, the faculty website, or the website of the Institute of Archaeology... and seeing your tall figure sitting there fills us with joy. Knowing that you are still healthy, still walking, still smiling, still talking, and still finding joy in your cigarette. We wish you boundless blessings, as enduring as the East Sea, and a long life like the evergreen pines of the South Mountain.
Author:Ly Viet Truong, K57, Department of History
