From General Studies to Humanities – Memories of a School

Attending the launch ceremony were representatives from the school's administration, former teachers and authors of the book, and a large number of faculty members and students from the school. Associate Professor Dr. Lam Ba Nam, Chairman of the Association of Retired Teachers and Head of the Editorial Board, shared: “This book, with 38 articles by 35 authors, is a collection of recollections from each member in their different positions about the school, teachers, colleagues, and students who have contributed to the school's reputation. We especially cherish the articles by teachers from the first graduating class of Hanoi University, such as Professor Vu Duong Ninh. We consider these to be initial pieces of our recollections. We hope that subsequent volumes will see contributions from a large number of current staff as well as generations of students. Through this, the endless source of inspiration from the tradition of the Faculty of Literature – the essence of Hanoi University – and the position of the Humanities will continue, leading to success in the new era of national development.”
Professor Vu Duong Ninh emotionally shared: “Through this book, through these authentic and touching stories, we can visualize the development of the University, including the extremely difficult, deprived, and arduous days during the war when the teachers and students evacuated to Thai Nguyen. But with the spirit of overcoming difficulties, the love of life, the love of the school, and the passion for the profession of the teachers and scientists of Hanoi University, we still see in every page stories full of optimism, romance, and human kindness. And it is this spirit and resilience that has built the name and brand of Hanoi University. Reading the lines of poetry: “Oh, my esteemed teachers of yesteryear, where are you all now!” "The students still remember…" This statement deeply moved me, evoking a profound longing for the respected teachers of many generations of students: Teacher Tran Van Giau, Teacher Dao Duy Anh, Teacher Pham Huy Thong, Teacher Cao Xuan Huy, Teacher Le, Teacher Lam, Teacher Tan, Teacher Vuong. The university's development to its current state is built on a foundation established by generations, especially the pioneering teachers. And the thread connecting all generations of Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities is intellect, courage, dedication, commitment, and a humanistic spirit. I believe that this thread will continue to be extended further on the next stage of development of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.”Associate Professor Pham Thanh Hung was particularly impressed by the writings about lecturers and students who readily set aside their pens and books, abandoning their scientific dreams and ambitions to go to the battlefield, fight, and sacrifice for national independence, leaving behind "The image of Vietnam etched into the century," exemplified by the poet, soldier, and martyr Le Anh Xuan. Therefore, the book is not only a memory but also a valuable document to remind us of the development journey not only of one school but of Vietnamese education in many historical contexts. NNC Tran Hinh shared: “The articles have diverse styles: simple, concise, scientific, but also not lacking in romantic and humorous pieces, and all are very valuable. Readers can easily recognize the “Comprehensive style” through the heartfelt and tender writings about the teacher-student relationship, colleagues, aspirations and desires in various academic fields, and the arduous yet heroic years that created the foundations and built the reputation of the University today. This book is an extremely meaningful work on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the Faculty of Literature and the 30th anniversary of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.” Professor Phung Huu Phu expressed: “This is a very valuable book about the construction and development of the University over more than three-quarters of a century. The pages are imbued with love, pride, and attachment to the school, the bond between teachers and students, and friendships – these are the threads that connect all generations past, present, and forever. A school that has gone through two fierce wars, then entered the process of reform along with the country, facing countless challenges, but has always maintained its position as a leading center for training and research in social sciences and humanities, a cradle for training outstanding intellectuals and high-quality human resources for the country.”
The 80-year journey of the Faculty of Literature, nearly 70 years of the University of General Sciences, and especially the 30 years of growth under the name of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, will have much more to say, write about, and be proud of. Therefore, I sincerely hope that after the very successful first volume, the faculty will dedicate their efforts to continuing to publish more books as precious gifts to pass on to future generations, especially regarding the achievements we have built over the past 30 years of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The anniversary event will pass and close, but these books will remain forever.”

In the preface to the book, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan – Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – shared: “Most of the authors in this book have studied and worked at Hanoi University. Therefore, readers can easily recognize the “Hanoi University style” through the heartfelt and tender writings about the teacher-student and colleague relationships, the aspirations and desires in various academic fields, and the arduous yet heroic years that created the foundations and built the reputation of the University today.”
We consider these to be the initial pieces of our recollections. We hope that subsequent volumes will include contributions from a large number of current faculty members as well as generations of students. Through this, the endless source of inspiration of "the tradition of the Faculty of Literature - the essence of the University - the position of the Humanities" will continue, leading to success in the new era of national development. On behalf of the entire faculty and staff of the university, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and warmest congratulations to the University's Alumni Association!
We are pleased to introduce the book "From General Studies to Humanities - Memories of a School" to our esteemed teachers and students, as well as to readers near and far!