A teacher who is "loyal" to his profession.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hai Ke (1954-2013) was born into a family of educators with a tradition of patriotism and revolution in Cao Hai village, Tan Lien commune, Vinh Bao district, Hai Phong city. After completing his secondary education, in 1970, Nguyen Hai Ke passed the university entrance exam and became a student of the 15th cohort of the Faculty of History, Hanoi University. Due to his excellent academic achievements, after graduating in 1975, he was assigned by the University and the Faculty of History to remain as a lecturer in the Department of Ancient and Medieval Vietnamese History. From there, in addition to his professional work, he actively participated in social and organizational activities. For many years, from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, Nguyen Hai Ke headed the Youth Union branch of the History Faculty, then served as the Secretary of the Youth Union of Hanoi University, participated in the Executive Committee of the City Youth Union, and was the youngest Party Committee member of Hanoi University. Thanks to his dynamic, creative nature and leadership role, Secretary Nguyen Hai Ke's academic, research, and social activities led by the youth of Hanoi University consistently topped the list of universities and colleges in the city and the country at that time.

The late Associate Professor, Doctor of Science, Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Hai Ke (1954-2013) was the Head of the Department of History (2004-2013).

In 1987, after leaving his university studies and vibrant student union activities, and after much hardship and dedication, Professor Nguyen Hai Ke was sent by Hanoi University to the Soviet Union to pursue postgraduate studies. After many years of study and research at the Soviet Academy of Sciences, thanks to the guidance and assistance of many leading Soviet and Russian Vietnam scholars, including Professor Dega Deopik, he successfully defended his doctoral dissertations and then his doctorate in Historical Sciences. In 1996, Dr. Nguyen Hai Ke returned to his alma mater, continuing to work with his teachers and colleagues to build and develop the Department of History. He taught classical history while simultaneously collaborating with Professor Tran Quoc Vuong and several leading experts in the Department to gradually establish a new training specialization: Vietnamese Cultural History, to meet societal demands. In this new field of science, his passion and creative scientific abilities were further amplified and shone brightly. In his lectures for students and trainees of the History Department and many other departments inside and outside the university, scientist Nguyen Hai Ke always made new discoveries and insights, deeply reflecting his personal imprint in many fields and research directions.

With over one hundred published scientific works both domestically and internationally, including nearly a dozen books as author or editor, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hai Ke has left a profound mark on the study of ancient history and Vietnamese cultural history. These are in-depth studies on...plant varieties in the Yuntai languageby Le Quy Don, aboutThe Hong Duc dike and the reclamation of coastal areas.Nam Dinh - Ninh Binh at the end of the 15th centurya Vietnamese village in the Northern DeltaThese are the summaries and historical lessons about...Post-war issues and Vietnamese society.aboutEducation and training in Thang Long - Hanoi, in order to propose feasible solutions to overcome current weaknesses and shortcomings and improve the quality of the national education system; regardingprocess of cultural contact and exchangeto determineVietnamese cultural identityThese are also the results of serious and passionate surveys across many regions of the country, from Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, to Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Da Nang, Quang Nam, and even the far south… All of this has made Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hai Ke a leading expert on Vietnamese history and culture, with an unmistakable personality reflected in his published works. Professor Nguyen Hai Ke's research has inspired and guided generations of students, providing research and training direction not only in the Department of Cultural Studies and Vietnamese Cultural History but also contributing to building research directions in the Faculty of History as well as the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi in general.

The late Associate Professor, Doctor of Science, Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Hai Ke was a leading expert on Vietnamese history and culture. 

Beyond teaching in university lecture halls, Professor Nguyen Hai Ke also "takes advantage" of every opportunity to disseminate knowledge about national history and culture: from research papers in the form of "question-and-answer" and "general knowledge," articles published in both specialized and non-specialized journals to popularize knowledge to a wide readership, reports at domestic and international conferences, to thematic talks, interviews, television programs... even in everyday conversations over a beer or a cup of tea, friends and acquaintances, students and colleagues alike, are captivated by the stories and issues about Vietnamese history and culture that he enthusiastically conveys. His in-depth knowledge of Chinese studies and rich historical knowledge have become a solid foundation for his creative thinking in research and teaching, coupled with his engaging and captivating discourse, making him always fascinating and captivating to his listeners and readers.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hai Ke is not only an excellent educator and scientist but also a passionate and highly responsible administrator. For almost a decade as Head of the History Department, concurrently serving as Head of the Cultural History Department and Vice President of the Hanoi Historical Society, he has consistently demonstrated strong character, honesty, integrity, and a creative spirit in every role, always excelling in his assigned tasks. Through his efforts as the head of the History Department for many years, Professor Nguyen Hai Ke has made significant contributions to the development of the Department and the field of Vietnamese history, particularly in maintaining the academic tradition of the History Department – ​​the only department in the University to be awarded the title of Hero of Labor during the đổi mới (renovation) period by the Party and the State. Due to his outstanding contributions, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hai Ke has received numerous prestigious awards from the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the People's Committee of Hanoi City, and the Ministry of Education and Training. Particularly in 2007 and 2008, he was awarded the title of Excellent Teacher, the Third-Class Labor Medal, and the 30-Year Party Membership Badge by the Party and the State.

Scientific research projects filled with innovative ideas, inspiring lectures that stimulated students' creative thinking, talks, presentations, and television interviews conveying countless messages to the audience, multiplying love and pride for national history... all contributed to the reputation of Associate Professor, Doctor of Science, and Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Hai Ke. However, his students, family, and colleagues remember him not only as a scientist who devoted himself wholeheartedly to his passion, but also as a dedicated teacher, devoted to his friends, students, and colleagues. He was a source of inspiration for those who have been, are, and will be teachers, helping them understand better than anyone the spirit of "not only when you are retired but also when you are successful, but remain loyal to the profession, tirelessly learning and nurturing future generations." Professor's life is a shining example of unwavering dedication to his profession, never giving up in the face of difficulties, and remaining humble despite the glory. He lived a simple, amiable life, always sincere, approachable, and deeply loving towards his students. Many undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students he mentored have now grown into successful individuals; some have become accomplished researchers, teachers, and administrators in central and local government agencies. He has become a source of faith, support, and pride for generations of students both within and outside the History Department.

Associate Professor, Doctor of Science, Meritorious Teacher Nguyen Hai Ke dedicated his entire life to his passion for science and to the cause of education and training. Like a flame burning brightly for that passion, he ignited a love for science, history, and national culture in many generations of students, and multiplied their love for their homeland. He became an exemplary figure of unwavering loyalty to the teaching profession and the cause of nurturing future generations, and his heart and gratitude towards life and people will forever remain warm and radiant.