Undergraduates attending school in 1977-1979: Memories of a Generation

Dr. Wang Huiyao, President of the Center for China & Globalization (CCG) and Vice-Chairman of the Western Returned Scholars Association, is the editor-in-chief of the newly issued book, Undergraduate Attending School in 1977-1979: Memories of a Generation, which was published by Chinese Publishing Media Co., Ltd and China Translation & Publishing Corporation and serialized on Sohu’s online reading platform.

The book is a collection of stories and reflections from 38 undergraduates attending universities in 1977-1979, all of whom became influential members of society and came from all walks of life. The book presents memories of a generation that is like no other, providing a unique window in China’s recent past.

Undergraduates attending school in 1977-1979 experienced the Cultural Revolution of China and were the first generation to take the College Entrance Examination after it was re-introduced in 1976.  At that time, fewer than 5 percent of those taking this test made the cut to gain admission into a university. Now, more than 30 years after they graduated, many members of this first generation have become leaders in their respective fields and constitute the backbone of China. Younger generations in China will draw inspiration and power form the examples in this book.