Fudan University, which celebrates its centenary today, has included in its anniversary exhibition what has been billed as the oldest surviving diploma awarded in China, according to a Chinanews.com report on September 22.

The "Diploma of Fudan College," awarded in 1909, was printed under the imperial edict of the Empress Dowager Cixi and is on display in an exhibition that began in the History Museum of Fudan University in May.

It is decorated with eight golden dragons and a decree in the center encouraging students to study hard and contribute to their country. Unlike its modern counterparts, this diploma records the exact marks the student achieved over three years.

A part-time Fudan professor, Zhang Shousheng, donated the document after finding it while cleaning up at home. It belonged to his grandfather, Zhang Yi, who was one of the second batch graduates from Fudan University and who passed away sixty years ago.

A scroll written by Sun Yat-Sen saying "Tian Xia Wei Gong," which means "the whole world as one community," is also being exhibited. Sun was not only a revolutionary pioneer, but also the first director of Fudan.

(China.org.cn. by Wang Ke September 24, 2005)