Distinguished Alumnus Award - 2016: Dr. Gu Yijian ’50 M.S.,'85 Hon. Ph.D.

2016: Dr. Gu Yijian ’50 M.S.,'85 Hon. Ph.D.

Born in China in 1922, Dr. Gu Yijian ’50 M.S.,'85 Hon. Ph.D. graduated from Zhijiang University in 1947 with B.S. in chemistry and opted to continue his advanced study in Organic Chemistry at Notre Dame. He graduated with a Master’s degree from the University in 1950.

After finishing at ND, he returned to China and joined Harbin University of Industry as an assistant professor, professor, and then Associate Chairman of the Chemistry Department. He was an expert in the area of organic chemical extraction and separation of nitrate compounds from oil rock, and he discovered four types of organic compounds from natural resources. He also discovered and synthesized more than 30 organic compounds and was recognized as the premier organic metal chemist in China.

• During the Great Proletariat Cultural Revolution in China, which lasted from 1966-1976, Dr. Gu was jailed. He suffered horribly from both physical and mental abuse. 
• After his release and reinstatement, Dr. Gu became the Deputy Chairman of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Shenyang division) in 1978. He later served as Secretary-General of the Chinese Academy of Sciences from 1982 to 1987. During this time, Dr. Gu was a visionary leader who established the science and technology development strategy for the country.
• Throughout his career, Dr. Gu has dedicated himself to the education and betterment of young people. After the cultural revolution, Dr. Gu was one of the senior scientists pushing the nation to promote advanced educational programs and he created graduate study systems for China. Dr. Gu also was one of the key leaders responsible for establishing post-doctorate programs in China as early as 1985. After Dr. Gu retired, he focused on developing young talent for the nation. He helped hundreds of young people enter overseas advanced study programs and established technology and people exchange programs between China and the United States, especially Notre Dame.
• Dr. Gu also has dedicated himself to serving the poor in China. For more than 50 years and throughout his very busy career, Dr. Gu helped children in need financially and through volunteer work. He even adopted homeless children who had lost their parents.

Dr. Gu also has served Notre Dame for many years: 

• Hosted Fr. Hesburgh in China in the 1980s and introduced him to China's top leadership
• Served on the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies' founding advisory council
• Established enduring relationships with China's universities and institutions of higher learning, scholarship, and research
• Since the 1970s, encouraged many students from China to attend Notre Dame, and has supported the growth of the Notre Dame alumni community in China