Extraordinary or Mediocre? It is up to YOU
    ==========================================
    A personal challenge to all USTC alumni

Dear Alumni,

It is the season of ranking again. In one of the
popular rankings back in China, USTC has slipped
out of top 10. You may argue that the person
does the ranking was biased; You may even go dig
out our number of publications, count number
of professors in top US institutions, or tell
people about those glorious days in 80s. Frankly,
that is the job of the USTC PR Office.

What we should really do is to look ourselves
in the mirror and ask -- am I successful enough to
represent the best of USTC? have I done my best
to help project a successful image for USTC? If
our answers are NOT a definite YES, then we do NOT
deserve a TOP ranking.

Greatness of a university is defined by great
accomplishments by its graduates. Enough statistics
have demonstrated that USTC graduates are SECOND
to NONE on average. However, we are behind in the
extraordinary high end of the spectrum even among
our most glorious generation -- the 80s generation.
For example, in the same generation, Tsinghua
University and Nanjing University already have
alumni made US$1M donation to their alma mater,
have you heard about any USTCer in the same
generation with the same capability? It is LONG
OVER DUE! If the situation continues in the
next 5-10 years, the extraordinary 80s generation
will run the risk of becoming a mediocre generation.

I personally refuse to become a mediocre USTCer.
I challenge everyone --
* From now on, set up a specific achievable
  extraordinary goal, make up a time charged plan,
  execute your plan with passion and discipline.
  Help yourself reach your fullest potential.

* From now on, regularly attend USTC alumni
  network event, keep in touch with your USTC
  fellows. Help all other USTCers reach their
  fullest potential.

* From now on, start making at least $100/year
  contribution to USTC Alumni Foundation at  
        http://www.ustcaf.org/donation/
  Donate $1M as soon as you are capable.
  Help USTC reach its fullest potential.

If you endorse this challenge, please take a few
minutes to
1. Sign this letter and send to all your USTC friends;
2. Join the USTC-Forum at following website to show
   your commitment.

   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ustc-forum

It takes action to reach extraordinary; it takes
ignorance to slip into mediocre. It is all up to
you.

Thank you for your attention,

Dongzi Liu(854/8500)
dongzi_liu-AT-yahoo.com