Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) held a memorial event on Sept 25 to honor the life and contributions of Isabel Crook, a pioneer in English teaching in New China, recipient of the Friendship Medal, China's top honor for foreigners, and distinguished Canadian expert at BFSU.

The memorial event commences with a touching tribute video. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The memorial event commenced with a touching tribute video, recounting Crook’s extraordinary life journey spanning over a century. The video portrayed Crook from her childhood to centenarian years, capturing the essence of life and the impact she had on the people. 

Wang Dinghua, secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, speaks at the memorial event. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Wang Dinghua, secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, recalled Crook’s pioneering efforts in English teaching before and after the liberation of China and highlighted her firm decision to stay in China and significant contributions. 

Wang urged embracing the spirit of educators and continuing Crook’s legacy. 

Chen Naifang, former secretary of the CPC BFSU committee and president of the university, speaks at the memorial event. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Chen Naifang, former secretary of the CPC BFSU committee and president of the university, offered a heartfelt tribute to Crook and shared stories of Crook's time at BFSU and her deep connection with China. 

Chen praised Isabel and her husband David Crook for their outstanding qualities and expressed her gratitude for Isabel's significant contributions to foreign language education in China. 

Paul Crook, son of Isabel Crook, reads out a letter from Jaime FlorCruz, the Philippine ambassador to China. The letter expresses FlorCruz’s admiration for Crook's outstanding qualities, including her continuous learning and unwavering commitment to China's foreign language education. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Fu Ying, a BFSU alumna and veteran Chinese diplomat, speaks at the memorial event. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Fu Ying, a BFSU alumna and veteran Chinese diplomat, recalled Crook's teaching style and her dedication to students. Fu noted how Crook and her husband, with their rich knowledge of anthropology and psychology, were able to provide gentle guidance to their students, instilling confidence and courage in them. 

The couple witnessed generations of BFSU students who entered China's diplomatic field, Fu said. She encouraged current and future students at the university to honor their legacy.

Michael Crook and Carl Crook, Isabel Crook’s sons, share insights into her remarkable life journey and express sincere gratitude for the care and support provided by China and BFSU. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Several retired BFSU professors paid their tributes to Crook in prerecorded videos. They recalled her down-to-earth approach and her love for the Chinese people. They admired her commitment to students and selfless dedication to teaching. They emphasized that Crook's kindness and concern for underprivileged children and education in impoverished areas were reflective of her noble character. 

Officials unveil the head sculpture of Isabel Crook, donated by the Tsinghua Alumni Association and the Chongqing Alumni Association of Tsinghua University. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Yang Xueyi, former secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, speaks at the sculpture unveiling ceremony. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Yang Xueyi, former secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, delivered a heartfelt speech during the sculpture unveiling ceremony. He expressed deep condolences and infinite nostalgia for Crook. 

Yang noted that David and Isabel Crook's internationalist spirit, dedication to education and meticulous work ethics would inspire generations of BFSUers. 

An exhibition titled "Her Lifelong Love for China: A Retrospective on the Life of Isabel Crook" opens at BFSU. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Crook, an international communist, distinguished educator, anthropologist, sociologist, and lifetime honorary professor at BFSU, died in Beijing on Aug 20 at the age of 108. 

Crook dedicated over seven decades to education at BFSU after the founding of the People's Republic of China, actively contributing to curriculum development, teaching reform, textbook compilation and faculty development. Her pioneering efforts expanded the path for foreign language education at the university, emphasizing both China's distinctive features and international perspectives. She conducted research on China's issues and authored works presenting an authentic China to the world. 

Throughout her life, which spanned more than a century, Crook lived and worked in China for more than 90 years, dedicating her wisdom to BFSU and foreign language education in China. She personally witnessed and participated in the development and progress of China's foreign language education and made outstanding contributions to China's educational endeavors and friendly exchanges with the world. 

In 2007, BFSU conferred upon Crook the title of lifetime honorary professor. In 2016 and 2018, she was recognized as one of the country’s top 10 distinguished foreign teachers and one of the most influential foreign experts during 40 years of reform and opening-up. In September 2019, Crook received the highest honor China bestows on foreigners, the Friendship Medal.