Today marks the 105th anniversary of Nankai University, a significant milestone for the institution. On the morning of October 16, a commemorative conference and a development forum took place at the Ba Li Tai campus sports center.
As I stepped onto the campus, I was struck by the vibrant atmosphere—waves shimmering on the Mahui Lake and Xinkai Lake, and the iconic statue of Premier Zhou Enlai standing proudly in front of the main teaching building. The red banner reading “Nankai People, Welcome Home” on a road nearby added to the celebratory spirit that seemed to permeate every corner of the campus.
At around 9 a.m., the ceremony commenced with the solemn notes of the national anthem. A diverse group of alumni from near and far filled the venue with joy. The showcase included the premiere of the heartwarming short film “Nian Nian Bu Wang,” the final piece in a trilogy titled “Wai Wai Nankai,” alongside the theme promotional video “Sheng Sheng Bu Xi,” illustrating the unwavering dedication of generations of Nankai graduates to their country.
Dr. Chen Yulu, President of Nankai University, reflected on the accomplishments of the past 105 years, emphasizing how the university’s spirit of patriotism, public service, innovation, and hard work has inspired successive generations to engage in the grand endeavors of national independence, prosperity, and societal well-being. He noted that Nankai individuals have always connected their fates with the nation, consistently demonstrating a commitment to patriotism and solidarity, which has moved the Chinese people forward. He highlighted the importance of fostering original thought and groundbreaking practices in accelerating the nation’s revival.
The event also commemorated the 65th anniversary of Premier Zhou Enlai’s visit to his alma mater. Attendees reminisced about his impactful 1959 visit, where he traversed the campus and delivered vital addresses encouraging Nankai to cultivate a new school spirit suitable for the times while ensuring quality education to serve socialist ideals. On this new journey, Dr. Chen urged the Nankai community to promote Zhou Enlai’s spirit and contribute to the construction of a world-class university that aligns with China’s modernization goals.
Party Secretary Yang Qingshan remarked that the commemorative conference emphasized Nankai’s development through the lens of alumni achievements and academic progress while fostering strong bonds among faculty, students, and alumni. He encouraged everyone to pull together in unity as they navigate the future, drawn by the inspiration from Zhou Enlai’s guidance. With a focus on becoming a leading university, Nankai aims to attract top talents and produce exceptional outcomes to support Tianjin’s emergence as a modern metropolis.
“We have a glorious history built on togetherness and hard work, and our path forward requires the same spirit,” Yang stated, calling for collective effort to forge a brilliant new chapter for Nankai in its next hundred years.
As the familiar melody of the Nankai school song filled the air, all attendees rose in unison to sing, expressing their shared hope that Nankai University remains ever youthful.
