Witnessing the centenary anniversary of Tsinghua University in Beijing (photo) article cover image
News/Community Wire/Archive/May 30, 2011
Legacy archive / noindex

Witnessing the centenary anniversary of Tsinghua University in Beijing (photo)

Republished with permission

Witnessing the centenary anniversary of Tsinghua University in Beijing (photo) (Contributed by Si Jie) On April 24, 2011, Tsinghua University celebrated its long-awaited centenary anniversary. The entire weekend of school...

Local families

Witnessing the 100th Anniversary of Tsinghua University in Beijing (Photo) (Contributed by Si Jie) On April 24, 2011, Tsinghua University celebrated its long-awaited 100th anniversary. The campus was bustling with people throughout the weekend, everyone's face was beaming with joy, and the air was filled with a festive atmosphere. A year ago, the school set an academic, cultural and social purpose for its centenary celebrations. The centenary celebrations reached their peak on the weekend of the 24th. Every alumni and friend who returns to campus feels that there is so much to see on campus and there are so many activities that they want to participate in, so much so that they wish they could use the magic of avatars. The presidents of Tsinghua University are also obviously short of manpower. Many donation ceremonies are being held continuously, and the launching ceremonies of new buildings are also happening one after another. Old alumni of Tsinghua University and people from all walks of life are constantly visiting us. If you look at the schedule of anniversary activities, it is not difficult to see that even if Tsinghua University doubles the number of presidents, it may be difficult to attend various activities as promised. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the graduation of the Class of 1986. The school helped its alumni organize a large-scale celebration. Jiuhua Villa in the suburbs of Beijing was booked. The celebration started on the 22nd and lasted until the morning of the 24th. There are parties in almost all classes. Premier Zhu Rongji and his wife returned to the Department of Electrical Engineering on the morning of the 22nd to gather with his classmates for the 60th anniversary of graduation. The youngest senior was 82 years old. Premier Zhu spent more than 40 minutes shaking hands with each classmate and greeting them. The Department of Electrical Engineering also prepared medical staff and ambulances for the seniors in case of emergency. About two hours later, Premier Zhu went to the School of Economics and Management, where he served as the first dean, to meet with teachers and classmates. Many people were waiting for the old dean at the door of the Economics and Management Building and shouted their heartfelt blessings to the old dean. Premier Zhu also excitedly shouted "Long live Tsinghua University". This video was captured by an alumnus on his mobile phone and instantly spread on the Internet. There are many exciting things to see in the school anniversary activities. It is said that the opening ceremony of the John Ma Cup Student Games was very grand and had the style of the 2008 Olympics. There are large-scale performances every night during the school anniversary. In addition to Asian and world-class singers, the strong lineup also includes many versatile Tsinghua alumni who perform on the same stage with the stars. Our Arizona Li Guohua and Jiang Tiebing participated in almost all performances and aroused strong responses. "Oh My God, China" composed by Li Guohua three years ago was sung from the United States to China. "Tsinghua, My Alma Mater" he composed for the centennial anniversary was sung by many Tsinghua alumni associations in the United States. The video of the performance is now preserved in the Tsinghua University History Exhibition Hall. The centenary anniversary is also a good time for Tsinghua alumni to wish their alma mater well and contribute to its development. Good news about the success of alumni’s careers is also constantly coming. The company of Chen Sheng, an alumnus of the class of 1986, was listed on the NASDAQ in the United States during the company's anniversary. On that day, carefully arranged, a large banner congratulating Tsinghua University on its 100th anniversary was displayed on the world's largest video screen in front of the NASDAQ building in Times Square, New York, throughout the day on April 22. During the school anniversary, key projects such as the Humanities and Social Sciences Library, Roma Building, New Tsinghua Academy, School History Museum, Concert Hall and Auditorium were officially completed and opened. The construction costs were donated by Tsinghua alumni. A specially built one-time large-scale performance facility was grandly unveiled in front of the main building of Tsinghua University East Gate. This large-scale equipment, which costs 30 million yuan, has caused some veteran teachers to worry due to its high cost. But its macro effect is so shocking and perfect. The alumni who donated to this project are delighted to be able to bring you two performances that are moving, proud, and unforgettable. The centenary celebration meeting was held at 10 a.m. on the 24th at the Great Hall of the People. Six members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee attended. For this conference, Tiananmen Square was completely cleared. But there were also lighter moments during the convention. Led by Principal Gu, each speaker usually bows to the podium and then to the audience before speaking. When Yale University President Levine delivered a speech on behalf of foreign university presidents, he also learned the etiquette of us Chinese people and saluted first to the rostrum and then to the audience. He was encouraged by warm applause from the audience. When President Hu Jintao made his final speech at the conference, he also bowed seriously to the rostrum and then to the audience. The whole audience was very excited, and the auditorium was filled with knowing laughter and applause. For this school anniversary, many of our alumni from Phoenix City made a special trip to Beijing. In addition to Li Guohua and Jiang Tiebing participating in the school anniversary performance, Zhang Chao represented our local Tsinghua alumni in the return-to-school delegation organized by the Tsinghua North American Alumni Joint Conference. Si Jie and Shen Jun were invited by the school to attend the celebration meeting in the Great Hall of the People. The centenary celebration of Tsinghua University was perfect, making all alumni and friends excited and moved. However, Tsinghua still faces many challenges, and becoming one of the world's top universities still requires the continuous efforts of many people. But the wisdom and perseverance of us Chinese and Tsinghua people will stand the test of time. Just as the old school song of Tsinghua University says: The western mountains are green and the east sea is vast, our school is solemn and majestic in the center, the Eastern and Western cultures are gathered together, and the great unity shines in the motherland. Many students have come from far away places, the spring breeze has turned into rain, and the joy is still young. To keep healthy, we must strengthen ourselves. We send blessings to China, and also to Tsinghua University for the next 100 years!

Sources and usage

This piece is republished or synchronized with permission and keeps a link back to the original source.

Editorial tags

Community WireArchiveRepublished with permission