Shanghai, May 13—In celebration of Tongji University’s 116th anniversary and to inspire students while perpetuating the “Striving Together in the Same Boat” (Tongji) spirit, the 2021-2022 Lilin-Yuxiang Scholarship Award Ceremony and Thematic Forum “A Changing World by China, A Renewed China by Shanghai” took place on the afternoon of May 13.

Attendees included Professor Shi Qian (Party Committee Secretary of the School of Economics and Management), Professor Huang Yuxiang (Former Dean), Professor Cheng Mingwang (Vice Dean), Mr. Liu Xinyi (President of Shanghai International Group), Mr. Zhang Fuqiang (President of Shanghai Yangtze River Construction Group), Mr. Xie Wei (Deputy President of SPD Bank), Ms. Gao Hong (Deputy General Manager of SPD Bank’s Strategy Development & Execution Department), Mr. Luo Xin (Chairman of Shanghai Juteng Industrial Group), Dr. He Wanpeng (Dean of Shanghai Qiantan Institute for Emerging Industries), award recipients, faculty, and students.

Honoring a Legacy of Mentorship

In his opening remarks, Secretary Shi Qian highlighted that the Lilin-Yuxiang Scholarship—established through voluntary donations by alumni including Liu Xinyi—was named in honor of the school’s founding dean and beloved mentor. “This scholarship embodies alumni’s profound gratitude, their care for younger students, and their expectations for the school’s new chapter,” he stated. He pledged that the school would unite to advance educational missions, contribute to Chinese modernization, and live up to alumni trust.

▲Professor Cheng Guoping, Associate Dean and Director of the Alumni and Corporate Relations Office, presided over the event.

Alumni Commitment to Giving Back

Liu Xinyi, representing donor alumni, reflected on his time as Huang Yuxiang’s student: “My journey at Tongji shaped who I am today. Our generation, blessed with thriving times and inspiring mentors, is dedicated to repaying society and our alma mater.” He expressed hope that the donations would empower students and accelerate the school’s growth.

▲Secretary Shi and Vice Dean Cheng Mingwang presented Liu with a handwritten plaque titled “Love Like Spring Sunshine, Nurturing Hearts” from scholarship awardees.

Scholarship Recipients’ Pledge

Liao Kaicheng, a 2019 Ph.D. awardee, thanked faculty mentors and vowed to “uphold the Tongji spirit, strive fearlessly in research, and honor our mentors’ expectations.”

Bao Qing, a 2017 master’s graduate and 2020 Yangpu District selected official, credited the scholarship for foundational support: “It paved my career path. I urge fellow students to maximize their campus journey and pursue constant self-improvement.”

Keynote Forum: “A Changing World by China, A Renewed China by Shanghai”

Dr. He Wanpeng delivered the forum’s centerpiece presentation, illustrating through analytical models and vivid narratives “how and why the world transforms through China—and Shanghai’s pivotal role as a global metropolis.” He proposed a three-phase strategy: “Re-examine, Re-plan, Re-elevate” to position Shanghai for international competition in the next 10–20 years.

Emphasizing cultural vitality, he noted, “Culture is a city’s soul and an enduring wellspring for development.” He urged Shanghai to internalize cultural soft power and called upon Tongji communities—especially those in economics and management—to seize opportunities for impact.

Closing Reflections

Professor Huang Yuxiang praised the forum as an “intellectual feast” and quoted Nobel laureate in Economics Maurice Allais to motivate students: “The past is untouchable; grasp every opportunity to strive relentlessly.”

Vice Dean Cheng Mingwang thanked alumni for their generosity: “Standing on these giants’ shoulders propelled our school’s achievements.” He encouraged stronger alumni ties and urged students to “excel, become the pride of Tongji, and grow into national pillars.”

▲Professors Huang and Cheng presented Dr. He with a certificate of appreciation for his contributions.

▲Professor Huang conferred certificates to scholarship recipients in a commemorative group photo.