The exhibition commemorating Gu YuXiu’s 120th birth anniversary opened at 10 a.m. on December 10, 2022. Co-hosted by Yuxiu College, NJU Libraries and NJU Archives, the exhibition is situated on the ground floor of the Library at Gulou campus.
In his opening remarks, Tan Zhemin, Academician of the CAS and Standing Member of the CPC NJU Committee, spoke highly of Mr. Gu's accomplishments across various fields. He also recounted Mr. Gu's connection with NJU, emphasizing his significant contributions to the peaceful unification of China and the enhancement of China-US relations. Tan Zhemin urged faculty and students to draw inspiration from Mr. Gu's spirit and integrity as showcased in the exhibition and encouraged them to actively contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Professor Wu Bing from the School of Environment expressed his intense excitement upon receiving the Gu Yuxiu Scholarship. He emphasized that Gu's scientific ideas continue to guide him in his research endeavors. He encouraged the students to take Gu as their role model.
Xiang Tiange, the representative of freshmen at Yuxiu College, paid tribute to Gu and made a heartfelt commitment to learn from his example. Xiang expressed the aspiration to become an outstanding member of NJU, dedicated to serving the country and the people in the new era.
To encourage students to inherit Gu’s spirit, Yuxiu College has appointed Gu Yifan, the grandson of Gu Yuxiu, as a Distinguished Guest Adviser. During the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Zhu Shining, the Dean of Yuxiu College, presented Gu Yifan with a letter of appointment.
Gu Yifan, speaking as a representative of the relatives, expressed gratitude to NJU for organizing a ceremony to commemorate his grandfather's 120th birthday. He mentioned that his grandfather taught students at NJU and was always deeply concerned with its progress. Gu Yifan expressed his hope that NJU will continue to flourish and achieve even greater heights.
Dean Zhu Shining, while speaking on behalf of Yuxiu College emphasized that Gu's spirit is worthy of emulation for every student at NJU. He commended Gu's significant contributions in promoting China and its rich culture to the world. Zhu expressed gratitude to Gu Yifan for accepting the role of Distinguished Guest Adviser and acknowledged the valuable insights and guidance he would provide to the college.
In honor of Gu's remarkable academic achievements and to uphold his spirit and educational ideals in nurturing talent, NJU established the Yuxiu Library at Gulou campus.
After the opening ceremony, guests and representatives of the faculty and students visited the Exhibition with Liu Chaoran, a freshman from Yuxiu College, as the guide.
Profile of Gu Yuxiu
Gu Yuxiu was a multifaceted scholar, excelling in various fields as a scientist, educator, poet, playwright, musician, and Buddhist specialist. He was widely recognized for his expertise in both arts and sciences. From 1941 to 1943, he served as the President of the National Central University, the predecessor of NJU. In 1950, he moved to the United States and subsequently returned to China on eight separate occasions, dedicated to the development of NJU and the progress of the nation.
During the 100th Anniversary of NJU, Gu established the Gu Yuxiu Scholarship as a means of supporting NJU. Former Vice President Shi Jianjun and Former President Jiang Shusheng visited Gu respectively in 1999 and 2001, seeking his valuable advice on the future development of NJU.
On the evening of December 10th, NJU held a poetry event in commemoration of Gu Yuxiu and to celebrate his legacy through recitations of his poetry, theatrical performances, and musical pieces.
Translator: Jin Yue
Editors: Chen Xing, He Yao
