In 2020, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) celebrated its 10^th anniversary since its founding. The University organized a series of distinctive academic and cultural activities for its 10^th birthday.

Blessings from all walks of life as SUSTech celebrates its 10^th Anniversary

On December 20, 2020, the 10^th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony was held in the Runyang Stadium. Leaders at all levels, one hundred university secretaries and principals, dozens of academicians, and people from all walks of life came to celebrate this important commemoration with the faculty, students, and alumni of SUSTech. Yurong GUO, SUSTech University Council Chairperson, presided over the event.

Qikun XUE, President of SUSTech, delivered a speech on behalf of the University entitled “Change for Excellence, Innovation for Future.” He welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude to everyone that has supported the construction and development of SUSTech. President XUE noted that the University’s three pillars are “research, innovation, and entrepreneurship” and aims to become an international high-level research university that recruits first-class faculty and nurtures top-notch innovative talents.

President XUE said that SUSTech will continue to march forward with the “Shenzhen Spirit” of reform and innovation based on the “three steps” strategic plan for 2025, 2035, and 2049. He stated they will strive to become a world-class research university with important global influence and make greater contributions to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

On the celebration day, the five former and current leaders of SUSTech, including Qingshi ZHU, Ming LI, Shiyi CHEN, Yurong GUO, and Qikun XUE, all gathered together to celebrate the 10^th anniversary.

In addition, 105 partner universities, including Tsinghua University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Fudan University, Zhejiang University, Southeast University, and well-known middle schools across the country, sent congratulatory letters to SUSTech. The Presidents of Oxford University, National University of Singapore, and over a dozen world-renowned universities also sent warm wishes via video.

A series of events held around the campus

To celebrate the 10^th anniversary, the University held a series of activities, creating a jovial atmosphere around the campus.

A celebration gala for the 10^th anniversary was held. More than 600 faculty members and students gathered to sing and dance, while more than 60 presidents from all over the country came to the University to share ideas at the University President Forum. In December, 29 exhibitions were showcased throughout SUSTech to demonstrate the development of the University and its achievements in scientific research.

In addition, Wenjin TENG, a famous sculptor, donated his artworks to the University. A piano concert by Lang LANG, and a violin recital by Siqing LU were held to promote cultural and arts activities. There was also the annual gathering of alumni and various sporting events such as the second annual tennis tournament.

On the eve of the 10th anniversary, warm blessings such as “I love SUSTech” were lit up on Shenzhen’s landmark buildings in the night sky.

Arrangements put in place to prepare for the celebrations

In order to ensure the smooth holding of the celebrations, SUSTech established the 10^th Anniversary Preparatory Committee. Xinping NIE, Shenzhen Deputy Mayor was appointed as the director, Qiuming CHEN, Shenzhen Municipal Education Bureau Director, Yurong GUO, and other major school leaders were made deputy directors.

As early as March 2020, the University started the preparations for the anniversary celebrations. On April 16, 2020, the University officially released the anniversary logo and themed slogan. In June, 200 days before the anniversary, the University launched a website dedicated to the anniversary. In September, a 100-day countdown ceremony was held and a special webpage on the anniversary was launched.

For the anniversary, more than 1000 faculty members and students signed up as volunteers for the preparations. Many of the volunteers were scholars and administrative members.

Looking back on the past, the efforts and persistence of countless people helped create a brand-new research university. Looking at the present, the hard work and insight of numerous people have developed the University and enhanced its reputation both nationally and internationally. With the “Shenzhen Spirit”, SUSTech will keep in mind the vision and mission of building a world-class university that is rooted in China for the new era.