The 2021-2023 Faculty Retirement Ceremony, the “Most Beautiful Couples” Award Ceremony, and the New Year Party were held on the evening of December 24th in the Music Hall of Taizhou University. University leaders present were Cui Fengjun, Le Chuanyong, Jin Xianlong, Zhao Xiaoming, Yang Jianguo, and Jin Song. The event was presided over by Pan Tongtian, Deputy Secretary of the University Party Committee. Nearly 400 teachers and students attended the event together.

Cui Fengjun, Secretary of the University Party Committee, expressed his respect and sincere thanks to 89 retired faculty members who have made contributions to the university’s reform, construction, and development. In his speech, he also extended warm congratulations and heartfelt blessings to the four couples who were awarded the first “Most Beautiful Couples”. He commended their loyalty, responsibility and youthful wisdom that have supported the historical foundation of the century-old university, their concerted efforts that have brought about the beacon of “Santai Spirit” and innovation, and their dedication and devotion that have nurtured ten thousand students’ love for the university. “Our university will always remember and be grateful to the teachers who have fought for its development,” Cui said, “all of you are good teachers and employees, as well as the glory and pride of our university.”

In the speech, Cui extended his hopes to teachers and students. The retired faculty members should carry forward the glorious tradition to become guides for young teachers and students, speakers of Taizhou University, and guardians of “Santai Spirit”. The “Most Beautiful Couples” should continue to show perseverance and responsibility in their respective positions with fine family traditions. Each functional department and academic school should care for the retired faculty, and improve their happiness index by doing more good deeds and practical things, and solving difficult problems. Cadres, teachers, and students should adopt an “empty cup” mentality, learn from old teachers and the “Most Beautiful Couples”, and embark on a new journey, making greater contributions to the university’s goal of “upgrading to a higher-level university, earning accreditation as a doctoral degree-granting institution, and excelling as a first-class university”.

“It has been over forty years since I graduated from the university. Where did the time go?” Cai Peiyang, a representative of the retired faculty, recalled his experience of witnessing the continuous development and growth of the university, and expressed his pride of being a member of TU. “Our generation has always put collective interests and honors as a top priority,” he said, “we will continue to contribute our wisdom and strength, and help to build TU into a high-level application-oriented university that is first-class domestically and has a good international reputation.”

Due to the impact of the pandemic, the Faculty Retirement Ceremony has been postponed for two years. Present at the event were the faculty representatives who retired in 2021 (Shi Shidi, Jin Xuefeng, Wang Songyou, etc.), 2022 (Jia Wenping, Jin Lingqiu, Mo Juchu, etc.), and 2023 (Liu Hongzhao, Li Gang, Zhou Xiaoli, etc.), and four “Most Beautiful Couples” (Zhong Aiguo & Long Lingyun, Lin Huijie & Liang Haidan, Wang Xiaogang & Zhai Wenli, Li Jianbing & Fang Guolian). After they walked onto the stage one by one, Cui Fengjun and Le Chuanyong presented them with flowers, certificates, and souvenirs, expressing respect and thanks to them. Finally, the university leaders took a group photo with the representatives.

After the ceremony, the New Year Party began. On the stage, there was ancient poetry singing of “Sailing Early from Baidi Town”, musical performance of “Two Springs Sentiment”, dancing of “Heart of the Sea”, “A Misty Rain Guest in Green Shirt”, “Beauty of Taihu Lake” and “Girls’ Flowers”, as well as songs of “Dedication”, “A Lifelong Journey” and “Heart of Gratitude”. These passionate performances have composed unique New Year’s expectations for teachers and students at Taizhou University.