On the afternoon of January 10, the awarding ceremony for the seventh “Touching Beihang” Role Model Individuals and Groups was held in Beihang Sunrise Concert Hall, and a total of ten individuals and five groups were honored. Zhao Changlu, Secretary of the Party Committee of the university, Wang Yunpeng, President of the university, and all the university leaders, Wang Wenbiao, Director and Secretary of the Party Committee of Retiree Management Bureau of Aviation Industry Corporation of China Limited (AVIC), together with nearly 800 people including representatives of the winners of the “Touching Beihang” Award of previous years, of the university’s teaching and scientific research institutes, of its party and government organs, and service and support organizations, along with students and alumni of the university, attended the ceremony.
In his speech, Zhao Changlu expressed his warm congratulations and high respect to all the award-winning individuals and groups, and shared his understanding of “touching” with the audience.
He pointed out that “touching” demonstrated itself in three points. Firstly, it is the spirit that has touched Beihang. In the process of running a university, there are always some values and beliefs that are highly recognized and upheld by its faculty, students and alumni. The spirit of Beihang with “serving the country through aerospace endeavors” as the core has always inspired Beihang people to take serving the Party and the national strategy as their own responsibility, promoting social progress and making contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Secondly, it is the culture that has touched Beihang. This cultural influence is in-depth and far-reaching. The “touching Beihang” selection that has extended for 18 years is a brand project not only to construct spiritual highlands but also to edify the younger generation. It is also continuously gathering enormous positive energy and has become a common trend in Beihang, inspiring every Beihang person to temper their character and forge ahead. Thirdly, it is the inheritance that has touched Beihang. The winners of the “Touching Beihang” Award are incarnation of the quality of perseverance and innovation of Beihang people, as well as their spiritual and behavioral guide in the journey ahead. In order to pass on their power, it is essential to acquire both ability and political integrity and to honor both commitment and practical actions, as is suggested in our university motto.
Zhao Changlu stressed that he hoped the faculty, students, and alumni would jointly nurture the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of Beihang as a first-class university, and devote themselves to the construction of Beihang University into a world-class university with Chinese characteristics wholeheartedly.
In the awarding session, the seventh “Touching Beihang” role models were unveiled, with their inspiring stories told in the form of short documentary clips, through which the audience felt their steadfast beliefs, pursuit of dreams and selfless dedication. The representatives of the award-winners took the stage one by one, and conveyed to the audience their persistent pursuit of vocational breakthrough, firm responsibility for the country, profound insights into life, and deep attachment for Beihang in their sincere and simple language.
At the end of the ceremony, the whole present sang “Ode to My Homeland” together, carrying forward their hope to stick to the spirit of Beihang and contribute to the great cause of strengthening our country.
Written by: Zhang Jiaxin, Wen Zhiming, Wang Qing
Photos by: Di Bailu, Huang Tianjia
Reviewed by: Li Jianwei
Edited by: Jia Aiping
Translated by: Lu Meili
