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President Qiu Yong's Speech at the Faculty and Staff Congress of Tsinghua University - Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University Please provide the full text for a complete translation.

4 months ago

**Abstract:** At a significant faculty and staff meeting at Tsinghua University, Professor Qiu Yong was officially appointed as the new president of the institution, succeeding Professor Chen Jining. The appointment was announced by the central government, and several high-ranking officials, including Vice Minister Pan Ligan, Minister Yuan Guiren, and Minister Jiang Zhigang, delivered speeches emphasizing the importance of the role and expressing their expectations for the university under Qiu's leadership. Qiu Yong, expressing his deep gratitude to the leadership, faculty, and staff for their trust and support, acknowledged the heavy responsibility of leading one of China's most prestigious institutions. He highlighted Tsinghua University's rich history and its significant contributions to China's revolution, construction, and reform, noting that the university has produced a large number of outstanding talents over more than a century. Qiu also praised his predecessor, Chen Jining, for his strong political stance, innovative thinking, and significant contributions to the university's development, particularly in the areas of comprehensive reform and the pursuit of a world-class, Chinese-characterized, and Tsinghua-style educational model. Reflecting on his 32-year association with Tsinghua, Qiu Yong shared personal anecdotes that underscore his deep connection to the university. He described Tsinghua as a place of warmth, upward momentum, and a stage for personal and professional growth. Qiu emphasized that the university's environment, characterized by the motto "Self-discipline and Social Commitment" and the ethos "Action is more eloquent than speech," has played a crucial role in his development and in shaping his values. He expressed a strong commitment to continue Tsinghua's mission and to work tirelessly for its advancement in the new century. Qiu's vision for Tsinghua University centers on three key attributes of a great university: composure, dedication, and transcendence. Composure, he argued, is essential for scholars and the university itself, reflecting a long-term perspective and a commitment to fostering a peaceful and focused learning environment. Dedication, or a relentless pursuit of noble ideals, is vital for both academic and personal growth. It involves a strong belief in the university's unique mission and a commitment to preserving its spiritual and intellectual values. Transcendence, according to Qiu, is the driving force behind the university's development, encouraging continuous self-improvement and innovation. It involves breaking down barriers—disciplinary, institutional, and temporal—to collaborate and achieve excellence in addressing global challenges. Building a world-class university is a shared dream of all Tsinghua members. Qiu noted that Tsinghua first set this goal in 1985, and over the past 30 years, the institution has made significant strides. He stressed that reform is the inexhaustible source of the university's progress, and moving forward, Tsinghua must continue to embrace and drive comprehensive reforms. Qiu committed to implementing the university's governance structure under the leadership of the party, seizing opportunities, and leading by example in China's higher education reform. In his concluding remarks, Qiu Yong expressed his willingness to work alongside the university's faculty, staff, students, and alumni to fulfill their generation's historical mission. He called for a collective effort to build and uphold the spiritual home of all Tsinghua members and to create a new and glorious chapter for the university in its second century. **Key Elements:** - **Event:** Announcement of Qiu Yong's appointment as the new president of Tsinghua University. - **People:** Qiu Yong, Chen Jining, Vice Minister Pan Ligan, Minister Yuan Guiren, Minister Jiang Zhigang. - **Location:** Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. - **Time:** The meeting took place recently, marking the beginning of Qiu Yong's tenure. - **Themes:** Leadership transition, university history, educational values, reform, and future vision.

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