On the morning of October 10th, SCMU held a collective birthday celebration for retired faculty and staff, along with a cultural performance titled “Praising the New Era, Enjoying Longevity” at the Faculty Activity Center in the East Residential Area. University leaders Liu Yi and Sanlang Zhaxi, heads of the university’s retirement work leadership group member units, and representatives from Guanshan Street Office and SCMU Community attended the event. Sanlang Zhaxi, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President, presided over the birthday celebration.

Commemorative photo. Photo by Xie Xintian

Liu Yi, Deputy Party Secretary and President, delivered the opening remarks. He extended festival greetings and best wishes to all retired leaders and colleagues, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing retirement work through political respect, ideological care, and attentiveness to the retirees’ well-being. Liu briefly introduced recent university developments and encouraged the retirees to continue contributing to the university’s high-quality development and the fostering of a strong strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. He also urged them to set an example in upholding the Party’s glorious traditions and educating the younger generation, while actively participating in healthy recreational activities.

Amid warm applause, Sanlang Zhaxi announced the list of retirees turning 70, 80, and 90 in 2024. University leaders presented gifts and cards to the celebrants and posed for group photos.

Li Huilan, a 97-year-old retired cadre, spontaneously sang a song, bringing the atmosphere to a climax. The “Praising the New Era, Enjoying Longevity” cultural performance then began, featuring a diverse and entertaining program jointly organized by the University’s Retirement Work Office, SCMU Community, and the Senior Citizens’ Association. The performance included a medley of revolutionary songs, Tibetan dance, women’s choir, fashion show, poetry recitation, and erhu and hulusi performances. The retirees’ performances, ranging from melodious to passionate, exuded enthusiasm and happiness. Audience members eagerly captured the moments on their phones.

A medley of revolutionary songs. Photo by Feng Yunran

Liu Hanli, a retired teacher hosting the performance, shared, “The team performing ‘Vineyard Nocturne’ is the ‘Mayila’ Women’s Choir from the Senior Citizens’ Association, established 20 years ago. Member Xing Shufang is celebrating her 80th birthday this year, while the eldest member, Zhu Zufang, is 84 years old”.

The performance concluded with a rousing rendition of “Ode to the Motherland”, with retirees waving five-starred red flags, collectively wishing for the prosperity and strength of the great motherland.