Lanterns and decorations welcome the Chinese New Year, as laughter and joy fill Nanhu Campus. On the morning of January 31, the University held its 2026 Chinese New Year Gathering, themed “Galloping Steeds Welcome the Spring”.
University Leaders Extend New Year Greetings. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the University Party Committee)
All university leaders currently on campus, representatives of former leaders who made significant contributions to the University’s development, representatives from local organizations that have long supported the University’s growth, representatives of retired faculty and staff, and representatives of current faculty and students gathered together to celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year. The gathering was hosted by Song Fajun, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President of the University.
Xu Yeqin Delivers Remarks. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the University Party Committee)
Xu Yeqin, Secretary of the University Party Committee, delivered a warm and enthusiastic Chinese New Year address. On behalf of the University’s Party Committee and administration, he extended sincere greetings and best wishes to all faculty, staff, students, retired veterans, alumni at home and abroad, and friends from all sectors who care about and support the University’s development. Xu Yeqin noted that over the past year, the University focused on the principal task of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, coordinately advancing the successful conclusion of the “14thFive-Year Plan” and the scientific planning of the “15thFive-Year Plan”. Political guarantees became more solid, institutional development achieved greater quality and efficiency, endogenous momentum grew stronger, and the foundation of the University became more secure, with all endeavors demonstrating a robust upward trajectory. He emphasized that 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the University’s founding, the convening of the Ninth Congress of Party Representatives, and the beginning of the “15thFive-Year Plan” period. The University will continue to demonstrate new commitment in consolidating foundations and forging souls, achieve new accomplishments in transformation and upgrading, pursue new breakthroughs in improving quality and efficiency, and stimulate new momentum in uniting hearts and gathering strength. Upholding fundamental principles while breaking new ground, the University will forge ahead with vigor to create a new chapter in building a distinctive, domestically first-class high-level university.
Liu Yi Speaks. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the University Party Committee)
Liu Yi, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the University, announced the top ten news items of 2025, and attendees watched a promotional video highlighting the University’s work in 2025. He noted that over the past year, all faculty, staff, and students united as one with determination and enterprise, focusing on the mission of “What role does South-Central Minzu University play in building a leading country in education” and “What role does the University play in forging the sense of community for the Chinese nation”. They consolidated their foundation through theoretical study, advanced courageously through reform and innovation, and demonstrated commitment in serving the nation, collectively writing a brilliant chapter of transformation, upgrading, and high-quality development. He encouraged all faculty and students, with a striving spirit and tangible achievements, to join hands in opening up new horizons for the University’s development.
Alumni Greeting Video. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the University Party Committee)
At the gathering, greeting videos from alumni across the country crossed mountains and rivers, with heartfelt messages conveying deep care and best wishes for their alma mater, drawing rounds of applause and filling the venue with warmth.
Faculty and Student Representatives Deliver a Speech. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the University Party Committee)
During the representative speech segment, voices from three generations of “SCMU members” were sincere and moving. Professor Qi Zitong, faculty representative, recipient of the National Young Talent Award, and professor from the School of Ethnology and Sociology, likened himself to “a drop of water in Nanhu Lake”, affectionately sharing his insights on how personal growth and the University’s development intertwine and mutually reinforce each other. Pan Jianbo, retired faculty representative, university teaching supervisor, and president of the Senior Association, passionately praised the University’s rapid and transformative changes, expressing that all retired veterans will continue to contribute their energy and maintain their enduring love for the University. Sun Wei, student representative and a 2024 doctoral student from the School of Chemistry and Materials Science, shared his understanding of the University motto based on his research and learning experiences, and on behalf of all students, made a youthful pledge to devote themselves to scholarship and bravely undertake their mission.
Gathering Scene. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the University Party Committee)
In a warm and vibrant atmosphere, university leaders, one after another, extended their most sincere and personalized Chinese New Year wishes to everyone. “Focusing on the principal line, we paint a blueprint; braving our mission, we gallop on a new journey”. “Steeds rear and race to nurture talents of all ethnicities; loyal hearts forge swords to craft a first-class chapter”.
Couplet after couplet echoed the mission of the times while embodying the University’s educational ideals, bringing the gathering to a climax.
Faculty and Student Cultural Performance. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the University Party Committee)
At the event, a cultural performance meticulously choreographed by faculty and students commenced, vividly showcasing the University’s diverse and colorful cultural heritage and its uplifting and progressive spirit.
The Event Was Filled with Festive Joy. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of the University Party Committee)
