In the radiant spring season, a new journey begins; with hearts dedicated to their work, they forge dreams for the future. On the evening of March 27, the inaugural “With a Worker’s Heart, Forging Dreams and Praising China” Faculty Culture Festival opening ceremony and staff art gala were held at the Optics Valley Concert Hall at South-Central Minzu University (SCMU). Liu Yi, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of SCMU; Song Fajun, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice President, and Chair of the University Trade Union; along with chairs of grassroots trade unions and faculty representatives, gathered together to celebrate this cultural feast dedicated to SCMU’s faculty and staff.
Group photo at the event.(Photo provided by the University Trade Union)
This Faculty and Staff Culture Festival coincides with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Hubei Federation of Trade Unions. It is not only a heartfelt tribute from the University to the century‑long glory of Hubei’s workers’ movement and the inheritance of its spirit, but also a vivid practice of thoroughly studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on the working class and trade union work, as well as his important thoughts on strengthening and improving ethnic affairs work. It firmly upholds the main task of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.
At the opening ceremony, Song Fajun delivered a speech. He noted that over the years, the University’s trade union has consistently adhered to a faculty- and staff-centered approach in its work, achieving notable results in safeguarding the rights and interests of faculty and staff, enriching their lives, and building platforms for exchange. He expressed his hope that all faculty and staff would actively participate in the activities of the Culture Festival, fostering unity through exchange and consolidating the national community through practice, while transforming the enthusiasm and gains from these activities into concrete actions dedicated to education and to serving the country through scientific research.
At the performance, faculty members who usually devote themselves to academic pursuits took on the role of artistic emissaries, showcasing through songs, dances, recitations, and other forms the distinctive talents of the faculty and staff at SCMU as well as their deep sense of commitment to the nation, drawing rounds of applause from the audience.
The trade union of the library presented the danceSplendid Robes, Dancing China, which vividly depicted the beautiful scene of fifty-six nationalities united as one family and brought to life the myriad expressions of a splendid China. The situational recitationReading Red Lettersconveyed deep emotion through voice, leading the audience to revisit the stirring words written amid the flames of war and drawing strength from the echoes of faith. TheMorning Light Melody, performed by instructors from the dance interest group, embodied the passion and dedication of educators in their persistent pursuit of teaching. The three-and-a-half-minute skitTalking About SCMU, brought by the trade union of the School of Marxism, offered a humorous and down-to-earth portrayal of shared sentiments among the university community, showcasing the vibrant and multifaceted talents of the faculty and staff.
TheTai Chi Swordperformance flowed with seamless grace, each movement revealing the profound spirit of traditional Chinese culture. The songLittle Bliss, performed by student advisors, captured the warmth and steadfastness of educators as they accompany students through their growth. TheYellow Crane Tower, presented by the Chinese Classical Poetry Recitation Association, conveyed the timeless charm of ancient poetry through traditional chanting forms. The songBetween the Old and the Young, performed by Xu Ting, a faculty member from the School of Music and Dance, expressed the enduring care and warmth found in everyday life. The vocal interest group delivered a choral rendition ofOde to the Coral, a classic melody that pays tribute to the historic revolutionary years and gives voice to a sincere sense of devotion to the nation.
Women’s Chorus.(Photo provided by the University Trade Union)
Classical Poetry Recitation.(Photo provided by the University Trade Union)
Student Advisors in Performance.(Photo provided by the University Trade Union)
The inaugural Faculty and Staff Culture Festival spanned three months, featuring four core sections: ideological guidance, cultural and sports activities, capacity building, and cultural heritage. Designed to enrich the cultural and spiritual lives of faculty and staff, the festival aims to harness their collective wisdom and strength in support of the University’s “double first-class” development initiative. This faculty and staff art performance served as the festival’s opening highlight, with the Trade Union set to organize a series of distinctive activities in the months ahead.
