On the evening of December 23, the "Tongji University International Student Awards Ceremony and 2026 New Year Gala" filled the Yierjiu Auditorium on the Siping Road Campus with warmth and festivity. The event brought together a distinguished audience, including Deputy Party Secretary Liu Run, faculty representatives from relevant schools and departments, corporate partners, and a vibrant mix of Chinese and international students. They gathered to honor the outstanding achievements of international students and to collectively welcome the promising year ahead. The event was organized by the Foreign Affairs Office (International Student Office) and the Tongji University Committee of the Communist Youth League, with support from the Tongji University Student Club Development and Management Center, the Starlight Performance Troupe, and the International Student Union.

In his opening address, Professor Liu Run extended his warmest congratulations to the honored international students. He spoke highly of their proactive engagement, not only in academic and research pursuits but also in enriching campus culture. "Through your diligence, intellectual curiosity, and open-mindedness, you vividly embody the vitality and success of Tongji's global vision," he stated. Professor Liu emphasized that the ceremony served a dual purpose: it was a platform to recognize outstanding individual achievements while simultaneously fostering a crucial space for cultural exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and international students. He highlighted that such events are essential for cultivating an academic environment that is truly inclusive, dynamic, and globally connected.

The event further emphasized collaboration by welcoming a delegation of 14 international faculty and student representatives from Shanghai University. This gesture highlighted the supportive and mutually enriching environment among Shanghai's universities as they work together to advance international education. The subsequent awards ceremony honored international students across five key categories, showcasing their exceptional accomplishments in areas ranging from sports and research to cultural exchange, student recruitment, and volunteer service. Specific honors included the International Student Dragon Boat Team, recognized for their tenacious spirit and the prestige they brought to Tongji; doctoral candidates from the "Tongji-Taizhou Huangyan International Doctoral Innovation Practice Program," praised for applying their specialized knowledge to local challenges; and winners of the "Perceiving China" essay award, outstanding International Student Recruitment Ambassadors, and exemplary International Student Volunteers. Together, these awards illustrated the dynamic ways in which international students are actively engaging with and contributing to their campus, local communities, and broader Chinese society.

Following the awards ceremony, the New Year Gala took the stage with a burst of energy. The show featured a rich variety of performances, where Chinese and international students shared the spotlight. The atmosphere was electric, with continuous applause filling the auditorium. This dynamic exchange of diverse cultures on one stage beautifully embodied the open, inclusive, and vibrant spirit that defines the Tongji campus.

A university official stated that the International Student Awards Ceremony and 2026 New Year Gala successfully integrated role model recognition with cultural exchange, serving as a key showcase of the university's phased achievements in cultivating and supporting its international student community. Looking ahead, the university is committed to further deepening the substance of its international education initiatives. It aims to foster an environment where Chinese and international students can learn from one another, growing and advancing together through continuous interaction and mutual understanding.

Source: Tongji University