As the Chinese New Year approaches, the campus of Renmin University of China (RUC) has been decked out in festive decorations, exuding a delightful and warm atmosphere. On the eve of the Chinese New Year, Zhang Donggang, Chair of the RUC Council, and President Lin Shangli visited students staying on campus and staff members working during the holiday, conveying the university’s heartfelt gratitude and extending Spring Festival blessings. They were accompanied by other university leaders, including Zhu Xinkai, Zheng Shuiquan, and Wang Yi.
Caring for Campus Security and Services
The delegation first visited the East Gate of the campus to greet security personnel on duty. Zhang and Lin expressed appreciation for their dedication, inquired about their holiday work arrangements and logistical support, and distributed festive care packages. They encouraged the team to maintain their diligent spirit in the new year, ensuring a safe and harmonious campus environment for all.
At Lide Apartments, the leaders met with staff responsible for the university's comprehensive support services. They recognized and appreciated the staff's contributions to the smooth running of campus operations. They reviewed holiday duty schedules and fire safety measures, emphasizing the importance of meticulous service to ensure a "home-like" experience for students and staff during the festivities.
Celebrating Traditions with Students
The first-floor common area of Lide Apartments buzzed with warmth and laughter as domestic and international students gathered to celebrate Chinese New Year traditions. Together, they engaged in paper-cutting, rubbed calligraphic “Fu” (fortune) characters, and wrote Spring Festival couplets with brushes. Zhang and Lin interacted warmly with the students, distributing holiday gift packages and sharing New Year wishes. Amid applause and cheerful conversations, the leaders urged students to prioritize safety, stay connected with families, and participate in campus-organized reunion activities. They also encouraged students to balance academic responsibilities with rest, ensuring a fulfilling and joyful holiday.
Highlighting the global significance of Chinese culture, Zhang noted that the Spring Festival’s recent inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List reflects the worldwide resonance of Chinese civilization. He called on students to promote cross-cultural exchanges by sharing their own traditions. President Lin, meanwhile, inspired students to embrace ambition and perseverance in the new year, contributing their youthful energy to the nation’s development and RUC’s mission of excellence.
Ensuring Festive Hospitality
At the North District Canteen, the leaders greeted catering staff and inspected preparations for the Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner. They sampled the canteen’s self-developed “New Year Fortune Cakes” and stressed the importance of delivering a heartwarming dining experience. Zhang and Lin praised the team’s innovative spirit and urged them to continue elevating service standards in the coming year.
The visits were joined by heads of various university departments, including the Party and Administrative Office, Student Affairs Office, International Students Office, and Logistics Centers.
Honoring Retired Leaders and Distinguished Scholars
Prior to the Spring Festival, Zhang Donggang, Lin Shangli, and members of the RUC Standing Committee of the Party Committee also visited retired university leaders, including Cheng Tianquan, Jin Nuo, and Liu Wei, as well as esteemed professors such as Gao Mingxuan, Zhang Liwen, and Wang Liming. They expressed gratitude for their enduring contributions to RUC’s development and extended festive greetings.
Through these visits, RUC leaders reinforced the university’s commitment to fostering a caring community and upholding its legacy of academic and cultural excellence.
