Author: Li Weimiao & Wu Weiliang

Photographer: Zhou Huiqian

Date: November 16, 2025

Jinan University celebrated its 119th anniversary today by simultaneously launching the one-year countdown to its 120th anniversary across its five campuses in Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen. The ceremony featured the release of the First Announcement for the 120th Anniversary and the official anniversary theme. University leadership, along with representatives of faculty, students, and alumni from home and abroad, attended the kickoff event.

(Photo: The launch ceremony)

Anniversary Theme Unveiled

The theme for the 120th anniversary was announced as "120 Years of Jinan University: Spreading Knowledge Across the Seas." In his address, Sun Yu, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Jinan University, reflected on the institution's 119-year journey. He stated that the university has consistently adhered to its founding mission of "promoting education for overseas Chinese communities" and its motto of "Loyalty, Sincerity, Integrity, and Respect," dedicated to fostering Chinese culture globally and nurturing talent. He emphasized that the 120th anniversary serves as a pivotal opportunity to connect with the times, distill the university's spirit, and rally collective strength for future development, further enhancing its distinctive characteristics in the new era.

Academician Xing Feng of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of Jinan University formally read the anniversary announcement. The document traces the university's history since its founding in 1906 as a pioneer in overseas Chinese higher education in China, including its relocations through different historical periods and its recent progress in talent cultivation, scientific research, and cultural dissemination. It stated that starting today, a series of academic and alumni events will be held, culminating in a high-quality development conference on November 16, 2026, to mark the 120th anniversary.

The launch ceremony was presided over by Chen Ying, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee of the University.

Countdown Boards Unveiled Across Campuses

During the event, countdown boards marking the 120th anniversary were unveiled simultaneously across the five campuses in three cities, officially commencing the year-long celebration. The board's design incorporates a sail shape derived from the university emblem, with a height of 2026 mm symbolizing the anniversary year.

Professor Li Dan from the College of Chemistry and Materials Science, representing the faculty, expressed that the university is both a platform for professional development and a spiritual home. She looked forward to joining all members of the university community in writing a new chapter for Jinan's future.

Alumnus representative and University Council member Xie Bingzheng shared his experiences at Jinan University and called on alumni worldwide to support their alma mater through concrete actions in celebration of its 120th anniversary.

Han Xilin, a postgraduate student from the Law School / Intellectual Property School representing the student body, stated that students would actively engage in cultural exchange roles as their tribute to the university's milestone.

Plans for Anniversary Preparations

With the countdown launched, preparation for the anniversary is now fully underway. Over the next year, centering on the theme "120 Years of Jinan: Spreading Knowledge Across the Seas," the university will focus on several key areas: systematically documenting its history and upgrading museum facilities; hosting high-level academic forums and summits; and extensively engaging with its global alumni network to encourage broad participation in the anniversary events.

Background

Founded in 1906, Jinan University is one of China's earliest institutions of higher education established for overseas Chinese. Throughout its history, the university relocated five times before settling in Guangzhou, eventually evolving into its current multi-campus structure across Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen. To date, it has cultivated over 500,000 professionals from more than 170 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. In recent years, the university has continued its work in talent development, scientific innovation, and cultural exchange.