A talk for the newly launched book Philanthropic Professor: Zhao Jiahe was held at Tsinghua SIGS on May 23. Five author representatives were invited to share at the talk which was attended by nearly 100 students, faculties, staff, and alumni.
Zhao Jiahe, a retired finance professor of Tsinghua University, had devoted his life to education and funding impoverished students. He passed away with lung cancer in 2012, but his story continues to touch the lives of many people.
Tsinghua Vice President Yang Bin delivered an address remotely and thanked guests for remembering Zhao, who was indifferent to fame and fortune and selflessly dedicated his life for others. Yang hoped that Zhao's excellent qualities can continue to influence and educate more people.
Yang Bin addressing the event
Tsinghua SIGS Executive Dean Gao Hong mentioned that many students have benefitted from Zhao's philanthropy and were thus able to strive for their dreams. She hoped that readers can also feel empowered and inspired by Zhao's stories.
Gao Hong giving an address
Chen Zhangwu, Chairman of the Gansu Xinghua Youth Education Foundation and former CPC Committee Secretary of the Tsinghua School of Economics and Management, was among one of the five invited authors at the event. He shared memories of Zhao, and how he devoted his energy and savings into funding students’ education and established the Gansu Xinghua Youth Education Foundation. Zhao’s selfless actions embody the Tsinghua spirit of self-discipline and social commitment, and reflect patriotism, devotion, as well as the pursuit of excellence, Chen said.
Chen Zhangwu sharing at the event
Other author representatives at the event
Participants said that they will be integrating Zhao’s spirit in their future studies and work, and fulfill their responsibilities as Tsinghua people.
Participants engaging with guests
In his concluding speech, Wu Xiaofeng, Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua SlGS Committee and Chairman of the Shenzhen Tsinghua University Alumni Association, shared that Zhao's story is particularly inspiring and moving in the occasion of Tsinghua’s 110th anniversary and Tsinghua SIGS’s 20th anniversary. The best way to commemorate and pass on Zhao’s selfless spirit is to fulfill one’s duties and live a meaningful life, he said.
Wu Xiaofeng making the concluding speech
After the event, Chen presented the book to participants and shared his experience as one of the authors of the book in an interview with reporters.
Chen being interviewed by reporters
The book Philanthropic Professor: Zhao Jiahe was first launched in April as part of Tsinghua University’s 110th anniversary celebrations.
Photos: Office of Communications & Outreach
Editor: Karen Lee
