On December 12th, Tsinghua SIGS unveiled the Junzi statue as part of the celebrations for its 20th anniversary. The unveiling ceremony was held on the southeast lawn next to Building C. With this statue, SIGS hopes to further spread Tsinghua’s school spirit and culture on campus as well as improve its cultural atmosphere.
The statue depicts Liang Qichao, a scholar from Guangdong province, who delivered a speech on November 5, 1914 at Tsinghua entitled “Junzi” (meaning “a person of virtue” in English). In his speech, he encouraged the faculty and students to be exemplary people by quoting from Zhouyi (The Book of Changes): “As Heaven’s movement is ever vigorous, so must a person of virtue ceaselessly strive along with self-discipline. As Earth is vast and grand, so must a person embrace the world with virtue and tolerance.” His speech inspired Tsinghua’s motto “Self-discipline and Social Commitment”.
The Junzi statue project began in April and received enthusiastic support from Tsinghua alumni associations in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan.
Tsinghua SIGS Executive Dean Gao Hong delivered opening remarks at the ceremony. She spoke about how Tsinghua SIGS initiated the project in line with Tsinghua’s motto to further strengthen Tsinghua culture in SIGS. “Three hundred and twenty alumni made donations for the construction of the statue; their contributions enabled the Junzi statue to be completed,” shared Executive Dean Gao.
SIGS Executive Dean Gao Hong delivers opening remarks
Later, He Zhen, deputy secretary-general of the Tsinghua Alumni Association and executive president of the Tsinghua Alumni Association of Guangzhou, spoke at the ceremony on behalf of alumni: “Since SIGS announced the opening of donations for the Junzi statue project this April, members of Tsinghua alumni associations in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, and other cities have responded enthusiastically. Thanks to alumni’s generosity, a wonderful birthday gift was presented to Tsinghua and SIGS.”
He Zhen delivering his speech
The unveiling of Junzi by school leaders and guests
the Junzi statue
Amid a round of warm applause, school leaders and esteemed guests unveiled the statue. Attendees at the ceremony watched a video showing its creation process. The video explained the history, cultural value, and artistry of the statue.
After the video, Li He, professor at the Academy of Art & Design of Tsinghua University and creator of the statue, shared the concept and message behind the statue.
Prof. Li He sharing about the statue’s conception and creation
At the end of the ceremony, Tsinghua University Vice President and Provost Yang Bin, also dean of Tsinghua SIGS, expressed his congratulations on the completion of the project and gratitude to the alumni donors. He remarked, “The establishment of the Junzi statue represents the influence of Tsinghua’s ‘Three Treasures’ (its motto, campus, and alumni). The erection of the statue on the SIGS campus not only reflects the inheritance of Tsinghua culture, but also represents its professors and students’ firm determination to actively participate in the construction of major national strategies, such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development plan.”
Tsinghua Vice President Yang Bin’s closing remarks
This event was one of many celebrating the 20th anniversary of Tsinghua SIGS. At this important juncture in its history, reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future, SIGS starts an exciting new chapter.
From Tsinghua SIGS
Editors: Alena Shish, Yuan Yang, Li Han
