On January 8, Xiushan Hall was adorned with festive decorations and filled with a joyous atmosphere as the School of Journalism and Communication held its annual awards ceremony and gala celebration. Faculty and staff gathered together, showcasing their vitality and talent, while reflecting on the outstanding achievements over the past year, through a lively mix of captivating cultural performances, interactive games, surprise lucky draws, and the annual awards ceremony.
Honoring Excellence and Inspiring Progress
In 2024, the School demonstrated unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements across teaching, research, curriculum-based ideological and political education, academic competitions, and social services. The School secured the approval of 4 national-level and 7 provincial/ministerial-level scientific research projects, and published 6 papers in top-tier academic journals. Both the number of research projects and the volume of published outcomes surpassed those of the previous year. As a national pioneer in publishing disciplinary construction, the School took the national lead in enrolling students for doctoral programs in publishing, and initiated related laboratory construction. It submitted over 10 policy advisory and research reports to the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee. Faculty members earned university-level and provincial-level honors in competitions such as the Young Teachers' Teaching Competition, Higher Education Teachers' Teaching Innovation Competition, Converged Media Publishing Innovation and Creativity Competition, Outstanding Academic Paper Awards in Publishing Disciplines, and the Taofen Cup National Book Editing and Proofreading Skills Competition, as well as recognitions in the selection of Tianjin's second batch of Curriculum-based Ideological and Political Education demonstration courses, Tianjin first-class undergraduate courses, and the second batch of Tianjin higher education institutions' outstanding textbooks for Curriculum-based Ideological and Political Education. Approved as a submitting institution of teaching and research for China News Awards, the School's debut submissions won two awards—the highest number among newly added submitting institutions. Additionally, the application of the Intelligent Media and Metaverse Industry-Education Integration Consortium jointly led by the School, Xinhua Net, and Dongying Vocational College, passed the review of the Ministry of Education.
School leaders Ma Changhong, Chen Na, Chen Peng, and Li Hui presented trophy awards to faculty recipients of annual awards including the Outstanding Contribution Award, Academic Contribution Award, Special Contribution Award, Teaching Innovation Competition Award, Outstanding Young Faculty Award, Excellent Curriculum-based Political and Ideological Education Award, Excellent Thesis Supervision Award, and Excellent Service Award. These accolades aimed to inspire all faculty and students to continue their hard work in the coming year and strive for new heights.
Excellent Talent Show and Wonderful Cultural Performances
The cultural performance part unfolded as a spectacular showcase of talent. Liang Xiaojian, Zhang Huan, Yu Mengli, Li Weijia, and Zuo Chaoyuan captivated the audience with their witty sanju ban show (a three-actor comedic skit) I Love My Job, humorously portraying the School's dedicated workaholics' genuine passion for their profession. Wu Yike and Chen Qiumin's soulful solos I Do and The One, alongside Wang Ruoxuan and Kong Xiangyu's enchanting duet Myth, stirred profound emotions. Chen Peng's majestic recorder rendition of Iron, Blood and Loyal Heart transported listeners into a musical reverie, while the quartet of Chen Na, Liu Yunfeng, Sun Dehong, and Wang Shan harmonized in Waves of Honghu Lake, their chorus resonating throughout the venue. The School leaders delivered a poetic recitation Hello, New Year. Their eloquent verses conveyed heartfelt blessings for the faculty and students alongside aspirations for the School's future development. Professors Liu Yunfeng, Sun Dehong, and Wang Xiaohui offered the audience with a masterful calligraphy demonstration Greeting the Spring Festival with Auspicious Characters, where the artistry of fu (blessing) characters amplified the festive spirit. As the teachers joyfully vied to receive these symbols of prosperity, they immersed themselves in the timeless charm of traditional Chinese culture.
Games Forge Bonds and Interaction Strengthens Ties
The interaction session featured creatively designed fun games including Visit Three Gardens, Whisper, Gesture and Guess, and Describe and Draw, which not only tested teachers' teamwork, but also deepened collegial friendships. In the game of Whisper, Gesture and Guess, young teachers and professors formed opposing teams. Their earnest yet lively performances elicited waves of laughter. The all-participant Visit Three Gardens game became a delightful test of quick reflexes. Especially in the Nankai Garden round, teachers expressed profound affection for the university.
The gala reached its climax during the lucky draw part, when Niu Wenli, Deputy Secretary of the CPC NKU Committee, joined via video link to announce surprise grand prizes, electrifying the atmosphere on-site.
Culminating the event, Ma Changhong elucidated the spiritual essence embedded in the Nankai University Anthem. Led by Chen Qiumin, all teachers sang the anthem together, voicing collective aspirations for an even brighter future for Nankai University.
