Pursuit of what is true and new and application of knowledge – history for informing the present and inspiring the future.
Nankai University celebrates the centenary of its history discipline in this golden autumn. A century of glory inspires the aspiration, and a new journey begins, bristling with vigor. On October 5, the meeting celebrating the centenary of Nankai University’s history discipline was held at Datong Student Center of Jinnan Campus.
Today’s Nankai campus has a jubilant air: Banners are strung aloft and colorful flags are flying at the Faculty of History. Teachers, students and alumni took photos in front of the faculty building to reminisce about the beautiful youthful years. At the venue, the faculty motto of “Pursuit of what is true and new, and application of knowledge” gives a powerful and soul-stirring feeling, telling the history of Nankai University’s history discipline and showing the wisdom of Nankai University people to see the reality and future from a historical perspective. Wisdom is born of hundred-year development, and virtue and merit are the result of pioneering efforts. In the new era, Nankai University forges ahead in pursuit of excellence in history discipline.
At 10 a.m., the conference began amidst the solemn sound of the national anthem.
The conference was attended by Luo Baoming, former Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee and an alumnus; Zhang Yuanlong, a former member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, former deputy director-general of the Standing Committee of the Tianjin Municipal People’s Congress, and advisor to the Yan Xiu Research Association and Zhang Boling Research Association; Yu Zhenqi, former Chinese ambassador to Bulgaria and an alumnus; Jin Runcheng, former director-general of Tianjin Municipal Education Commission and an alumnus; Zhang Jing, former dean of Tianjin Education and Enrollment and Examination Institute and an alumna; Zhang Guogang, a senior liberal arts professor of Tsinghua University and an alumnus; Zhang Jian, former president of Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences and an alumnus; Wang Xiaode, a first-class professor at Fujian Normal University and an alumnus; Li Defu, chairman of Tianjin VCAN Holdings Group Co., Ltd. and an alumnus; Huang Shiqing, former deputy director of the Theory Department of People’s Daily, former editor-in-chief of People's Tribune and an alumnus; Li Jianming, a first-class professor at Fudan University and an alumnus; Wen Guipeng, president of Nankai University Los Angeles Alumni Association, chairman of American Paradise International Enterprise and an alumnus; Li Qingxin, president of Guangdong Historical Society, former director of the Institute of History of Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences and an alumnus; Zou Wenkai, secretary of the Party Committee of the Training Center of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and an alumnus; Chen Jie, deputy editor-in-chief of Tianjin Daily and an alumnus; Yin Yongqing, a member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and vice president of Tianjin Haihe Media Center and an alumnus; Wang Yongli, vice president of the Party School of Tianjin Municipal Party Committee and an alumnus; Zhang Ya, secretary of the Party Committee of Tianjin University of Commerce and an alumnus; Du Changyou, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of Tianjin University of Technology and an alumnus; Zhao Xianfeng, secretary of the Party Committee of Yanshan University and an alumnus; Guo Changhong, deputy secretary-general of China Television Arts Committee and an alumnus; Ren Wei, director of Henan Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage and an alumnus; Xu Xingyun, secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of Tianjin Normal University and an alumnus; Chen Li, deputy general manager of the Financial Interbank Department of China Minsheng Bank and an alumnus; Liu Daogang, executive deputy director of Tianjin Municipal Transportation Commission and an alumnus; Xu Yingwu, chief of Wuqing District, Tianjin and an alumnus; Hu Zhigang, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of Tianjin Foreign Studies University and an alumnus; Li Weizhong, president of Guangxi Yulin Normal University and an alumnus; Ding Hao, vice president of Beijing Foreign Studies University and an alumnus; Meng Lihua, managing director of Zhejiang Ming An Chao Ju Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. and an alumnus; Hu Yuanzhi, deputy general manager of Strategic Comprehensive Department of China Reform Holdings Co., Ltd. and an alumnus; Xue Mingming, deputy director of the Supervision Office of the General Office of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee; Bu Xianqun, director of the Institute of Ancient History of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS); Xia Chuntao, director of the Institute of Modern and Contemporary History of the CASS; Yang Yanqiu, secretary of the Party Committee and director of the Institute of Historical Theory of the CASS and an alumna; Luo Wendong, secretary of the Party Committee and deputy director of the Institute of World History of the CASS; Li Zhenghua, deputy director (presiding) of the Institute of Contemporary China of the CASS and an alumnus; Lu Yusong, secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission and Vice President of the History Research of China; Guan Xiaowu, deputy director (presiding) of the Institute of History of Natural Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, et al.
Yang Qingshan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Nankai University; Chen Yulu, President of Nankai University; Hong Guoqi, former Secretary of the Party Committee of Nankai University; Xue Jinwen, Chairman of Tianjin Federation of Social Sciences and former Secretary of the Party Committee of Nankai University; Kong Fanfeng, former Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Nankai University; Feng Erkang, an honorary professor at Nankai University; Nan Bingwen, a senior professor; Zhang Yingze, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Dean of the School of Medicine of Nankai University; Bu Xianhe, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering of Nankai University; and Niu Wenli, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Nankai University attended the conference. Nearly 1,000 people, including Han Dongyu, former Vice President of Northeast Normal University, and leaders of history schools and departments of sister universities including Peking University, Tsinghua University, Renmin University of China, Beijing Normal University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, East China Normal University, Nanjing University, Zhejiang University, University of Science and Technology of China, Xiamen University, Shandong University, Wuhan University, Sun Yat-sen University, and Sichuan University, leaders of some middle schools as basic talent training and teaching bases for history high school students, representative entrepreneurs, staff of functional departments of Nankai University, and teachers and students from sister universities and the Faculty of History attended the conference. The Association of Chinese Historians, the Harvard-Yenching Institute, the Institute for the History of Science of Max Planck Institute for the Advancement of Science, the Institute of History and Philology of Academia Sinica in Taiwan, the Department of History of National Taiwan University, the Oriental History Institute of the University of Tokyo and other friendly organizations sent congratulatory letters, expressing warm congratulations on the 100th anniversary of Nankai University’s history discipline.
On behalf of the university, Chen Yulu extended a warm welcome to the guests and alumni present. He said that as the country celebrates the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Nankai University celebrates the 100th anniversary of its history discipline. The study of history is to study the “destiny” of nation and mankind. More than 100 years ago, at the invitation of Zhang Boling, former President of Nankai University, Liang Qichao, a guru behind the “revolution of historical circles”, came to teach at the university, initiating the vigorous development of research on the history of modern China. Nankai University’s history discipline, born in the May Fourth era, mirrors China’s modern higher education and academic development. Over the past 100 years, Nankai University has made enterprising efforts to consolidate foundation in history discipline, has seen the emergence of a group of Nankai historians represented by Zheng Tianting and Lei Haizong, and has led the way in many fields of history. It has created the academic disciplinary characteristics of “fusion of Chinese and foreign, as well as ancient and modern knowledge” and the historical spirit of “pursuit of what is true and new and application of knowledge”, having produced tens of thousands of outstanding talents in the field of history for the country and the nation.
Chen Yulu said that at the new starting point, Nankai University’s history discipline should take advantage of the centenary to follow General Secretary Xi Jinping’s expositions on philosophy and social sciences, especially on science of history, hold fast to the scientific stance of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, establish an original and unique conceptual system of category, employ scientifically sound research methods to put forward concise original academic concepts, innovate historical theory and methodology with Chinese characteristics while keeping to the right path, and make new contributions to accelerating the establishment of a world-oriented independent knowledge system that features confidence and self-reliance for Chinese-style modernization and promoting the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and building a modern civilization. History discipline is a banner of Nankai University and a key supporting discipline for the university to become a “Double First-class” university. The university will, as always, support the history discipline in becoming a world-class discipline, and hope to work with all sections of society and alumni to bring new glory to Nankai University’s history discipline.
We can better see the importance of Nankai University’s history discipline in the academic circles at home and abroad from the perspective of its development over the past century. Based on academic tradition, Yu Xinzhong, Dean of the Faculty of History, reviewed the 100-year development of Nankai University’s history discipline by keeping the finger on the pulse of the times and focusing on the academic frontiers.
Over the past hundred years, Nankai University’s history discipline has ranked among the best for its indicative resources and achievements. In the early days, the pioneering work of Liang Qichao and Jiang Tingfu, the masters, laid the groundwork for Nankai University’s history discipline. In the 1950s, Mr. Zheng Tianting, head of the History Department of Peking University, and Lei Haizong, head of the History Department of Tsinghua University, joined Nankai University, making it a first-class university where well-known masters gathered. After the reform and opening up, Nankai University’s three second-level disciplines of history of ancient China, history of modern and contemporary China and history of regions and nations were rated as national key disciplines, and were also rated as a first-level key discipline of history, putting Nankai University on a par with Peking University. In the early 21st century, Nankai University’s Key Research of Social History of China and the Research Center for the History of Modern World were approved as key humanities and social science research bases of the Ministry of Education. In the recent ranking of world-class disciplines, Nankai University’s world history discipline was rated as a world-class discipline twice. These achievements are the results of unremitting efforts made by Nankai University’s history researchers. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Department of History of Nankai University, in addition to setting up three teaching and research rooms for history of ancient China, history of modern and contemporary China and world history, created four research offices for history of Ming and Qing dynasties, history of the USA, history of Japan and history of Latin America, which becomes the basic landscape of Nankai University’s history discipline. The discipline is characterized by the balanced development of study on Chinese history and world history as well as the fusion of Chinese and foreign, as well as ancient and modern knowledge. After the reform and opening up, on the basis of strengthening studies on the history of regions, nations, dynasty, institutions, historiography, historical philology, and classical civilization, Nankai University’s history discipline was the first to run a program in museology in China, and pioneeringly launched emerging studies on the history of political thought, social history and history of North China. In the new century, frontier research areas such as environmental history, medical history, history of world modernization, history of rural areas, history of everyday life, history of new revolution, Byzantine history and Hellenistic studies, as well as the history of science and technology, and the history of material culture develops in the fertile academic soil of Nankai University’s flourishing history discipline. In recent years, the Faculty has attracted many outstanding talents. It currently has approximately 120 professional teachers, including 14 national-level talents. Young teachers aged below 45 account for 47% of all teachers. The faculty’s motto of “Pursuit of what is true and new and application of knowledge” nicely reflects its academic style of realistic and pragmatic approach, trailblazing and innovation, its open and inclusive operation, and the goal of cultivating talents and serving society. It is this spirit that has enabled Nankai University’s history discipline to march forward with one mind and scale new heights in spite of difficulties and setbacks over the past century. It is because of this immortal spirit that Nankai University’s centennial history discipline can make new progress in the current times.
At the conference, Lu Yusong, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission and Vice President of the History Research of China; Wang Qisheng, Dean of the History Department of Peking University; David Pomfret, Dean of the Faculty of Arts of the University of Hong Kong; and Li Xilong, Dean of the School of Literature of Nankai University, congratulated on the centenary of Nankai University’s history discipline on behalf of research institutions, sister universities and Nankai University’s schools and colleges. They said that Nankai University’s history discipline community, as a key area for historical research, has a profound academic tradition and a first-class academic climate. It is famous far and wide for its complete discipline, well-known teachers, outstanding graduates and excellent achievements. Nankai University’s 100-year history discipline is also the 100-year course of China’s new science of history. It is the pioneer and model of China’s century-old history science. For a long time, Nankai University’s history discipline has cooperated with research institutions and sister universities, and has forged a deep relationship through extensive academic exchanges. Going forward, bilateral exchanges and cooperation will be strengthened to create new glory and contribute more to accelerating the establishment of an independent knowledge system of philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics.
Fan Zeng, honorary president of the History Branch of Nankai Alumni Association, and tenured professor and tenured trustee of Nankai University; Luo Baoming, former Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee; Li Jianming, a first-class professor at Fudan University; Wen Guipeng, president of Nankai Los Angeles Alumni Association; and Zhang Guogang, president of the History Branch of Nankai Alumni Association and a senior professor at Tsinghua University, spoke as representatives of alumni at home and abroad. They said that Nankai University’s history discipline is a paragon of rigorous scholarship, and has significantly benefitted their growth. Nankai University’s century-old history discipline is well-known at home and abroad and is a shining brand of Nankai University. It provides emotional sustenance and spiritual power for generations of Nankai University’s history researchers. Going forward, we will pay continued attention to the development of Nankai University’s history discipline, and offer advice and suggestions for its new progress in the new era.
Feng Erkang, an honorary professor at Nankai University; Li Jinzheng, a distinguished professor at Nankai University; and Hao Yating, a doctoral student enrolled at the Faculty of History in 2022, spoke as representatives of retired teachers, current teachers and current students respectively, recalling their precious memories of studying and working at Nankai University. They said that Nankai University’s history researchers will, as always, uphold Nankai University’s “way of great learning”, keep alive the creative spirit of “new history science”, have a big picture of the times, bring new glory to Nankai University’s history discipline, and contribute to the development of history studies in China and the world.
As a tribute to the century-old history discipline, the Faculty of History, with the support of Nankai University, and compiled and published the academic achievements of publicly recognized veteran historians who have made outstanding contributions to the development of Nankai University’s history discipline over the past 100 years, thereby summarizing the development course of Nankai University’s history discipline. The new book release ceremony for Collected Works ofNankai University’s History Discipline was held at the commemorative conference. Li Zhi’an, Chen Zhiqiang and Liu Yi, professors at the Faculty of History of Nankai University, and Liu Qing, president of Tianjin People’s Publishing House, jointly unveiled the book Collected Works ofNankai University’s History Discipline.
The Faculty of History received great support from alumni and from all walks of life during its development. On the occasion of the centenary, the Faculty of History launched the Alumni Aiding Century-old History Discipline Campaign, receiving approximately 3 million yuan in donations and 4 in-kind donations. The donation ceremony for the centenary of Nankai University’s history discipline was held on site. Niu Wenli, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Nankai University, presented commemorative plaques to the representative donors.
Under the proposal of Mr. Fan Zeng, the Faculty of History set up the “Nankai University Showroom for Historical Materials” to honor the great scholars who contributed to Nankai University’s history discipline, highlight the arduous and down-to-earth academic exploration of Nankai University historians, expound on the evergreen cultural and historical soul, and inspire colleagues and students to keep alive the creative spirit of “new history science”. At the commemorative meeting, Xue Jinwen, Yang Qingshan, Nan Bingwen and Wang Xiaode jointly inaugurated the Nankai University Showroom for Historical Materials.
The centenary echoes the 100-year-long reflections. The immortal spirit ensures the evergreen history study. Over the past 100 years, Nankai University’s history discipline has adhered to the academic essence, and nurtured talents and served society with a pragmatic, pioneering and innovative academic atmosphere, and the spirit of pioneering work and pursuit of excellence. In the new century, Nankai University’s history discipline will, as always, lead the way for the development of China’s history study, and work tirelessly to create China’s own system of discipline, knowledge and theory.
“The spirit of Nankai University stands proudly, on the shore of the Bohai Sea, near the Haihe River...” When the anthem of Nankai University was played, the guests, teachers, students and alumni stood up and sang in unison, expressing a wish for new glory for Nankai University’s history discipline.
It is learned that in order to keep alive the spirit of history study and compose a new chapter on the occasion of the centenary of Nankai University’s history discipline, the Faculty of History held the Centennial Lecture on Nankai University’s history discipline, the Forum for the Presidents (Department Heads) of National First-class History Disciplines, the Consulting Forum for Development of History Discipline, and the Symposium on the Joint Promotion of Historical Studies by Research Institutes and Universities; published and exhibited memorial documents on century-old history discipline, and prepared to launch a series of academic month activities for Nankai University’s centennial history discipline, summit forums and youth forums for various areas, demonstrating the history discipline’s academic disciplinary characteristics of “fusion of Chinese and foreign, as well as ancient and modern knowledge”.
