On November 29th, Wuhan University celebrated its 120th birthday. Faculty, students, and guests from around the world gathered for the grand event.

Notable guests at the celebration included: Nobel Prize in Literature winner Jean Marie Gustave Le Clézio, Nobel Prize in Economics winner Christopher A. Pissarides, Vice President of Delft University of Technology Peter Wieringa, leaders from collaborative universities, thousands of alumni from home and abroad, the daughter of WHU previous president Wang Shijie - Professor Wang Qiuhua, son of Li Da - Professor Li Tianxin, members of the press, members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), senior professors in humanities and social sciences, along with WHU leaders, faculty and student representatives.

At the ceremony, the host, and chair of the WHU council, Han Jin pointed out that “after 120 years of exploration and hard work, Wuhan University is now standing at the threshold of becoming a leading global university with Chinese characteristics”.

WHU President Li Xiaohong added that during 120 years of development, WHU faculty and alumni have shown a love for their country, courage, freedom and tolerance in academic research, and a pursuit for great virtue and benevolence.

President of Peking University Wang Enge praised WHU as a forbearer for the development of higher education in modern China, and as a model for developing into a prestigious university.

Li Deren, WHU Professor and member of CAS and CAE, reviewed the history of university and expressed that he owed his career and academic success to WHU and his endearing love for WHU over 56 years at the school.

Then Han Jin and Li Xiaohong conferred awards of Excellent Alumni on those who has made outstanding achievements demonstrating the WHU spirit.

Mao Zhenhua, President of China Chengxin Credit Management Company and one of the seven excellent alumni, said his progress and achievements attribute to the education he received at WHU.

Amidst music, the grand ceremony came to an end. Attendees found themselves immersed in a joyful atmosphere.