Here is the English translation of the provided text: "Lofty University, Centennial Stars: Fudan's Centennial Alumni Witness China's Century"

Author: Zhou Guifa
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: In the history of Fudan University, there have been many centenarians such as Ma Xiangbo (1840—1939), Sun Yuqiji (1893—1995), and Su Bujing (1902—2003). The founder of Fudan, Ma Xiangbo, was born in 1840, the year the Opium War broke out. By the time he reached his centenary in 1939, it was a time when the flames of the Anti-Japanese War were raging across the Chinese mainland. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sent a congratulatory message, praising him as "the Light of the Nation and the Auspiciousness of Humanity." This reflects a deep recognition of the importance of cultural revitalization and education saving the nation in the face of national crisis. In October 1992, Sun Yuqiji, an alumnus of Fudan, celebrated his centenary, during which he was warmly received by General Secretary Jiang Zemin. On September 22, 2001, a grand celebration was held at Fudan University to mark the centenary of Su Bujing, the former president of the university, and the 70th anniversary of his return to teach in China. Chen Zhili, then Minister of Education, attended the event and delivered an inspiring speech. On September 6, 2005, General Secretary and President Hu Jintao paid a warm visit to the centenarian, Lei Jieqiong, representing the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in congratulating her on her centenary.
Eminent scholars, the glory of academia. Today, as Fudan celebrates its centennial, we are delighted to see that the university has nine centenarian alumni—Yang Guoliang (107), Li Zhongnan (106), Xia Zhengong (102), Lei Jieqiong (101), Yan Youyun (101), Cai Shangsi (101), Zhou Youguang (100), Qian (100), and Li Zhaoxuan (100)—celebrating the milestone with the motherland. "Majestic Fudan, the Light of the Nation," this is the blessing of all Fudan people. In the publications for the centennial celebration, I believe this book is unique and innovative. The compilers have sifted through vast amounts of material, recovered historical details, and unearthed touching moments, allowing us to glimpse the splendid lives of the nine alumni over a century. Among them are distinguished national leaders, academic masters with numerous works, dedicated professors devoted to teaching and nurturing students, and physicians who always remember the sacred duty of healing. Some have long been engaged in diplomacy abroad, while others have selflessly contributed to academia across the mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Some have served Fudan throughout their lives, while others spent only a brief time at the university. What differs is the colorful and enduring life stories of each elder, but what remains the same is the shared theme of Fudan in their narratives.
This illustrated book is an excellent teaching tool: from the lives of the nine elders, you can read the century-long journey of the Chinese nation, experience the spirit of Fudan's dedication to society over a century, and feel the deep affection of Chinese intellectuals for education and their sacred responsibility to the nation. I highly recommend this book to administrators at all levels of higher education. Managing a university is a more demanding and complex spiritual activity than managing a business. In a sense, university management involves guarding the nation's culture. It requires scientific methods, a sacred sense of mission, and a deep understanding and creative spirit toward education and culture. The life stories of the nine elders, deeply committed to education and the nation, serve as a valuable reminder for us.
I also recommend this book to teachers. In the information age, civilizational dialogue, cultural inheritance, and knowledge innovation face more complex challenges than ever before, requiring minds that can match these demands. The wise lives of the nine elders can serve as a mirror for reflection and learning. I am willing to recommend this book to students. How to utilize the century-old heritage and rich resources of renowned Chinese universities to continuously improve themselves is a major challenge before you. From the nine elders, you can draw abundant nourishment. They remained steadfast in their principles despite adversity and never forgot their mission, becoming unwavering bearers, creators, and inheritors of the spirit of the university. They are worthy of lifelong respect as excellent teachers and mentors.
I also recommend this book to friends from all walks of life. The nine elders have all led extraordinary lives. They have transformed society with knowledge, reshaped the nation with culture, and written their own stories through hard work, serving as the spiritual symbol of countless aspiring individuals over the past century. Through reading about them, we can find role models, goals for struggle, and guidance for our journey forward.