On the morning of September 7th, to help new international students gain an in-depth understanding of CUMT’s history and cultural heritage, strengthen their knowledge of and emotional identification with China, and foster a profound sentiment of understanding and befriending China, the International College of CUMT specially invited Associate Professor Zhai Shilei—Vice Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Director of the Center for Area and Country Studies—to deliver a special lecture on university history entitled “CUMT: Then and Now” at the Online Lecture Hall of Wenchang Campus. International student counselors of the college and nearly 300 new international students attended the lecture.
In the lecture, Professor Zhai took the geographical location, historical culture and local customs of Xuzhou City as the starting point, and vividly introduced the humanistic environment and development background of CUMT. Afterwards, he systematically reviewed the university’s development course of more than 100 years since its founding, and elaborated on the extraordinary years when the university experienced 12 name changes and 14 relocations. With a large number of precious historical documents and video materials, he made an in-depth interpretation of the university’s educational philosophy, disciplinary characteristics and spiritual inheritance in different historical periods, leading the teachers and students present to review CUMT’s journey of forging ahead with determination and carrying forward its educational mission unceasingly.
The lecture was rich in content, supported by both pictures and texts, and explained in a simple and easy-to-understand way, which won warm applause from the teachers and students present. All the historical pictures displayed in this lecture were collected and organized by Professor Zhai through on-site investigations in many places at home and abroad over the years. These pictures hold important historical and academic value, fully demonstrating his profound accumulation and enthusiastic dedication to the research of the CUMT’s history.
Mike, a master’s student from Burkina Faso, shared his feelings after the lecture: “I am deeply honored to study at a century-old institution of higher education like CUMT. In the next three years, I will cherish this opportunity, study diligently and make progress, strive to successfully complete my studies with excellent grades, bring glory to my alma mater, and contribute my own strength to promoting friendly exchanges between China and my home country.”
The history education lecture of CUMT not only enhanced international students’ understanding of the university’s development process and their sense of belonging, but also further promoted cross-cultural communication and understanding, laying a solid foundation for cultivating international talents who understand, befriend and love China.
Text by: Fang Lizheng
Reviewed by: Fang Kun
