On the evening of December 17, the 4th Light of Excellence WUT Stories Performance Gala was successfully held in the Grand Auditorium of the West Campus. University leaders, middle-level administrators, representatives of retired faculty, alumni, teachers, and students gathered together to appreciate the “Most Beautiful” stories of the Wuhan University of Technology (WUT) community.

In his opening address, Meng Fangbing, Secretary of the CPC WUT Committee, noted that the Light of Excellence Storytelling Gala, as an important platform for campus cultural development, draws on real-life stories of WUT faculty members, students, and alumni. Through vivid stage reenactments, it showcases the WUT spirit of patriotism, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. The event presents a group of exemplary figures who are admirable, respectable, trustworthy, and worthy of emulation. Their stories are authentic, moving, and deeply resonant, inspiring all members of the community to uphold role models, learn from them, and strive for excellence, and to write more remarkable WUT stories through down-to-earth efforts, working together to create a brighter future for WUT.

Accompanied by the original song The Most Beautiful, Academician Jiang Desheng, a National “Most Beautiful Teacher”, Jin Min, a National “Most Beautiful Counselor”, Huang Ying, a National “Most Beautiful College Student”, and representatives of teachers and students shared their reflections on the meaning of “the Most Beautiful.”

With a slightly trembling yet powerful voice, Liu Shigui, a 94-year-old veteran of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and a recipient of the Commemorative Medal marking the 80th Anniversary of China’s Victory, declared, “Brother Song, please rest assured. Comrades, please rest assured. I will continue watching over our country. It will surely grow better and stronger.” At the event, Wang Xitao, a teacher from the University History Museum, recounted the moving story between Liu Shigui and the unnamed hero known as Brother Song.

Yao Zeyan, a student from the university’s first Pilot Training Program, recalled with deep emotion his journey from “dreaming of steering a ship” to becoming “the captain of captains.” His forty-year career of safeguarding the nation’s maritime gateway bore witness to the rise of China’s shipping industry. Zhang Jiulong, an alumnus of the Class of 2016, shared how he followed Yao’s example and, nurtured by his alma mater, mastered advanced piloting skills and grew into an outstanding pilot of the new era.

“Not only should we compete, but we should also demonstrate the wisdom and strength of Chinese youth on the international stage through independent innovation.” Teachers and students from the WUT Hybrid Formula Racing Team told the story of their first overseas competition, transforming distant foreign racetracks into the “youth home ground” of WUT students.

When “romance” meets “WUT”, what sparks will be ignited? Zhang Xiaowen, a professor known for teaching the university’s “most romantic course”, challenged stereotypes and led students on a journey of self-exploration using “personality cards” as the key.

Jia Feifei, a professor from the School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, ventured into the “Sea of Death” of Lop Nur and braved snow-covered mining regions, striving to restore clear waters and green mountains through scientific innovation while safeguarding national resource security. You Ya, a professor from the International School of Materials Science and Engineering, pushed the limits of lithium battery research and boldly explored scientific “no-man’s-land,” pursuing breakthroughs for energy solutions in extreme environments.

Accompanied by the heartfelt original song My Wuhan University of Technology and the passionate recitation Light of Excellence, the gala concluded successfully.

The event aims to enable teachers and students to feel the power of role models through artistic expression, strengthen their commitment to serving the nation, deepen their affection for WUT, draw spiritual nourishment from these moving stories, and gather strength for continued progress. 

Written by: Ding Shiqiong, Panwei

Reviewed by: Guan Shuaifeng

Rewritten by: Li Huihui

Edited by: Li Tiantian

Source: Publicity Department of the CPC WUT Committee