A total of 74 staff members of Shanxi University were awarded with national commemorative medals, according to university officials.

The honor winners include 56 retired cadres, nine people who participated in the revolution before the founding of the PRC and nine people who once received honors and awards at the State level and above.

Among them are professors Peng Kunchi, Xie Changde, Guo Guichun, Yang Pin, Cheng Fangqin, Zhang Shengwan, Dong Chuan, Zhang Jing and Zhang Kuanshou.

The medals were jointly issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The medals were awarded to individuals, including living veterans and comrades who participated in the work on the revolution before the founding of the PRC.

They were also awarded to living individuals who received honors and awards at the state level and above after the founding of the PRC.

Other recipients were living service personnel and veterans who received honors above the first-class merit citation for fighting wars after the founding of the PRC -- and foreign friends who have made outstanding contributions to the founding of the PRC.

Officials said the awarding of the medals is of significance to promoting patriotic education, fostering and practicing core socialist values -- as well as strengthening the power to unite and the ability to inspire in the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

A celebration ceremony to congratulate the honor winners was held at Shanxi University on Sept 24. Principal Huang Guitian expressed his respect of the winners and showed his gratitude for their contributions to Shanxi University.

Principal Huang Guitian (center) poses for a photo with four winners of the national medals, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

The national medal in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]