Zhang Gaoli visits Tianjin University

Zhang Gaoli and other officials have dinner with students

Zhang Gaoli, Party Secretary of Tianjin municipality, visited Tianjin University and Nankai University on June 19. Zhang, accompanied by Tianjin University officials, visited the United Research Institute of Tianjin and Nankai University and heard work reports from both universities. Gong Ke, President of Tianjin University, briefed the visitors on the history of the university. Originally established in 1895 as Peiyang University, Tianjin University is the first university in modern Chinese education history.

Later Zhang held talks with professors and students from both universities. He recalled his own college experiences and campus life and shared them with the students. To the students’ surprise, he read a poem he wrote in his youth to the audience passionately. “On the path of life are too many turns, I can’t go without my dreams… when I feel lonely and helpless, they give me hope and strength.”

When asked about newly planned additions to both universities, Zhang told students that the future sites will be along the southern bank of Hai He River, a major river flowing through Tianjin into the Bo Hai Gulf. “Tianjin University and Nankai University have made great contributions to Tianjin’s development, that is why the municipal government left the best place for you,” he said. Zhang also promised a speech for students on the coming National Day holiday. After the talks, he had dinner with professors and students in the canteen of Tianjin University.

By Guo Changdong