130th Anniversary: Tengzhou Alumni Donate to Tianjin University

On March 29, a donation ceremony rich in cultural significance was held at the Wang Xuezhong Art Research Institute. The Tianjin Alumni Association of Tengzhou No.1 High School donated six magnolia trees and a Tai Mountain stone, which will be permanently placed in Wang Xuezhong Art Research Institute (Min Garden).

Tengzhou, Shandong Province, is the hometown of Wang Xuezhong. The event gathered school leaders and alumni from Beijing, Tianjin, Jinan, and Qingdao. Zhang Peng, Chief Accountant of Tianjin University, Zhao Weihao, Principal of Tengzhou No.1 High School, and Jiao Ying, President of the Tianjin Alumni Association, delivered speeches.

Zhang Peng emphasized Wang Xuezhong's commitment to the "Four Self-Spirit," integrating patriotism and artistic individuality. He highlighted the donation as a testament to the cultural and artistic exchanges between Tianjin and Shandong. The magnolias symbolize the deep-rooted artistic and cultural heritage flourishing at Tianjin University Campus.

Zhao Weihao acknowledged Wang Xuezhong’s lasting contributions to his hometown and expressed hopes for strengthened cooperation between Tengzhou No.1 High School and Tianjin University in cultivating top talents. Jiao Ying described the Wang Xuezhong Art Research Institute as a spiritual home for alumni spanning six decades and three provinces, reflecting the school's profound influence.

In commemoration of Wang Xuezhong’s centenary, the institute also launched a call for academic submissions to document his artistic legacy. Having served as a professor at Tianjin University for 60 years, Wang Xuezhong donated numerous artworks to Tengzhou, inspiring generations.

During the ceremony, Tianjin University presented Tengzhou No.1 High School with Wang Xuezhong’s major works, while the high school reciprocated with a calligraphy reproduction created by Wang in 2013. The event concluded with the unveiling of the Tai Mountain stone and a tree-planting activity, symbolizing the enduring cultural ties between the two institutions.

By: Qin Mian