Math Alumnus Donates 13 Million to Alma Mater

On May 31, the inaugural meeting of the Tianjin University School of Mathematics Alumni Association and the alumni donation ceremony were held at Peiyangyuan Campus. The event coincided with the 130th anniversary of Tianjin University and brought together more than 70 mathematics alumni from across the country to witness this milestone moment for alumni solidarity and disciplinary development.

During the ceremony, Song Tao, a 1996 mathematics alumnus and the founder and chairman of Mega Group, announced a donation of 13 million RMB to establish the “Yitao Fund” in support of the university and the School of Mathematics. Song recalled that the mathematical knowledge he gained during his studies at Tianjin University laid a crucial foundation for his professional success. As an alumnus, he regards supporting the development of the School of Mathematics and contributing to the university’s “Double First-Class” initiative as a duty and honor.

Yang Xianjin, Secretary of the CPC Tianjin University Committee, accepted the donation on behalf of the university and presented Song with a donation certificate. Yang emphasized that mathematics education and the advancement of mathematical disciplines are fundamental to cultivating future talent. He noted that Song’s donation is not only a generous contribution but also a heartfelt commitment to the continued excellence of mathematics at Tianjin University. He encouraged alumni to remain actively engaged in the university’s future development.

Mathematics has long been a cornerstone of academic instruction at Tianjin University, tracing back to the university’s predecessor, Peiyang University. An independent mathematics department was established in 1946, followed by the founding of the School of Mathematics in 2016. In 2020, Tianjin University was approved to establish one of the first national centers for applied mathematics, marking a significant step forward in the high-quality development of the discipline.

By: Qin Mian