Tsinghua University celebrated its 109th birthday on Sunday. The event, coming at a time of global pandemic that compels social distancing, was held online, leveraging digital prowess for a reunion of the diverse Tsinghua community.

It’s a vibrant and intensely united community, within which there is no lack of enthusiasm for the online celebration despite long distances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter where they are, at home or abroad, Tsinghua teachers, students and alumni have united as one and send their best wishes and encouragement to the university and also to the world in this tough fight.

Tsinghua President Qiu Yong and Chairperson of the University Council Chen Xu, along with many other university leaders, attended Sunday’s anniversary ceremony on campus, extending their warm greetings and best wishes to all Tsinghua community members.

President Qiu said in his speech, “The year of 2020 demonstrates the resilience and strength of Chinese people in the face of adversity. We firmly believe that, this year will also witness the epic written collectively by humankind in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. As we confront this common challenge for humanity, Tsinghua has stood steadfastly with the nation and made concerted efforts to tackle this severe challenge. Tsinghua will shoulder the responsibility and strive to better contribute to the development of the nation and the future of humankind.”

He also noted, “I hope the online commemorative events will bring the community the same familiar warmth and a memorable experience. Tsinghua will always be the home for our students, faculty and alumni. I look forward to meeting you again in the brighter future that awaits us.”

At the ceremony, the medical teams from Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital received honorary awards and bouquets for their contributions on the front line in the heavily-hit Chinese city of Wuhan.

Chairperson Chen applauded their hard work in her remarks. “On this special occasion, we would like to express our sincere respect and gratitude towards the medical teams, including the one from the Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, who went to Wuhan when it was severely stricken by the virus. They are the brave warriors that embolden spirits in the time of gravest peril. Tsinghua University is proud of you. Tsinghua University is proud of our faculty and staff members, for their magnificent display of dedication and devotion during the fight against COVID-19.”

“The year 2020 marks a milestone for the nation, as China approaches the completion of its first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. For Tsinghua, 2020 marks the conclusion of its third nine-year plan and comprehensive reforms for building a world-class university. 2021 will witness the 110th anniversary of Tsinghua, which represents the start of a new phase of the University’s development,” Chen added. “In the bright future that awaits us, Tsinghua University will strive to maintain this momentum and head towards the fulfillment of our university’s developmental goals with confidence and determination.”

This year’s online celebrations also included academic forums, performances and competitions attended by teachers, students and alumni, as well as digital tours of the campus that took in exhibitions at Tsinghua’s history museum and art museum, a fascinating showcase of entries in Tsinghua University's Challenge Cup Technological Innovation Competition, and the 2020 THU CIE Exposition.

As part of the anniversary week celebrations, Tsinghua organized the Special Dialogue on online education in partnership with UNESCO, providing a platform for over 30 institutions and organizations in 17 countries and regions to share best practices and experiences in online education as an emergency response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

The university’s many schools and departments also organized their own celebratory activities online.