Located near the bank of the Haihe River and on the Coast of the Sea of Bohai is the first Modern University in China - Tianjin University (TJU).
It is a university with a mission. Born in frustration by the defeat of the Sino-Japanese war in the late Qing Dynasty and with the decline of national power, the University upholds the banner of “revitalizing the country through promoting education” known as the original spirit of Chinese Higher Education. “To build a strong nation, it is crucial for the educational system to be established and developed for the preservation of talent.” With this aim, TJU is continuously contributing to the progress of the great undertakings of national rejuvenation and prosperity as well as the advancement of world civilization. To satisfy the increasing need in qualified higher education, TJU strives for its prime goal in cultivating talents, building innovative engineering disciplines, while integrating the ideas of value shaping, ability training and imparting knowledge through its educational system, encouraging undaunted inquiry into academic truth, to foster competent talent, to pass on cultural heritage, to buttress the progress of our nation and to create a promising future.
It is a university fulfilled with achievements. Tianjin University was first established in a time of danger, with its disciplinary construction designed based on training students with the skills and knowledge that the country urgently needed. As the foundation for developing the country through science in the early 20th century, multiple areas of progress were made in scientific research. The university, along with its faculty and students, had actively and enthusiastically participated in a series of patriotic revolutionary movements. The University also made contributions to the establishment of a higher educational system for the People's Republic of China, where Tianjin University played a role of "incubator", exploring an effective internal management system, offering advice and suggestions in training high-level elites. In each historical stage, Tianjin University always stood at the forefront of the times and adheres to its patriotic commitment with actions. Since the beginning of the new era, the University has focused on the major strategic needs of the country, focusing on the world’s latest scientific and technological developments, taking root in the basis of national economy development. TJU is constantly connected to multiple avenues to improve the quality of education and talent training, with the aim of contributing to the construction and development of industries in China.
It is a university with ideals and dreams. At this moment, it is the common aspiration of the faculty and staff of TJU to build a world-class university with Chinese and TJU characteristics.
TJU will head in the right direction, cling to the principles of talent cultivation with high moral standards, serve the overall interest, reform and innovate, build confidence, maintain its own characteristics, and train various talents to meet the needs of the country, making greater contributions in the fields of scientific research, social community, cultural inheritance and innovation, and international cooperation and exchange.
It is a long path to develop the university to be a world-class university. Heading into the future, we will continue to train excellent talents, guide the students with excellent spirit, culture and tradition, encourage them to think independently, innovate, and form a noble personality with lofty ideals. In addition, we will bring together the excellent talents from around the world to allow them full play of their strengths in an open, inclusive and trusting atmosphere. Meanwhile, we will continue to encourage faculty and students to explore cutting-edge areas, where faculty and students are able to be involved in solving major practical issues that relate to economic development, technological progress and social governance. Moreover, a modern university system is to be constructed where all the rules are derived from understanding the values and dignity of human beings and serve the growth and development of mankind.
This is a university with its own spirit. With a history of more than twelve decades, TJU is driven by unique characteristics, known as the Tianjin University style, including the motto “Seeking Truth from Facts”, the spirit of “precision in learning and strictness in teaching”, the tradition of “patriotism and devotion to the country” and the commitment to innovation, which has been closely integrated into the great undertakings of national rejuvenation and prosperity as well as the advancement of mankind. With great drawing power, this spirit is an important part of the modern university culture with Chinese characteristics, which is significant in leading the prosperity and development of social culture, as well as promoting cultural inheritance and innovation.
Now, the baton has been passed to me in the role of President of Tianjin University. It is my sincere wish to work with all faculty, students and alumni, in contributing to the university’s further development to benefit all. With joined hands, let us shoulder the responsibility endowed by history and create a brilliant future with self-improvement, reformation and a practical spirit.
Jin Donghan
President of Tianjin University
