On September 9th, Academician Li Jian, honored as a 2024 National Model Teacher, returned from Beijing with great recognition. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Zhang Zhikun, the Party Secretary of NEFU; Song Wenlong, NEFU President; Vice President Li Mingze; and representatives of the faculty and students.
Party Secretary Zhang Zhikun highlighted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 40th Teachers’ Day. The recognition of 12 national model teachers, including Academician Li Jian, at such a significant moment reflects the Party Central Committee’s deep commitment to education under President Xi Jinping’s leadership. These national model teachers represent more than 18 million educators across the country. Through their heartfelt dedication and selfless contributions, they embody the spirit of educators and have made lasting contributions to the nation’s development.
Zhang Zhikun expressed that Academician Li Jian’s recognition is an excellent source of pride for Northeast Forestry University, and it has filled all faculty and students with immense joy. He emphasized the importance of learning from and promoting Li Jian’s achievements, encouraging teachers to follow the example of those around them. Zhang urged educators to stay committed to a sense of patriotism, nurture moral integrity, and cultivate the wisdom needed to teach with care, adapting to the needs of each student. He also called on teachers to maintain a spirit of diligence, truth-seeking, and innovation in their work, foster a genuine love for teaching and students, and embrace selfless dedication. Lastly, he emphasized the need for a global perspective and pursued the higher purpose of shaping minds and cultures through education.
President Song Wenlong proclaimed that Academician Li Jian had brought great honor to NEFU, elevating the university’s reputation to new heights. This recognition is a source of immense pride for the entire NEFU community, and all faculty and students will cherish and value this honor. For years, generations of NEFU teachers, represented by Academician Li, have dedicated their youth and energy to their students and the university, achieving remarkable results in the seemingly ordinary role of educators. Song emphasized the pivotal role of Academician Li Jian’s example in promoting the values of “self-cultivation and academic rigor, nurturing both students and trees.” He encouraged all NEFU teachers to follow this example, as it inspires and motivates them to persevere and demonstrate loyalty through hard work, embodying the unique "NEFU spirit" of educators.
Academician Li Jian expressed his gratitude to NEFU for nurturing him. He reaffirmed his commitment to educating future generations for the Party and the nation while upholding integrity, focusing on research, and pursuing innovation. He emphasized the importance of political awareness and historical responsibility in building a solid education system, and he pledged to cultivate top-tier talent, produce world-class achievements, and make significant contributions. Li vowed to contribute to the revitalization of Heilongjiang Province and develop a robust education system in the new era.
Li Jian is at the award ceremony.
