“Admire the lofty mountain, follow the grand path; a century of seeking truth, benefiting the academic world.” On December 27, the seminar “Tribute to the Master · Passing the Torch” — Celebrating Professor Fang Hanqi’s 100th Birthday and 75 Years of Teaching and Research — was held. Representatives from the journalism and communication studies community, faculty and students, and media gathered at Renmin University of China to look back on the 75-year nurturing legacy of Professor Fang Hanqi, the leading authority in Chinese journalism history and Honorary First-Class Professor at Renmin University of China, and to discuss the inheritance and innovation in journalism and communication education and research.

The first half of the event was presided over by Zhang Huifeng, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China.

Accompanied by cheerful music, Professor Fang Hanqi slowly entered the venue surrounded by numerous guests, and the audience burst into prolonged applause.

Professor Fang Hanqi delivered humble and sincere remarks. He said that today coincided with his 100th birthday, which was merely an ordinary “small birthday,” and he sincerely thanked all the guests for attending. He modestly described his life as having “done nothing earth-shattering,” only ordinary teaching work that had simply lasted “a bit longer,” and he earnestly asked younger scholars and colleagues to “offer more guidance, more criticism, and more help” regarding any shortcomings in his work.

Zhang Donggang, Secretary of the Party Committee of Renmin University of China, expressed profound respect and best wishes to Professor Fang Hanqi. Zhang Donggang stated that Professor Fang Hanqi is an immortal monument in the field of Chinese journalism history, an exemplary “four-haves” good teacher, and a true “great master” who combines strictness with love, moistens others while refining himself, sets a standard in speech, and serves as a model in conduct. We should learn from his tireless and ever-progressing scholarly spirit, his exemplary demeanor of moral education and wholehearted nurturing of talent, and his sense of responsibility that embraces the nation and contributes to academia. These qualities should serve as a powerful spiritual force inspiring us to move forward, consciously linking our academic pursuits closely with the cause of the Party, the country, and the people, and making new and greater contributions to the prosperity and development of China’s philosophy and social sciences. We wish the professor good health, lasting happiness, and a boundless lifespan.

At the event, Professor Fang Hanqi and Zhang Donggang jointly unveiled the dedicated donation section for Fang Hanqi’s book collection at the Documentation Center of the School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China. Since beginning his teaching career, Professor Fang Hanqi has donated 3,045 books related to journalism and communication to support research in journalism history and promote the development of the discipline.

Young faculty representatives from the School of Journalism at Renmin University of China presented flowers to Professor Fang Hanqi.

Professor Fang Hanqi, Zhang Donggang, along with academic representatives and disciple representatives, took the stage together to cut the birthday cake.

All attending guests sang “Happy Birthday” to Professor Fang Hanqi in unison, their voices filled with deep respect and warm blessings from generations spanning decades.

Gao Shiyi, President and Secretary of the Party Committee of Encyclopedia of China Publishing House, presented 100 copies of the book A Century of Seeking Truth — Fang Hanqi’s Autobiography to Renmin University of China and expressed gratitude and respect to Professor Fang Hanqi in his speech.

The attending guests jointly watched the documentary film Tribute to the Master · Passing the Torch, retracing through the lens Professor Fang Hanqi’s lifelong dedication to journalism history research, witnessing every moment of this century-spanning academic journey, and gaining insight into his tireless teaching demeanor and his wisdom of returning to simplicity in life.

Chinese Association for History of Journalism and Communication, the School of Journalism at Fudan University, the School of Journalism and Communication at Peking University, the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, and other institutions and individuals sent congratulatory letters expressing deep respect and best wishes to Professor Fang Hanqi.

The second half of the event was presided over by Wang Runze, Vice Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China.

Takahashi Nansheng (Zhuo Nansheng), Professor Emeritus at Ryukoku University in Japan; Wu Tingjun, Professor at the School of Journalism and Information Communication, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Ni Yannian, Professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing Normal University; Jiang Fei, Vice President of the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Sui Yan, Dean of the School of Journalism at Communication University of China and President of Chinese Association for History of Journalism and Communication; and Zhang Taofu, Dean of the School of Journalism at Fudan University, delivered tributes as representatives of the academic community.

Yin Yungong, former Director of the Institute of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Cheng Manli, Professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, Peking University; and Chen Changfeng, Professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, Tsinghua University, shared their profound reflections as disciple representatives on their mentor’s scholarly spirit, exemplary teaching style, and academic legacy.

Zhou Yong, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China, expressed profound respect to Professor Fang Hanqi in his concluding remarks and thanks. He said that it is a great honor and happiness to grow and teach in a school founded by senior scholars represented by Professor Fang Hanqi. He sincerely thanked all the guests present for their genuine blessings to Professor Fang Hanqi and stated that what we have inherited from our predecessors today is both glory and responsibility; the best way to pay tribute to them is to pass on the cause well.

During the event, attending guests presented flowers and blessings to Professor Fang Hanqi one after another, and he interacted warmly with them, signing autographs and taking group photos.

Translator: Naziyeerke Bahetinuer, Tao Jiayi, Zhang Xiaowen