Proffessor Xie Shengwu and Wife Establish the “Congrong Scholarship and Grant” Through a Charitable Donation.
“Shanghai Jiao Tong University, I share a lifelong bond - it is the home I have loved all my life.”
Through this sincere declaration, Professor Xie Shengwu, former President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, expresses his enduring devotion to his alma mater. Having dedicated 65 years to SJTU, he and his wife, Ms. Gu Meifeng, recently donated their long-accumulated savings to establish the “Congrong Scholarship and Grant,” aimed at supporting students in nuclear-related programs within the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Mechanical Engineering. Through this tangible act of “remembering the source while drinking the water,” they have written a vivid chapter in a love for family and country that spans more than half a century.
On the morning of December 10, the donation signing ceremony was warmly held at the couple’s home. Those in attendance included Hu Weiwei, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Vice President of SJTU; Gu Guoying, Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering; Xiang Dao, Dean of the School of Physics and Astronomy; Li Yi, Deputy Director of the Development Office and Deputy Secretary-General of the Education Development Foundation; Zhu Lei, Vice Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering; and Zhu Min, Deputy Party Secretary of the School of Physics and Astronomy. The ceremony was presided over by Li Yi.
From a young student to the holder of the university seal, Professor Xie Shengwu’s connection with SJTU has spanned 65 years—coinciding with the latter half of the university’s 130-year history. In 1966, after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Reactor Engineering, he remained at SJTU, devoting himself to research, teaching, and administrative work. “I witnessed SJTU endure departmental restructuring and relocation, then take root and flourish, making significant contributions to higher education and the development of western China. I also witnessed the university seize the opportunities of reform and opening-up, rise again through the collective efforts of its leadership, faculty, staff, medical workers, and students, and ultimately grow into a world-class university.” His words at the ceremony were filled with sincerity and emotion.
This deep affection for SJTU is also shared by Ms. Gu Meifeng. She previously served as principal of the SJTU Xuhui Kindergarten and as Deputy Director of the Medical and Educational Center of the Logistics Group, quietly dedicating many years of service to the campus. For over two decades, the couple has consistently given back to their alma mater, donating numerous valuable documents and materials to the University Archives and History Museum Center, contributing to the preservation of campus culture.
At the signing ceremony, Professor Xie introduced his family’s long-standing ties with SJTU, fondly recalling his years of study and work at the university. He expressed deep gratitude for the nurturing he received from his alma mater and reaffirmed his enduring commitment to education. He emphasized his pride in having participated in and witnessed SJTU’s journey toward becoming a world-class university, stating his hope to “give back to the alma mater in gratitude” through the establishment of the fund, and expressing his wish that the “Congrong Scholarship and Grant” would inspire young students to pursue their dreams courageously. He also extended his heartfelt hopes for an even brighter future for SJTU.
“Rooted in gratitude, and fulfilled through giving back.” - These words encapulsate the core motivation behind the establishment of the scholarship by Professor Xie and Ms. Gu, and serve as a true reflection of his 65-year journey with SJTU. He said emotionally, “I am deeply grateful for the education provided by my alma mater, the guidance of my teachers, and the support of my colleagues. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, to the university that nurtured me.” This sincere gratitude has been transformed into concrete action, carrying with it heartfelt expectations for future generations.
In the presence of attending guests, Professor Xie Shengwu and Ms. Gu Meifeng signed the donation agreement together with Li Yi.”
On behalf of the university, Hu Weiwei presented the donation certificate and commemorative gifts to Professor Xie and Ms. Gu. Professor Xie, in turn, donated books to the university, encouraging faculty and students to study diligently, act with integrity, and carry forward cultural traditions.
During the discussion session, representatives from the beneficiary schools expressed their sincere gratitude for the couple’s generous support. They stated that they would cherish this trust and care, motivate students to transform it into a driving force for diligent study, and encourage them to give back to society in the future—living up to the expectations of both the university and the donors.
In her concluding remarks, Hu Weiwei once again conveyed the university’s heartfelt thanks and deep respect to Professor Xie and Ms. Gu. She noted that the establishment of the “Congrong Scholarship and Grant” represents strong affirmation of SJTU’s educational philosophy and achievements, as well as a powerful reflection of the couple’s concern for the nation’s future and the development of education. She emphasized that the university will manage and use the fund in a strict, standardized, and efficient manner to ensure it achieves the greatest possible impact in supporting student growth. She also expressed hope that faculty and students would draw inspiration from this act of generosity, fostering a campus culture rooted in gratitude, kindness, and mutual support.
The name “Congrong” (meaning calmness and composure) comes from Professor Xie Shengwu’s collected essays Walking Forward with Calm Resolve, for which Party Secretary Yang Zhenbin wrote the preface. Explaining the choice of name, Professor Xie said, “We hope to live with composure, confidence, steadiness, and practicality. We also hope students will cultivate broad minds—remaining grounded, free from impatience or vanity, able to coexist harmoniously with others, respect one another, stand independently, and face difficulties, risks, and challenges with calm resolve.” Prior to the event, Secretary Yang Zhenbin repeatedly expressed his sincere appreciation for the donation, noting that the word “Congrong” conveys Professor Xie’s life philosophy and embodies the hope that students will remain steady and resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
According to the plan, the “Congrong Scholarship and Grant” is established as a principal-preserving fund, with all annual proceeds used to support students—both rewarding academic excellence and assisting those with financial difficulties. Professor Xie revealed that the donation was made from his personal lifelong savings with the full support of his family. In the future, he and Ms. Gu may consider increasing the principal when appropriate, and they also welcome support from relatives, friends, and members of society, allowing this spirit of generosity to continue and grow. Any future allocation of additional funds will fully respect the wishes of donors.
Translate: Mingyuan Sun
Proofread: Rui Su
