To deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on caring for the next generation, to fully leverage the positive role of the "Five Elders" in caring for and promoting the healthy growth of youth, and to advance grassroots party building work, the School of Statistics and Management at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics held the unveiling ceremony of the "Five Elders Workshop" and the themed seminar "Walking the Path of Life" — Stories of the "Five Elders" and Statistics on November 19, 2023.
On the morning of November 19, the unveiling ceremony was officially held. The participants included: Liu Qingsheng, Assistant to the President of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics; Mao Rongsheng, Executive Vice President of the School's Work Committee for Retired Cadres; Zhong Dehao, former Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Shanghai Municipal Planning Administration, Director of the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, and Senior Statistician; Yu Jiansheng, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Shanghai Pudong Social Development Foundation and former Deputy Director of the Pudong New District Civil Affairs Bureau; Chen Xinguang, Vice President of the Shanghai Statistical Society and Director of the Think Tank Center of the Shanghai Huaxia Social Development Research Institute; Jin Weizhong, former Secretary of the Party General Branch of the Statistics Department and Deputy Secretary of the University Disciplinary Committee; Ge Shouzhong, retired professor of the College of Statistics and Management; Zhang Mingfang, expert in the University Supervision Group and specially invited party organization member of the School's Work Committee for Retired Cadres; Yang Hui, Secretary of the Party Committee of the College of Statistics and Management; Li Nini, Deputy Secretary-General of the School's Work Committee for Retired Cadres; Wang Yuqin, full-time organization member of the College of Statistics and Management; and student and faculty representatives from the College of Statistics and Management. The meeting was hosted by Wang Ti, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the College of Statistics and Management.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Mao Rongsheng, Executive Vice President of the School's Committee on Caring for the Next Generation, introduced the background and nature of the "Five Elders" studio, emphasizing that the studio should strive to gather "Five Elders" resources from both inside and outside the school to promote the work of caring for the next generation in the secondary colleges and to accumulate experience for future promotion across the school. Then, Mr. Yang Hui, Secretary of the College Party Committee, introduced the construction plan of the "Five Elders" studio, detailing arrangements for subsequent work in areas such as participation in activities, organizing research, and theoretical studies. Assistant Principal Mr. Liu Qingsheng and Executive Vice President Mr. Mao Rongsheng jointly unveiled the "Five Elders" studio, and Mr. Yang Hui presented letters of appointment as special party-building counselors to the participating teachers on behalf of the college. At the end of the ceremony, Assistant Principal Mr. Liu Qingsheng delivered a speech congratulating the establishment of the "Five Elders" studio in the School of Statistics and Management and offered suggestions for work. He believes that the establishment of the "Five Elders" studio is of significant importance, serving as an innovative platform for gathering resources, an important carrier for party-building work, and a place for forming the college's "statistical characteristics." He hopes to effectively tell the "story of statistics at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics" in the future and contribute to the inheritance of the spirit of statistics.
"Strolling Along the Journey of Life" - A Thematic Seminar on the Stories of "Five Elders" and Statistics hosted by Director Zhuang Mei from the Academic Affairs Office. In the sharing of "The Stories of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Statistics," each teacher shared their experiences and stories addressing the challenges faced by students in their growth. The "Five Elders" shared their stories with statistics, inspiring young students to gain confidence in Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Statistics and draw spiritual strength from it.
Teacher Zhong Dehao began by sharing his experience of reading "Lei Feng's Diary," encouraging everyone to "be a noble person, transcend lowly interests, and do things that benefit the people." Teacher Zhong emphasized the importance of "doing good" and used the example of reviewing cadre files to remind students to maintain good conduct and to be honest, responsible, and accountable individuals.
Teacher Yu Jiansheng suggests that students explore widely on their journey of studying statistics, using his own experiences to illustrate that there are various challenges throughout life. From Teacher Yu's stories about statistics, students appreciate the value of lifelong learning and effective communication, and become more aware of the importance of being enthusiastic about public welfare, seizing opportunities, and showcasing their abilities. "Heaven rewards diligence, the earth rewards kindness, the professional path rewards excellence, and humanity rewards sincerity," Teacher Yu's encouragement will be remembered by the students.
Teacher Chen Xinguang recounted his accidental connection with statistics. At nearly fifty, he changed careers and audited classes at a financial university, and at the age of 58, he obtained his doctoral degree. "There are always more solutions than difficulties," Teacher Chen encouraged the students. Cherish the wonderful time in university, build a solid foundation in your discipline, practice your writing skills, and be a sincere and kind person. Teacher Chen's advice greatly benefited the students.
Teacher Jin Weizhong recalled the story of Teacher Jia, the first head of the Statistics Department after Shanghai University of Finance and Economics resumed its school operations in 1978. He recounted how Jia had submitted multiple applications to join the Communist Party, from which the students deeply felt the steadfast beliefs of the older generation of intellectuals. The phrase "Always follow the Party" gained new meaning in the students' hearts. Teacher Jin also shared how the old professor took time out of his busy schedule to visit him during his hospitalization, teaching him the importance of caring for subordinates and those around him.
Teacher Ge Shouzhong focused on cutting-edge issues in statistics, explaining to the students the "crisis and challenges" faced by contemporary statistics; this sparked in-depth reflection among the students on the question of "what is the way out for statistics in the era of big data." Teacher Ge also pointed the way for the students' learning, encouraging them to build a solid foundation in mathematics and computer science and to make contributions at the algorithmic level.
Teacher Zhang Mingfang shared her story of voluntarily signing up to go to Heilongjiang for farming and settling down. Through her, the students once again saw the kindness, honesty, responsibility, and accountability that the "Five Olds" have repeatedly emphasized. Teacher Zhang advised the students to cultivate innovative thinking and keep pace with the times, saying, "Only those who dare to challenge themselves can go further in the future."
At the exchange meeting, students actively participated in interactions and communications. In the future, the "Five Elders" studio will serve as one of the important carriers for the School of Statistics and Management to carry out comprehensive education, coordinate the five educations, and integrate characteristic party-building work, continuously playing an important role in serving talent cultivation and promoting the growth and maturity of youth.
