Date: September 29, 2025

Publisher: Autumn Light Magazine

Zhu Peixian, a 73-year-old retired associate professor from Jinan University’s Medical College, has been recognized as an “Exemplary Retired Cadre in Guangdong Province” for her dedicated service to retired faculty members. As Secretary of the Second Party Branch of Retired Faculty and President of the Medical College Retired Association, she has been instrumental in organizing activities, supporting elderly colleagues living alone, and maintaining round-the-clock communication channels—earning her the affectionate nickname “Commander Zhu.”

Since assuming her role as Party Branch Secretary in 2019, Zhu has been serving 171 retired faculty members at the Medical College. She places strong emphasis on theoretical study and ideological development within the branch, implementing a “Theme Party Day+” model that includes visits to historic and cultural sites such as the Third National Congress of the Communist Party of China Memorial Hall and the National Archives of Publications and Culture (Guangzhou Branch). To support older party members with limited mobility, she and branch committee members regularly deliver learning materials to their homes—a gesture praised by many, including 89-year-old Professor Wu.

The Party branch also plays a key role in uniting retired faculty from non-party and democratic party backgrounds. Zhu has set up four WeChat groups to promptly share national policies and university updates, reinforcing a sense of community among retired staff.

Addressing the challenges of “empty nesting” and solitary living among senior faculty, Zhu has worked closely with the university’s Retired Affairs Office to implement a “Five Priority Visits” system, providing support during major holidays, times of difficulty, hospitalizations, and other critical situations. Over the past three years, she has conducted 112 visits and facilitated one-on-one assistance by party members for 25 elderly colleagues. Her phone has become a 24-hour helpline, used to coordinate emergency support, assist with funeral arrangements, and even cover upfront medical costs for those in need.

In July of last year, Zhu successfully intervened in a case where a retired staff member was being targeted by fraudsters. After hours of patient persuasion and coordination with local police, she helped prevent a significant financial loss. Following the incident, she strengthened anti-fraud education by distributing informational pamphlets via WeChat and organizing talks by police officers—effectively building a community-based defense network.

Under her leadership, Party branch members have actively engaged in public service initiatives such as patriotic education and science popularization. The branch has been rated “Outstanding” for three consecutive years.

“Retirement doesn’t mean stepping back. Serving retired colleagues is another way to contribute,” said Zhu, who has worked at Jinan University for 40 years. She expressed deep affection for the university and its people, as well as her hopes for national rejuvenation and reunification.

(Image: Zhu Peixian interacting with participants at a retired faculty event)

(Image: Zhu Peixian presiding over a Party branch study session)