November 12, 2025  

Source: Office of Retired Affairs  

Author: Ou Shaoying, Cui Wenjian, Song Shuyi  

Photographer: Zhou Huiqian  

Editor: Li Weimiao

The inauguration ceremony of Jinan University Elderly University, together with an alumni donation ceremony, was held on the morning of November 12 at the University’s Retirees’ Activity Center. Chen Ying, Deputy Secretary of the University Party Committee and President of the Elderly University, attended and addressed the event. Attendees also included former Deputy Party Secretary Ye Qin, former Vice President Rao Min, Xie Mingtian—Director of the Office of Retired Affairs and Executive Vice President of the Elderly University—along with leaders from relevant university departments, alumni representatives, and faculty and student representatives of the Elderly University. The ceremony was hosted by Li Jian, Deputy Director of the Office of Retired Affairs and Vice President of the Elderly University.

In her speech, Chen Ying stated that the establishment of the Elderly University reflects the University’s commitment to building a lifelong learning system and represents a concrete effort to serve retired faculty and staff while enriching the cultural lives of older adults. She noted that the Elderly University evolved from its predecessor, the “Elderly Continuing Education Institute,” founded in 2001, and now offers over 30 courses across eight disciplines. Moving forward, the University will integrate resources, expand the curriculum, innovate in teaching, and develop the University into a vibrant platform for senior learning and engagement.

Ye Qin, who has participated in the development of the Elderly University both as a former administrator and now as a student, reflected on its more than two decades of growth. He remarked that the transition from "Elderly Continuing Education Institute" to "Elderly University" demonstrates the University's strengthened focus on senior education and provides a more structured learning environment for older members of the campus community. He expressed appreciation for the consistent support from the University in policy, resources, and facilities.

Faculty representative Chen Kai shared her nearly twenty years of experience in teaching at the institution, noting the steady improvement in teaching conditions over the years and the meaningful relationships built with students.

During the unveiling segment, Chen Ying, Ye Qin, Rao Min, Xie Mingtian, Zeng Fansheng, and Xie Tian jointly revealed the plaque for "Jinan University Elderly University," marking its official launch.

At the donation ceremony that followed, Macau alumni Chen Jinda and Zhuang Liyun donated a piano, Shenzhen alumnus Miao Zuwen contributed a set of office furniture, and Guangzhou alumnus Fu Rong provided portable multimedia equipment. Chen Ying accepted the donations on behalf of the University and presented certificates of appreciation.

Jinan University Elderly University stated that it will continue to enhance the quality of its programs by refining the curriculum, modernizing teaching methods, enriching campus culture, and improving management services, with the aim of building a distinctive senior education initiative that reflects the character of the University.