USTB-DMU CI Held Farewell Party for Chinese Director GU Wei
Release Time: 2024-12-11Views:
On the afternoon of December 10, 2024, London time, a heartfelt farewell party was held for Professor Gu Wei, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute jointly established by University of Science and Technology Beijing and De Montfort University (USTB-DMU CI). The event, hosted at the Confucius Institute, was a poignant occasion to celebrate Professor Gu’s remarkable contributions and bid her a fond farewell.
The gathering featured a retrospective video and photo exhibition showcasing the milestones of Professor Gu's tenure, capturing her dedication and many memorable moments she shared with colleagues and CI students. Among the attendees were senior representatives from De Montfort University, Leicester City Council, local primary and secondary schools, and other community and institutional partners. Each expressed their sincere gratitude for Professor Gu's transformative work in fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
Guests leave heartfelt messages & take photos with Prof. GU
The party opened with speeches by prominent leaders from De Montfort University. PVC International & CI Local Director Simon Bradbury commended Professor Gu for her pivotal role in strengthening the partnership between De Montfort University and University of Science and Technology Beijing. Ms. Jill Cowley, Pro Vice-Chancellor/Dean of Faculty of Arts, Design & Humanities, praised her visionary leadership and dedication to academic and cultural exchange. Ms. Louise Peacock, Chair of the Confucius Institute's Management Board Meeting, reflected on the lasting impact of Professor Gu's work in promoting mutual understanding between China and the UK.
Ms. Amanda Leandro, Director of Cosmopolitan Arts, Leicester City Council, expressed gratitude for Professor Gu's steadfast support of Leicester’s cultural events and festivals, highlighting how her efforts enriched the city's multicultural fabric. Ms. Emma Klimowicz, Head of Modern Foreign Languages at Little Bowden Primary School—the first Confucius Classroom affiliated to USTB-DMU CI—shared a touching account of how the Mandarin teaching at her school navigated the challenges of the pandemic under Professor Gu's guidance, resuming operations with renewed strength.
A particularly moving moment came when William Sheppard, a student who achieved advanced proficiency in Chinese under the Institute's Mandarin programs, spoke on behalf of his peers. With heartfelt words, he recounted his personal growth and acknowledged the profound impact of Professor Gu's efforts on students' lives.
Guests deliver speeches of gratitude to Professor Gu
Professor Gu Wei then stepped onto the stage to deliver her heartfelt farewell address. With a masterful balance of humour and emotion, she reminisced about the unforgettable moments of her tenure and expressed profound gratitude to her colleagues, students, and partners for their steadfast support. She also conveyed her aspirations for the continued growth and success of the Confucius Institute, leaving the audience inspired with her words of encouragement for its future endeavours. Her affectionate speech deeply touched the audience, and many people were moved.
Prof. Wei GU delivers a farewell speech
The event continued with a commemorative video capturing the highlights of Professor Gu’s leadership, followed by heartfelt video messages from staff members. As a token of appreciation, the Institute presented Professor Gu with a specially chosen farewell gift, symbolizing the indelible mark she has left on the institution and its community.
Guests watch a commemorative video and present farewell gifts
The farewell party concluded on a poignant note as the team of volunteer teachers performed the Parting Song, filling the room with emotion. Guests and colleagues gathered one final time for a group photo, offering their personal goodbyes and warmest wishes to Professor Gu as she embarks on her next journey.
Group photo of all attendees
Professor Gu's departure marks the end of a deeply meaningful chapter in the history of the Confucius Institute, but her legacy of fostering intercultural connection and academic excellence will undoubtedly continue to inspire all who were fortunate to work with her.
Draft: Rumeng ZHANG
Revision: Jieli LIU
