To honor academically outstanding and well-rounded students who embody the spirit of unity of knowledge and action, and to inspire the broader student body to pursue excellence with dedication and ambition, the School held the 2024–2025 Zhixing Scholarship Evaluation and Exchange Session on the afternoon of November 8 in Room 105 of the South Teaching Building.
The event was attended by Li Leiming, former Dean of the School and head teacher of the 2014 Zhixing Class; Tang Likun, Deputy Director of the Student Affairs Office (and counselor of the 2014 cohort); and counselors of all undergraduate cohorts. Five alumni from the 2014 Zhixing Class—Zhang Pei, Guo Tong, Yang Zisheng, Liu Jiafeng, and Cheng Kun—joined the session online. Students from the 2024 and 2025 Experimental Classes also participated. The meeting was chaired by Meng Zhaogang, Deputy Party Secretary of the School.
At the beginning, Meng Zhaogang introduced the moving story behind the establishment of the Zhixing Scholarship—how five alumni from the 2014 Zhixing Class jointly contributed funds five years after graduation to give back to the School and perpetuate the Zhixing spirit.
Professor Li Leiming then reviewed the School’s journey in 2014 when the Zhixing Class was established as a pilot program for cultivating students through coordinated development of knowledge, competence, and personal qualities. He outlined the original “Five-One-Two Individualized Model”: writing skills, presentation skills, physical fitness, emotional intelligence, global vision; supported by cultivating independent thinking and independent living abilities, followed by personalized goal-setting. As the times evolved, Professor Li further refined this model into the “4-2-1+X Growth Framework,” emphasizing innovation capability, autonomous learning ability, emotional intelligence, adversity quotient, systems thinking, first-principle thinking, and competency for navigating the AI era, all underpinning individualized development plans. These pioneering ideas have now been fully integrated into the School’s talent cultivation system.
During the presentation session, the imprint of the “Five-One-Two Model” was evident in every speech. Eight student candidates articulated their understanding of the unity of knowledge and action through academic exploration, practical engagement, and personal development planning. Some used diverse roles in student affairs to practice the “Five-One” dimensions; others designed innovative courses or broke through research challenges to exemplify the “Two Independences”; still others integrated personal strengths across disciplines to build unique profiles through international research collaboration. Each presentation vividly demonstrated how the Zhixing philosophy has taken root.
The participation of the five alumni elevated the session from a simple evaluation to a cross-generational dialogue on the Zhixing spirit. They raised in-depth questions, offered professional advice, and shared heartfelt reflections. Guo Tong encouraged students to explore widely but remain steadfast once they choose a path. Zhang Pei reminded students that “every step counts,” and that excellence and gratitude are essential to carrying forward the Zhixing spirit. Yang Zisheng expressed sincere appreciation for the School’s nurturing influence, and Cheng Kun emphasized the importance of “trying more and knowing oneself better” to find a personal growth trajectory. Their words brought warmth and inspiration to the session.
At the end of the session, Tang Likun offered thoughtful advice to students: maintain awareness and diligence, be mindful and principled, uphold sincerity and gratitude, and stay true to the essence of “knowledge” and “action” as they pursue their goals.
Looking ahead, the School will continue to uphold and develop the Zhixing spirit—encouraging students to seek truth through “knowledge,” strengthen capabilities through “action,” and grow into talented individuals who serve society and contribute to national development. The School is committed to shaping a nurturing and impactful educational environment and cultivating the next generation of capable, responsible leaders.
