As the seasons change, new chapters unfold. On December 30, at the intersection of the old year and the new, the "Tribute · Heritage · Progress"—Nanjing University 2025 Faculty Retirement and Induction Ceremony was held on Xianlin Campus. The event was attended by Tan Tieniu, Chair of NJU CPC Council and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Tan Zheming, President of NJU and Academician of the CAS.

"This is both a warm tribute and a new beginning," said Tan Tieniu on behalf of the university, extending high respect and heartfelt gratitude to the retiring members of NJU, and sincere greetings and a warm welcome to the new members. "The torch is passed at this moment, and its light becomes eternal." He noted that the retiring faculty have made the name "Nanjing University" shine brightly and profoundly in their respective roles, and the new colleagues now officially become cultivators and guardians of this fertile land.

He emphasized that NJU is currently at a critical stage of building a world-class university with Chinese characteristics, requiring the collective wisdom and potential of everyone more than ever. Thus he put forward three expectations: first, to continue writing the silver-age chapter, honoring the "wisdom of the silver-haired" with new beginnings;  second, to hone youthful vigor, expecting new creations from the "youthful force"; an third, to promote the passing of the torch, creating a new ecology of "intergenerational integration".

Tan Zheming presented the "Retirement Commemorative Album" to all 2025 retiring faculty representatives and took commemorative photos. The album contains precious snapshots from various life stages of the teachers, historical materials from their entry into NJU, and sincere wishes from the university and colleges.

The event was hosted by Zheng Hairong, Member of Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of NJU, and Academician of the CAS.

Li Bin, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Nanjing University Committee, Assistant President, and Director of the General Office; and Sun Leqiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Nanjing University Committee, Director of the Organization Department, presented appointment letters to new faculty representatives.

Hu Wenxuan from the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, and Jin Longshan from the School of Atmospheric Sciences spoke as representatives of the retiring faculty. The retiring teachers have dedicated their most passionate years and efforts to NJU, and their names are deeply embedded in the historical context of the university, becoming indispensable chapters in its development.

Hu Wenxuan shared his journey and gratitude.

Jin Longshan reflected on his journey and expressed  deep gratitude.

Wang Haixu from the School of Chemistry shared his experiences and feelings as a new faculty representative. 

The ceremony also featured three short films meticulously produced by the university, paying tribute to the retiring members who have advanced for decades, and inspiring the new generation of Nanjing University strength. Generations of NJUers have weathered storms, inherited and continued efforts, jointly creating the brilliant chapters of the university.

Representatives of the 2025 retiring and new faculty, leaders from schools and units, personnel secretaries, staff responsible for teacher ethics construction, and representatives from various labor unions attended the event.