Peking University’s 12th “May 4th Trophies for Classes”: A look at the 10 winning classes
Jun 08, 2020
Peking University, June 8, 2020: The prestigious “May 4th Trophies for Classes”, along with “May 4th Medals for Students” and “May 4th Scholarship”, were first initiated in the year of 1998, which witnessed the centennial anniversary of the founding of Peking University and now the highest class award for students at PKU. The first round of the selection process for the “May 4th Trophies for Classes” nominated 28 classes to give their presentations. The presentations were watched and assessed by heads of departments, class representatives and teachers from various schools of PKU. After careful review of the video presentations, 10 winning classes were announced. Below is a look at the winning classes.
Building a generation capable of lifting up China
The undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, School of Archaeology and Museology, really showed their patriotism, as the entire class marched with the 70th anniversary parade celebrating the founding of the People’s Republic of China. As the quintessential “Class of the National Day”, they marched in a formation symbolizing “joint hearts and joint spirits”, putting their admiration for motherland into their actions. The undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, formed a "One Heart for Learning" group to study and implement “The Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” put forward by President Xi Jinping. They realized their studies through their book clubs and hands-on work all in the pursuit of fostering national pride in the next generation of young people. Teachers and a number of students from Class 1 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2017, School of International Studies, actively participated in the preparation for some activities celebrating the National Day. In previous years students from this class would gather together for a “Youth for the Motherland” class meeting, but due to the pandemic, this year’s activity was adapted to an online meeting, during which participants came together to study the words and guidance in President Xi Jinping’s address.
The undergraduate commencing class of 2018, School of Archaeology and Museology
Academic Excellence – New heights in scientific research
Class 3 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, continued the tradition of meticulous research, devoted studies and strong passion for learning. The master commencing Class of 2018, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, upheld strong academic diligence, the fruits of which were on full display in their academic achievements, and furthermore in the first year of their graduate studies nearly half of the students published a total of 22 academic papers in top ranked domestic and foreign journals. Graduate students from the School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, published a total of 108 academic papers between the academic year of 2018 and 2019, 61 of which were included in Chinese leading journals, and 41 in SCI (Scientific Citation Index).
Graduate students from the School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
A practical approach to the pursuit of knowledge
The undergraduate commencing Class of 2016 (Ecology and Earth Sciences major), College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, succeeded in carrying on the torch of their predecessors through field work. The students have measured out China in footsteps from the cold Greater Khingan Mountains to the sultry Southeast Asian rainforests, from the towering Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the low-lying coast of the East China Sea. Leaving no stone unturned, they braved the wilds, scaled precarious peaks, sampled the earth and carried out geological surveys; Class 2 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2017, School of Physics, not only displayed their prowess in scientific research, but also made volunteer services a central part of the class culture and has organized various volunteer activities; Clinical Medicine Class 3 of the commencing Class of 2015, Peking University Third Hospital, displayed a great understanding of the importance of fundamental knowledge, and also the fact that the classroom was not the only place to gather knowledge. Academician Wang Chen, a specialist in respiratory diseases, with the assistance of Liu Yunchong and several other students, conducted an epidemiological survey for key projects of the Ministry of Science and Technology, collecting data from over 300 respondents; Furthermore, Zhang Liyuan and some other students went to Ordos City to assess the situation of local essential medical services, and they were actively involved in practical clinical work, throughout which they gained a bounty of experience and practical knowledge.
The undergraduate commencing Class of 2016 (Ecology and Earth Sciences major), College of Urban and Environmental Sciences
Knowledge and Action in the face of the pandemic
All the classes that received this award managed to create a family-like atmosphere for all classmates during their university life. During COVID-19, students in these classes also closely cooperated with each other to help those people heavily influenced by this pandemic. In addition to donating money and materials and participating in community volunteer services, Class 3 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, involved in the online one-to-one communication with senior students in high schools of Hubei province. As a way to promote mental health during the pandemic, the undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, wrote articles about the psychological effects the pandemic may have and ways to combat them. Class 1 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2017, School of International Studies, organized a program called “By Your Side During the Pandemic”, in which students talked online with those in their final year in high school from the city of Huanggang. Class 4 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, Yuanpei College, planned a variety of online activities including online study sessions, group viewings of movies, online reading clubs and so on. These programs gave classmates a sense of security and belonging in these uncertain times. Graduate students from the School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics made full utility of their disciplinary background, writing many academic and popular science-related articles to spread related knowledge of the pandemic and helping with the fight against the virus.
Class 3 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
Peking University “May 4th Trophies for Classes” were awarded to classes with great ideas, academic excellence and admirable group dynamics. They represented PKUers’ pursuit of greatness, daring to dream, daring to chase that dream, and willing to work hard enough to realize the class’s collective dream.
The awardees of the 12th May 4th Trophies for Classes:
Class 2 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2017, School of Physics
Class 3 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
The undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences
The undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, School of Archaeology and Museology
Class 1 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2017, School of International Studies
Class 4 of the undergraduate commencing Class of 2018, Yuanpei College
The undergraduate commencing Class of 2016 (Ecology and Earth Sciences major), College of Urban and Environmental Sciences
The master commencing Class of 2018, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Clinical Medicine Class 3 of the commencing Class of 2015, Peking University Third Hospital
The postgraduate class, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health
Written by: Jacob Tomkins
Edited by: Hu Rong
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
