Heartfelt Connection to Jiao Tong University! Centenarian Academician Wang Xiji Donates to Support Educational Development!

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Recipient of the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” Merit Medal

Academician Wang Xiji

An important pioneer in China’s space technology

Devoting his life with sincerity and wisdom to the country’s aerospace industry

He has always cared about his alma mater and students

On the 130th anniversary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s founding

He entrusted his family to donate to the “Wang Xiji Education Fund”

Using deep affection and responsibility to support youth growth

Continuing to contribute to the development of his alma mater

He is a recipient of the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” Merit Medal, an important pioneer in China’s space industry, and has dedicated his life to the vow “I want to be a paving stone for space.” He is Academician Wang Xiji, a Jiao Tong University elder who has devoted his life to the starry sky of his homeland and sincerely hopes for the growth of future generations.

On the 130th anniversary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s founding, Academician Wang Xiji, adhering to the spirit of “remembering the source when drinking water, loving the country and the school,” entrusted his daughters Wang Qingsu and Wang Qinghong to donate to the “Wang Xiji Education Fund,” sending blessings to the university.

Echoes and Responses

Companions on the same path

On July 26, 2025, Wang Xiji, Academician, celebrated his 104th birthday. The signing ceremony for the “Wang Xiji Education Fund” donation was held, marking the establishment of the first “Wang Xiji Education Fund” at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, aimed at supporting Bai ethnic students from Yunnan to pursue their dreams and grow into talented individuals, inspiring young students to live up to their ancestors’ expectations and promote the spirit of scientists.

In 2025, the “Wang Xiji Education Fund” donation signing ceremony at Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Over the past year, a group of young people have come together because of one name—the “Wang Xiji Education Fund.” As the first recipients of the fund, ten Bai ethnic students from Yunnan, all from Wang Xiji’s hometown of Dali, are studying at different colleges but share common traits: diligence, excellent grades, good conduct, and enthusiasm for public welfare. In their application letters, they all resonated with the same sentiment: “Taking Mr. Wang Xiji as a role model.”

Among them is classmate He. She wrote in her application: “Mr. Wang Xiji’s magnificent life journey from Cangshan and Erhai to the stars and the sea is a source of pride for us Bai children. I long to receive this honor and support filled with heavy expectations, which will become an inexhaustible motivation throughout my doctoral studies and life.”

Another inspiring story is that of classmate Zhang. As an undergraduate, he strengthened his professional foundation while maintaining enthusiasm for scientific research. He actively participated in innovation competitions, and in the 9th National College Student Integrated Circuit Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, he worked alongside his team, working tirelessly day and night. “The process was tough, but it greatly trained my scientific thinking, innovation ability, and teamwork spirit.” Ultimately, their team won first prize nationwide.

There is also a special figure—classmate Li. A re-enrolled student and veteran. “I believe that the character forged in the military is my strongest motivation to overcome all difficulties in academic pursuits.” In his application, he expressed that leaving the military and returning to campus, he cherishes his precious study time and demands himself to be steady and rigorous on the scientific research path, following the standards of a soldier.

Like them, there are classmates Jin, Yang, Zhu… with different majors and paths, but sharing common qualities: hometown pride, innovative patriotism, resilience from military service… These young faces, nurtured by the “Wang Xiji Education Fund,” are taking solid steps toward their ideals.

Inheritance and Aspiration

From “paving stone” to “pathfinder”

“I want to be a paving stone for space.” Wang Xiji’s words are a true reflection of his life.

From leading China’s first carrier rocket “Long March 1” in 1958 to the successful launch of “Dongfanghong-1” satellite in 1970; from developing China’s first returnable satellite to remaining dedicated to space power construction at the age of 100—he dedicated his life to the country, fighting for “the motherland, the people, and science,” fulfilling his vow as a “paving stone.”

On September 18, 1999, after six academicians—Tu Shouen, Yang Jiali, Huang Weilu, Ren Xinmin, Wang Xiji, and Sun Jiadong—were awarded the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” Merit Medal, they took a group photo outside the Great Hall of the People.

In 2011, Wang Xiji received Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Alumni.

Today, this “paving stone” continues to inspire future generations, serving as a role model for them to go further. This spirit of inheritance is reflected not only in the students who received support but also in those who, despite not winning awards, are equally illuminated by Wang Lao’s spirit.

In 2019, 36-year-old He Miao bid farewell to her young son still in kindergarten, crossed mountains from Cangshan, and headed to Siyuan Lake to join the School of Pharmacy, becoming the first minority backbone plan PhD student in pharmacy. During her toughest times, what supported her was the name “Wang Xiji.”

She recalled in a speech that when her research faced repeated deadlocks and external doubts urged her to give up, she never lost heart or bowed her head. “Because in the hearts of our Bai people, there is always a spiritual mountain—Grandpa Wang Xiji. Thinking of his dedication and responsibility for the country’s space industry, and his unwavering perseverance through difficulties, I was filled with renewed strength to move forward.”

This year, He Miao graduated successfully and resolutely returned to her hometown Dali, rooted in the front line of biomedical research in Yunnan, using perseverance and dedication to carry forward Jiao Tong’s spirit.

Her story perfectly demonstrates the original intention of the fund: to make Wang Xiji’s spirit a lighthouse, illuminating everyone who strives in scientific research.

If the first donation is planting a seed, then this donation is the firm watering after the seed breaks ground—an embodiment of Academician Wang Xiji’s “remembering the source” spirit for his alma mater. The best tribute is inheritance; the best inheritance is action. With the new donation, the “Wang Xiji Education Fund” will continue to uphold its original intention, allowing more aspiring youth to grow into “pathfinders” under the guidance of the scientist’s spirit. Let us jointly protect Academician Wang Xiji’s heartfelt dedication to “the motherland, the people, and science,” and write a new chapter in China’s space and education endeavors.