On April 28, the celebration of International Workers’ Day and the National May Day Labor Awards Ceremony, organized by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Professor Zhu Guangyou, Dean of the School of Geosciences at Yangtze University, was awarded the National May Day Labor Medaland was invited to attend the commendation ceremony. The honor marks a major breakthrough for Yangtze University in receiving national-level comprehensive recognition.

According to the organizers, a total of 3,024 National May Day Labor Awards were presented this year, including 379 National May Day Labor Certificates, 1,462 National May Day Labor Medals, and 1,183 National Worker Pioneer Awards. Outstanding female individuals and groups among the award recipients were also honored with the titles of National May Day Women’s Pacesetter and National May Day Women’s Pacesetter Team, respectively.

Following the ceremony, Professor Zhu said in an interview:

“The National May Day Labor Medal is a weighty and meaningful honor. It embodies the tremendous energy and collective efforts of the more than 40,000 faculty members and students of Yangtze University as we strive for excellence. It is a source of pride shared by all members of our university community. Labor is the most honorable, and hard work brings the greatest happiness. Tomorrow, I will still be an ordinary worker, continuing to work hard and move forward.”

Professor Zhu noted that the medal represents not only a summary of his past achievements, but also a call to greater responsibility in the future. Behind the honor lies the nation’s recognition of the value of labor, as well as its expectations for every scientist and researcher.

Looking ahead, he said he will continue to dedicate himself to his professional responsibilities—not only by conducting high-quality research, delivering excellent courses, and cultivating outstanding students, but also by mentoring and supporting younger colleagues and students.

He further emphasized the importance of carrying forward the spirit of educators, model workers, labor, and craftsmanship. Cherishing the honor while remaining true to his original aspirations, he pledged to continue working diligently and striving to make new contributions.