On the evening of October 25th, a grand gala was held at the OUC Stadium to celebrate the university’s centenary. Zhang Hui, Deputy Secretary of the Qingdao Municipal Party Committee, Director of the United Front Work Department of Qingdao Municipal Government and an alumnus of OUC, attended the event. More than 3,000 people attended the event. 

All the performances were organized by the faculty, students and alumni of OUC. The prologue Born by the Sea introduced the establishment and beginning of the university. The symphony and chorus Seeking Truth from the Ocean presented OUC’s glorious journey of gathering talent and exploring the ocean. Ode to OUC showcased the founding of the university with the tenet of imparting profound knowledge, cultivating learned talent, and addressing the country’s needs”. 

The first chapter, Addressing National Needs and Carrying on the Legacy , told the story of OUC from its arduous establishment to the 30-year period of shared development with Shandong University. The second chapter, Serving the Country by Exploring the Vast Ocean, told the story of OUC’s development period as Shandong Oceanographic College. The third chapter, Enhancing National Strength, Cultivating Talent and Pursuing Innovation, presented the university’s development stage as Ocean University of Qingdao and Ocean University of China, and its development path as a high-level university with unique characteristics. The fourth chapter, “Standing at the Forefront to Realize the Dream of Building a Strong Country, presented OUC’s achievements and future development blueprint since socialism with Chinese characteristics entered a new era following the Party’s 18th National Congress.

The gala ended with the song Ocean University of China in a Century in a warm and festive atmosphere.