The awarding ceremony for "Student's Choice: 2016 University Presidents of the Year", an event jointly sponsored by China Association of Higher Education (CAHE), All-China Students' Federation and China Youth Daily, was held in Shunde, Guangdong Province, on Jan 7.

A total of 36 university presidents won the award, among whom is Shan Qiang, president of Suzhou Industrial Park Institute of Vocational Technology (SIPIVT).

Initiated by CAHE in 2015, “Student's Choice: University Presidents of the Year" is the nation's first award which allows the students to evaluate their presidents and give awards to presidents.

Besides presidents of universities, this year's selection included the presidents of higher vocational institutes in the list of candidates. Also, a judging panel made up of university students was added to the selection process to show full respect for the students' opinion.

At the awarding ceremony, the organizer read the citation for Shan Qiang: For the past 14 years, he has been leading the reform of vocational education system and promoting the integration of industry, school and research; adhering to "international vocational education idea, local innovative practice and the sharing of regional achievements”, he has been devoted to building the oriental "West Point" for grey collar...

Shan went to university at the age of 15 and served as president for 15 years. "This is the award I care about the most. It will keep encouraging me to strive for a happy and complete education life for my students," said Shan.