Since his youthful days of study, Li Ning has been inextricably linked to materials science. Whether he later took up a teaching and research position or established a company focused on the development and production of high-tech materials, materials have always been his unwavering career. When asked how he embarked on this challenging and exploratory journey in materials research, Li Ning jokingly said that he initially intended to study radio technology, but for various reasons, he was ultimately admitted to the casting major. In 1984, after obtaining his master's degree, Li Ning returned to his hometown of Chengdu, where he furthered his studies at the University of Science and Technology of Sichuan (now Sichuan University) and earned his doctorate in materials science before staying on as a faculty member until his retirement.

        Although his entry into the materials industry was due to chance, as his studies progressed, Li Ning developed a strong interest in materials science and continued to shine in his field with his passion. He has been engaged in research and application work in the fields of metal functional materials, biomedical materials, and material processing for decades, achieving significant economic and social benefits. In response to the urgent needs of the country's material industry development, Li Ning became more determined to deepen his expertise in this field and gradually transitioned from "an explorer in the academic realm" to "a practitioner of results transformation."

        "University research results are often presented in the form of papers and patents, but to achieve real-world application, there is still a considerable gap to cross. From my own experience, this step is even more difficult than the research itself," Li Ning remarked. "At this point, it is necessary to establish a pipeline for 'government-academic-industrial-application,' leveraging the professional advantages of research institutions' scientists and professors, as well as the strengths of enterprises in production and market promotion, so that the two can be integrated organically and the scientific and technological achievements can be transformed into real productivity."

        Under Li Ning's leadership, Chengdu Keningda Material Co., Ltd. has relied on platforms such as the Mechanical Engineering Institute of Sichuan University and the West

        At the donation signing ceremony, Li Ning's words were sincere and heartfelt as he fondly recalled his wonderful time at the School of Mechanical Engineering. Every scene seemed to be right before his eyes. "During my 38 years of working at the School of Mechanical Engineering, I formed deep bonds with my leaders and colleagues, and this bond is something that cannot be severed," Li Ning said. It was this inseparable bond and his deep hopes for the future that drove Li Ning to establish the "Keningda Materials Teaching Award Fund." He firmly believes that by donating funds in this way, he can rally the hearts and efforts of alumni from all over the world to promote the prosperity and development of the university and the school.

       For Li Ning, the 400,000 yuan donation is not just a financial contribution, but also a heavy burden of promise and expectation. In the context of multi-disciplinary integration and development, Li Ning has high hopes for the school's discipline construction: "I sincerely hope that in the wave of deep integration and penetration of science and technology, the three major disciplines within our school can further strengthen cross-disciplinary cooperation and unite to go out to win projects. At the same time, I hope that students can fully take advantage of the unique advantages of Sichuan University, a comprehensive university, and actively explore the fusion of multiple fields such as literature, science, engineering, and medicine. Expand cross-disciplinary vision, especially pay more attention to the study of humanities and social sciences." Li Ning encourages students to not only look up at the stars but also take firm steps forward by combining their personal interests with the country's major needs.

        In this way, the "Keningda Materials Teaching Award Fund" is like a bond of emotions, connecting the past and the future, and everyone at the School of Mechanical Engineering. As a donor alumnus and a retired teacher, Li Ning also expressed concern and support for the school's teacher training work. He hopes that more teachers can devote themselves to teaching and scientific research and train more outstanding mechanical engineering talents. In particular, young teachers should "be brave and

        "Being a teacher and a student is a kind of fate. If you treat them well, they will definitely treat you well in return," says Li Ning. After working tirelessly on teaching and research for 38 years, Li Ning has trained a large number of outstanding students, many of whom still keep in close touch with him after graduation. When talking about his deep affection for his students, Li Ning's eyes always shine with gentle light: "Many of my students have already reached the highest professional title, some are professors, some are executives, and they have all achieved outstanding achievements in their respective fields. Some have even surpassed me, which is my greatest comfort."

        Li Ning knows that the essence of education goes far beyond knowledge transmission, but is about touching hearts and accompanying growth. It is because of this love and passion that Li Ning continues to care about his students' progress after retirement. He always believes that this bond is nurturing without being noticed, subtly infused into everyday work and life, gentle and enduring.

        With the passage of time, under Li Ning's influence, one generation after another of students have grown into pillars of society, like countless stars shining brightly in various corners of society. In this era of profound changes and challenges, Li Ning also has deep expectations for the young people at Sichuan University.

        "First of all, you should firmly hold onto your ideals and beliefs, and embody patriotic sentiments. Make the most of your great time at school, study diligently, and enhance your research and practical abilities; secondly, learn to communicate and coordinate with teachers and classmates in the process of getting along with them, so that you can better interact with others; finally, and most fundamentally, pay attention to your own health, actively participate in physical exercise, and enhance your physical fitness." He believes that with everyone's joint efforts, Sichuan University students are moving forward with even greater enthusiasm and more determined steps towards their dreams and the future, writing a brilliant chapter for their generation with concrete actions.