In order to unite the strength of alumni, strengthen alumni connections, and promote the development of the university, a symposium titled “QMESers, Gathering in the Cloud” was held by the QMES on the afternoon of October 12th in Room 413 of the East Teaching Building Block A, Chang’an Campus, NPU, to celebrate the 85th anniversary of the establishment of NPU. Yang Ming, Director of the Alumni Affairs Office; Fan Xiaoli, Dean of the QMES; Dai Fuping, Secretary of the Party Committee; Gabriel Cavalli, Executive Vice Dean; Cheng Yin, Vice Secretary of the Party Committee; Huang Quanzhang, Director of the Student Affairs Office; Andrew Spowage, representative of British teachers; and some alumni representatives attended the event. Secretary Dai Fuping chaired the symposium.

Firstly, Dean Fan Xiaoli delivered a speech on behalf of the school. She warmly greeted all the alumni present and expressed sincere gratitude for their long-standing support of QMES. She then briefly introduced the content of the “Generalist Engineering Education Culture” Forum and the 85th Anniversary Celebration of the university’s establishment, emphasizing the sense of responsibility and mission that NPU has held over the years, with its people aspiring for greatness, making significant contributions, and staying dedicated to frontline work. She reviewed the school's achievements in recent years in talent cultivation, student enrollment and employment, and the institution’s development. She pointed out that the extent to which alumni go is directly related to the boundaries of the university. The construction and development of the school and the college cannot be separated from the attention and support of all the alumni. She hoped that everyone would pursue their dreams, seize the present time, join hands, and work together to continuously advance all aspects of the school’s endeavors.

Then, Gabriel Cavalli, the Executive Vice Dean of the school, delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of QMUL for the 85th anniversary of NPU. He also expressed his blessings and expectations for the students of the QMES. He stated that alumni are a valuable asset to the institution and play an important role in its development. He encouraged everyone to continue upholding the fine traditions of their alma mater, shine in their respective fields, stay connected with the school and the alumni association, stay updated on the developments and progress, and actively contribute to the future development of the university and the school.

Following that, outstanding alumni representatives, including Fan Juncheng from the University of Cambridge; Li Yiran from Tsinghua University; and Li Ruixiang from QMUL, gave speeches. They warmly congratulated NPU on its 85th anniversary and shared their learning experiences and achievements during their time at the university. They emphasized the solid academic foundation and comprehensive quality education provided by the QMES. The outstanding achievements of the alumni representatives inspired the attending students, instilling confidence in their own studies at QMES and fostering aspirations for the future. At the same time, the alumni representatives provided valuable advice to the students and extended their blessings, wishing everyone continued success together with their alma mater.

Director Yang Ming from the Alumni Affairs Office delivered a speech. He affirmed the achievements of talent cultivation in the QMES in recent years and expressed sincere appreciation for the outstanding performance of the alumni. He emphasized that the alumni association will continue to strengthen the construction of alumni networking platforms, actively promote alumni communication and interaction, and encourage everyone to remember their original aspirations and continuously inherit and carry forward the spirit of NPU. He briefly introduced the responsibilities and content of the alumni association’s work and hoped that alumni would further strengthen their connection with their alma mater and the alumni association, maintain close communication and exchange with the university, and visit their alma mater frequently.

Though the gathering was short, the bond of friendship remains strong. This symposium allowed alumni to revisit their youthful years, deepen their mutual friendship, and provided a valuable opportunity for communication and learning for current students and faculty. The Queen Mary Engineering School will continue to explore alumni resources, actively unite and serve alumni, and foster a sense of community and development between alumni and the alma mater, building an honorable and prosperous community that encompasses both alumni and the university.

Text: Ma Xiaoxuan

Photo: Zhang Lina, Ma Huili, Bi Jialong

Translator: Zhou Yaru

Reviewed: Cheng Yin