On October 13, 2024, East China Normal University (ECNU) hosted its annual Alumni Day on the Putuo campus, where nearly 1,800 alumni from 89 classes gathered to celebrate and reconnect. The event was a heartwarming reunion by the Liwa River, filled with shared memories, nostalgia, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Vice president Lei Qili warmly welcomed the returning alumni, some of whom had traveled long distances. He expressed his deep gratitude for their enduring connection with the university and invited them to continue contributing to ECNU’s future development.
Throughout the day, alumni engaged in a range of activities designed to engage them in the university’s progress. Laboratory tours, lectures, and department showcases demonstrated ECNU’s cutting-edge research and academic achievements. Alumni also revisited their old classrooms, where themed class meetings were held, providing an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and professors while sharing memories and aspirations for the future.
The university’s history museum was open all day, offering alumni a deep dive into ECNU’s illustrious past. Meanwhile, the cafeteria served nostalgic meals, bringing back memories of their student days. Campus landmarks like Qunxian Hall and Siqun Hall became popular photo spots, where alumni gathered to take commemorative photos and collect special edition stamps as souvenirs of their visit.
Themed events added an extra layer of excitement to the day’s activities. The "Ten-Year Reunion: Alumni Day Photo Exhibition" displayed a series of treasured photographs, each one offering a glimpse into the past and stirring memories of the bonds formed at ECNU. Many alumni paused to admire the images, sharing personal stories with one another. A parent-child sports event, hosted by the ECNU KDL Student Innovation Team, filled the air with laughter as alumni and their children participated in light-hearted games, infusing the celebration with youthful energy.
Author: Huang Siyin
Editor: Xu Xincheng, Philip Nash
