On April 22^nd, the 30^th-anniversary homecoming event for the class of 1988 and 1989 was held in the USTB Gymnasium. Prof. YANG Renshu, President of USTB; Prof. YANG Tianjun, former President of USTB; Prof. SUN Jinghong, Vice Chancellor of USTB; Prof. WANG Luning and Prof. HUANG Wunan, Vice Presidents of USTB; Prof. QUAN Liangzhu, Vice Director of the University Council and former Vice Chancellor; Prof. WANG Weicai, Vice Director of the University Council; Prof. HE Minqing, former Vice President of USTB, attended the event. The event was presided over by Mr. ZHENG Yang (class of 1988, Materials Science Engineering)and Mr. FAB Huaiyu(class of 1989, Management Science and Engineering).

Prof. YANG Renshu gave a welcome speech

On behalf of USTB and Chancellor WU Guilong, Prof. YANG Renshu extended a warm welcome to alumni and expressed thanks to all the alumni who had been following the development of USTB over the years. He briefed the alumni on the development of the university in terms of discipline construction, school-running conditions, talent cultivation, faculty team, scientific research, international cooperation and exchanges. He pointed out that the “Cradle of Iron and Steel Engineering” was the gene that was deeply rooted in our body, which was not only the spiritual connotation of USTB in the past 70 years but also the inexhaustible driving force for the future and for the development of higher goals. He said affectionately that USTB always concerns alumni, and welcomes every alumni to come back for a visit any time.

Prof. YANG Tianjun gave a speech

Prof. YANG Tianjun thanked the alumni from the classes of 88 and 89 for their concerns and supports toward USTB on behalf of the faculty. It has been 30 years since they graduated and went to chasing after their own dreams. He fondly recalled the time he spent on campus with the alumni 30 years ago and introduced the major breakthroughs and achievements made by USTB in various fields over the past 30 years. He said that it was not easy for them to return to their Alma mater after 30 years of absence, and hence we should cherish the opportunity to get together. He hoped the alumni could strengthen their ties with the Alma mater and visit USTB often. Ultimately, he thanked the alumni at home and abroad for adding pride to the name of USTB and injecting vitality into the brand! He said that USTB will always be proud of its alumni.

Speeches made by alumni representatives

Mr. MIAO Jianyin and Mr. LI Xiao, from the class of 1988; Mr. YU Wenbo, and Ms. WANG Yi, from the class of 1989, acted as representatives, recalled their wonderful time in which they were still studying on campus or striving on work, combining with their own experiences. They thanked the cultivation of USTB and said they would give more suggestions for its development in the future.

Live performances

Students of the Student Dance Troupe perform dance “Come back with flowers in hands”, expressing their warm welcome to their senior student fellows through graceful and bright dance. Alumni from the class of 1988 sang their original song named “The autumn of Beijing,” which won warm applause at the scene. When they sang on the stage, it seemed like time going back and them returning to their youth. A joint performance was given by alumni of grade 88 and 89 pushed the commemoration to its highlight, which reminded everyone of their days of youth.

At the scene

Nearly 1,000 alumni from the class of 1988 and 1989 attended the event, and more than 50,000 people participated the event through the official online live-stream platform.

The alumni football game

Before the event, nearly 30 alumni participated in the football game themed "Return to Youth" at the Outdoor Sports Complex, demonstrating and experiencing their youth through sports, recalling the past campus experience which was full of youth.

Draft: MING Feiyang

Revision: CHENG Mingyuan