More than 100 alumni from across the U.S. attended the Nov. 7 launch ceremony of a local SISU Alumni Association in New York.
The ceremony, held at the China Institute, a renowned cultural organization on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, began with a chorus joined by a Chinese famous media expert Cao Jingxing and more than 20 students from the SISU SMC Global Reporting Team reporting on the U.S. 2014 congressional and gubernatorial elections.
SISU President Cao Deming’s opening remarks pointed out that the Association focuses on helping alumni’s initial development in North America, which is consistent with the university’s strategy of strengthening international cooperation and preparing talented graduates with global vision. During the launch ceremony, 1976 alumnus Dr. Xie Jiaye, the Association’s appointed first President, thanked all participants for their support.
Ceremony participants graduated from SISU as long ago as the 1960s and are now playing active roles in various industries worldwide, including finance, law, education, media, catering, engineering design, interpretation and translation.
Holding a photo taken at SISU’s school gate 30 years ago, Shen Peijun of Long Island, a graduate of SISU’s School of French and Francophone Studies, said excitedly, “I’m missing the years in SISU too much and that’s why I come here to attend the ceremony.” Many other attending alumni said they have a sense of belonging after finding the organization.
The ceremony’s MC was 1998 alumnus Guan Liming, the Association’s activity leader. Attendees also included the Association’s Secretary-General Meng Qinhe; Zhang Honglin, Director of Office of International Cooperation; Dai Huiping, Vice-Dean of SISU’s Graduate Institute of Interpretation and Translation; Huang Yacun, Chairman of Chinese University Alumni Association in North America; Dr. He Yong, President of China Institute; Yang Wenkui, President of Tsinghua University Alumni Association in New York; and Zhou Xiaozheng, Vice-President of Xinhua news agency.
The establishment of a SISU Alumni Association in the United States coincides with the university’s 65th anniversary.
The 2000 SISU alumni in the U.S., which include non-Chinese alumni, are of all ages, jobs and professional backgrounds.
