Source: College of Foreign Studies  

Author: Duan Wenhui  

Photographer: Duan Wenhui  

Date: November 25, 2025  

On November 16, coinciding with the 119th anniversary of Jinan University, more than 20 alumni from the College of Foreign Studies Class of 1991 returned to Guangzhou from Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Shenzhen, Qingyuan, and other locations to reunite at their alma mater and celebrate the 30th anniversary of their graduation.

(Photo: Group photo of alumni)

The event was attended by Pu Ruoxian, Dean of the College of Foreign Studies; Chen Wenju, Secretary of the School’s Party Committee; Chen Qiaojun, Director of the School Office; and six faculty representatives: Dai Weihua, Gu Weifang, Zhang Limei, Chen Yuanguang, Zhong Xiaoluo, and Chen Zengmin. Together, they shared memories and renewed bonds with the returning graduates.

Dean Pu Ruoxian extended a warm welcome to the alumni and provided an overview of the School's recent progress in discipline development, talent cultivation, and research innovation. She invited the alumni to relive their campus years and expressed hope for their continued support in the School's growth.

Secretary Chen Wenju also welcomed the alumni home and thanked the faculty for their longstanding dedication. He emphasized that alumni are among the School's most valuable assets and that the School will always remain a home for them. He looked forward to strengthening alumni engagement and exploring further collaboration between the School and its graduates.

(Photo: Speeches by School leaders)

During the symposium, alumni shared updates on their careers and recalled their university days with gratitude for the education and guidance they received. They also spoke highly of the University’s and the School's developmental achievements.

Faculty members fondly recounted stories from the alumni’s student years—both their earnest studies and their lively moments. Former Party Secretary Gu Weifang recalled many details of the students’ academic journeys, expressing pride in their accomplishments and encouraging them to keep striving in their respective fields while staying connected to the School.

Professor Dai Weihua, former Chair of the Foreign Languages Department, commended the alumni for their professional success and humorously shared how he continues studying and translating in his retirement, hoping to inspire them to remain lifelong learners.

“You are still so vigorous and energetic—I am truly proud of you,” said Zhang Limei. Chen Zengmin spoke of his pride in choosing teaching as a career. Zhong Xiaoluo, who taught the class Foreign Trade English in 1993, encouraged the graduates to uphold the spirit of Jinan foreign language professionals and confidently engage with an evolving global landscape. Chen Yuanguang, in turn, encouraged everyone to maintain a balance between career, family, and well-being.

(Photo: Faculty representatives interacting with alumni)

Alumnus Yin Meibo, now based in Australia, moved the audience as she mentioned the recommendation letter Professor Dai Weihua wrote for her years ago, which played a key role in her overseas study journey. “That letter has been a treasure throughout my life,” she said. She also noted that Jinan University taught her openness and multicultural understanding, which she carries with her always.

Alumna He Shengmei quoted the classical line, “Returning from afar, youthful in heart; where the mind is at peace, there is my home,” to express her enduring affection for the University and the lasting bond among classmates.

Alumnus Peng Yuemei recalled the care and support she received from teachers and peers during her studies. At one emotional moment, she sang “The Moon Represents My Heart,” which was warmly echoed by others in the room.

The gathering not only strengthened the emotional ties between alumni and the School but also laid a foundation for sustained communication and cooperation. Moving forward, the College of Foreign Studies will continue to deepen alumni relations and foster a virtuous cycle of mutual support between the School and its graduates.

Editor: Li Mei