Harnessing the power of alumni to drive mutual growth, the Third Member Representative Meeting of the Jianghan University (JHU) Alumni Association, a top priority event of the university’s 2024 Alumni Week, was convened in the Hall of Science and Innovation Building at Jianghan University on the morning of October 19th.
Unable to attend the meeting due to official duties, Qin Daoming, secretary-general of Jianghan University, sent a written letter of address. In the letter, he extended his warm congratulations to the meeting and a heartfelt welcome to the alumni who had returned to their alma mater from all walks of life. Xiang Yue read the letter at the event.
Qin stated that the university fully implements the national educational policy and carries out the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education. Moreover, it also meets the demand of implementation of the Double First-Class Initiative, and aspires to build itself into a high-level city university. Jianghan University has witnessed its tremendous changes, and its overall strength has been ranked among the forefront of the provincial colleges and universities.
Qin stressed that alumni serve as a fundamental indicator of a university’s success. The status and reputation of a university hinge on the growth, achievements, and accomplishments of its alumni. Since its inception, nearly 200,000 alumni of Jianghan University (JHU) have adhered to the school motto of Integrity, Practicability, Inclusiveness, and Innovation, deeply engaging in various professions and emerging as a continuous succession of outstanding representatives. For example, Wu Youcun, a dedicated teacher, devoted his life to education; Xia Sisi, a heroic woman, sacrificed her life in the fight against the epidemic; Huang Ying, a grassroots doctor, earned the respect of ordinary people through her benevolence; Hu Yongsheng, a leading talent in scientific and technological innovation, overcame bottleneck technologies; Liu Xiangdong, an outstanding entrepreneur, consistently cared for and supported the university’s development; Chen Yulong offered free summer trainings for JHU students, ensuring that JHU students do not fall behind from the very start. These individuals contribute to society and bring honor to their alma mater through their practical actions. Every stage of progress and development of the alma mater reflects the wisdom and efforts of its vast alumni network.
Qin emphasized that alumni are inextricably linked to their alma mater, sharing the rough times and the smooth. The term alma mater is akin to mother, signifying a deep and enduring bond. What is an alma mater? It is a place where one may voice grievances in private, yet staunchly defend it in public; a place one longs to leave, yet regrets departing when the time comes; a place that forever lingers in one’s thoughts after stepping into society. It is hoped that the Alumni Association will seize this period of transition as an opportunity to further focus on its core responsibilities, bolster its own development, and fully construct a development community that unites alumni and the alma mater. It is also hoped that the majority of alumni will continue to care for and support the development of their alma mater. Whenever possible, alumni are encouraged to return for a visit!
The meeting heard, considered and adopted the Work Report of the Second Council of Jianghan University Alumni Association, the Financial Work Report of the Second Council of Jianghan University Alumni Association,and the revised Charter of Jianghan University Alumni Association, and elected the new president, vice presidents, secretary-general, standing directors and directors of Jianghan University Alumni Association. Jing Xinhua, president of Jianghan University, was elected president of the Alumni Association. The vice presidents elected included Xiang Yue, Liu Xiangdong, Yang Linyun, Wu Zhenlin, Hu Yongsheng, Qin Xuhui and Cai Xue'en, while Li Weidong, director of Jianghan University's Social Cooperation and Alumni Affairs Office, was elected as secretary-general.
Amidst warm applause, Jing Xinhua delivered an impassioned speech. He said that thanks to the concerted efforts of all alumni representatives, the Third Meeting of the Jianghan University Alumni Association was a resounding success. It served as a platform for exchanging ideas, pursuing common development, strengthening friendships, pooling strengths, establishing missions, and forging a bright future. The newly elected alumni council is set to embark on a journey of glory and responsibility, carrying the expectations and trust of the majority of alumni. On behalf of the university and the alumni association, he extended the sincerest gratitude and the highest respect to all alumni and individuals from all walks of life who have long shown concern for the development of the university and the alumni association!
Jing emphasized that every stage of the university’s development and each significant milestone can beattributed to the wisdom and dedication of its alumni. Over the years, regardless of their circumstances, alumni have consistently demonstrated their concern for the university’s construction and development through various means. Alumni and the university form a tightly knit community with a shared future, where the university’s prosperity reflects the alumni’s success, and conversely, the alumni’s achievements propel the university to greater heights. The standing of the alumni mirrors the university’s reputation, and their image resonates with the university’s. Alumni remain an integral part of Jianghan University, representing invaluable assets and resources for the institution. Therefore, alumni affairs are a pivotal area of focus for the university that demands continuous attention and effort.
Jing stated that as the newly elected chairman and university president, he feels both deeply honored and acutely aware of the great responsibility that comes with these roles. He pledged to guide the council in strictly adhering to national laws, regulations, and directives from higher authorities in the construction of the alumni association. The council will actively seek out new ideas, refine mechanisms, and strive to achieve remarkable results in alumni affairs, working to develop the “three communities” for precise service delivery.
First and foremost, the focus will be on building an emotional community. The university plans to enhance the alumni network, bolstering cooperation with regional branches to ensure that alumni, no matter where they are, feel the warmth and care of their alma mater. Utilizing various means, the university aims to bring more alumni together and strengthen the bonds of affection among alumni, faculty, and fellow students.
Secondly, efforts will be directed towards establishing a career community. The university intends to create a platform for collaboration between alumni enterprises and the university, fostering industry-university-research cooperation. Joint scientific research projects and technological innovations will be undertaken to facilitate the transformation of scientific achievements for mutual benefit. Additionally, the university will organize job fairs featuring alumni enterprises, providing talent support for these businesses and creating more employment opportunities for students. By nurturing a cooperative and mutually beneficial environment, the university aims to stimulate emotional resonance, resource sharing, and mutual advantage with its alumni.
Thirdly, the university is committed to diligently fostering an educational community. It will invite alumni to return to their alma mater to share their life experiences and career insights, with some being appointed as external mentors. In collaboration with alumni-owned enterprises, the university will launch industry-education integration projects and establish alumni scholarships. This initiative will enable alumni to actively participate in the talent development efforts of their alma mater, thereby promoting collaboration between science and education, advancing industry-education integration, and comprehensively building a new pattern of collaborative education.
Jing concluded by emphasizing that the newly elected board members carry the trust and responsibility of the alumni. With a profound sense of duty and mission, they must diligently fulfill their roles, maintain close communication with alumni, heed their voices, understand their needs, actively engage in exploration and innovation, and strive to provide better services to the alumni community. He also conveyed that no matter where alumni are, the alma mater remains their steadfast pillar of support. He encouraged alumni to continue supporting and caring for the university's development, actively participate in various school activities, and contribute ideas and resources towards its advancement. He firmly believes that through the collective efforts of everyone, the alumni association will undoubtedly become a steadfast bridge connecting alumni to their alma mater, a haven for their souls, and a catalyst for their career growth. It will undoubtedly continue to uphold and propagate the spirit of Jianghan University, rally stronger forces, and draw an even more splendid chapter for the promising future of the alma mater.
During the meeting, the university arranged a sweet surprise for the alumni, showcasing videos and images that evoked memories of their school days and recreated the heartwarming moments of their return. This added warmth and poignant memories to the event.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Liu Jiyan, heads of pertinent functional departments of JHU, and heads of alumni association branches. The meeting was hosted by He Jia, a 2004 alumnus and the Chairman of Wuhan Jiajing Culture Communication Co., Ltd.
(By Yi Jun)