CFLC marked its 95thanniversary on April 14 with a grand ceremony joined by alumni from around the world.
The ceremony, staged at the XMU Science and Art Center on the morning of April 14, was attended by about 800 alumni, university officials, faculty and student representatives, as well as heads of foreign languages schools at peer institutions around he country.
?The ceremony began with a performance of songs “Waves of Gulangyu” and “Auld Lang Syne” by the CFLF Choir, followed by the national anthem.
CFCL Choir Performs for the Ceremony
Participants Rise for the National Anthem
In his opening speech, XMU President Zhang Rong extended warm congratulations on CFLC’s 95thanniversary, praising CFLC’s for its 95 years of excellence in teaching and research. In particular, he sang high praise for CFLC’s achievements in equipping students with foreign language skills, global horizonand attributes to become responsible global citizens capable of making contributions to their professions and communities.
XMU President Zhang Rong Speaks at the Ceremony
CFLC Party Secretary Chen Zhiwei Officiates the Ceremony
In his speech, CFLC Dean Zhang Longhai reviewed the College’s evolution over the past 95 years, as well as its recent developments and achievements. He stated that over the past century or so, CFCL has been dedicated to equipping students with foreign language skills and other professional skills and instilling in students patriotism and commitment to the common good of humanity.
CFLC Dean Zhang Longhai Speaks at the Ceremony
Ma Xiao, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Literatures at Wuhan University, delivered a speech on behalf of peer institutions. He congratulated CFLC’s 95thanniversary and complimented the College’s remarkable accomplishments in recent years.
Ma Xiao, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Literature at Wuhan University, Speaks at the Ceremony
Also speaking at the ceremony were alumni representatives Zhong Xingguo and Li Xiaojia, faculty representative Yang Shizhuo, and student representative Ma Quanzhen.
Alumni Representative Zhong Xingguo Speaks at the Ceremony
Alumni Representative Li Xiaojia Speaks at the Ceremony
Faculty Representative Yang Shizhuo Speaks at the Ceremony
Student Representative Ma Quanzheng Speaks at the Ceremony
At the ceremony, CFLC announced the establishment of global alumni association, with Dean Zhang Longhai appointed as its honorary president and Ms. Zhu Dezhen, an alumna of the Class of 1981, as its president. The association is aimed at establishing and maintaining effective communication infrastructure among members and cultivating a strong sense of belonging and ownership.
CFLC Global Alumni Association Established
XMU Alumni Association Secretary-General Zeng Guobin Presents the CLFC Global Alumni Association Banner to Ms. Zhu Dezhen
XMU Alumni Association Secretary-General Zeng Guobin Presents the CLFC Global Alumni Association Banner to Ms. Zhu Dezhen
Zhu Dezhen, President of the CFCL Global Alumni Association, Speaks at the Ceremony
Before the ceremony, XMU President Zhang Rong and XMU Alumni Association Secretary-General Zeng Guobin met with Mr. Li Xiaojia, a CFLC alumnus and CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx).
XMU President Zhang Rong Meets with HKExCEO Li Xiaojia
At 8a.m., CFLC hosted an unveiling ceremony for Dezhen Building and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 95thanniversary commemorative sculpture. Dignitaries attending the ceremonies included Zhu Chongshi, former XMU President and Director-General of the XMU Alumni Association; Wu Daguang, XMU Vice President; Zeng Guobin, Secretary-General of the XMU Alumni Association; Ms. Zhu Dezhen, after whom the building is named, and her husband Mr. Zhang Fuxiong; as well as representatives of the alumni from the Classes of 1981 and 2003. Other events on the same morning included unveiling ceremonies for the “Youth Wall” bronze sculpture and the commemorative sundial.
Participating Dignitaries Pose for a Group Photo after the Ceremonies
Dezhen Building Unveiling Ceremony
Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for the Commemorative Sundial
Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for the Commemorative Sundial
At 2:3 p.m., the alumni forum kicked off at the Science and Art Center. The forum was officiated by Ms. Zhu Dezheng, President of the CFLC Global Alumni Association and Chairwoman of DYEE Capital. Mr. Li Xiaojia, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, delivered the keynote speech. In his speech entitled “A New Era for Hong Kong’s Financial Market”, he explored the role of Hong Kong is China’s economic transformationand encouraged CFLC students acquire not only language skills but also professional expertise.
XMU Deputy Party Secretary Lai Hongkai expressed his appreciation to the two distinguished CFLC alumni for serving as role models for CFLC students. He presented souvenirs to the two distinguished CFLC alumni. Zhou Zhiwen, an alumnus from the CFLC Class of 1986 and President of the CFLC Xiamen Alumni Association, presented to Mr. Li Xiaojia, a commemorative photograph of the winning of the XMU football league championship by the former Foreign Languages Department football team, on which Zhou was a member.
XMU Deputy Party Secretary Lai HongkaiSpeaks at the Forum
Li Xiaojia and Zhu Dezhen Share Their Observations and Insights at the Alumni Forum
XMU Deputy Party Secretary Lai HongkaiPresents Souvenirs to Zhu Dezhen and Li Xiaojia
CFLC Xiamen Alumni Association President Zhou Zhiwen Presents a Commemorative Photograph to Li Xiaojia
Alumni Forum Participants Pose for a Group Photo
On the afternoon of the same day, CFLC hosted a forum of deans of collegiate schools of foreign languages and cultures. CFLC Dean Zhang Longhai extended a warm welcome to the participants, stating that the forum provided a platform for communications among different schools.
The forum brought together professors from 12 universities, including Fudan University,Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Sun Yat-sen University, Nankai University, Jilin University, Wuhan University, Shandong University, Hunan University, Southwest University, Hunan Normal University, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. They shared their insights into the development of foreign language and literaturestudies in the context of the Chinese Government’s “Double First-Class” Project.
Participants of the Deans Forum Pose for a Group Photo
Other major events for CFLC’s 95thanniversary celebrations included: a golf game for alumni, a gala show, a football match commemorating the 35thanniversary of the former Foreign Languages Department football team’s winning of the XMU Football League Championship, and an alumni seminar marking the 40thanniversary of the French Department.
