The Platanus tree-lined avenue at Southeast University’s Sipailou Campus – often called the "most beautiful 200 meters" – had already laid down a soft "golden carpet." The century-old trees stretched their branches, sketching the roots and heritage of this institution. Alumni from Class 21911 of the School of Mechanical Engineering returned from across the country to keep a youthful promise spanning three decades.
Falling Sycamore Leaves, Returning to the Starting Point of Youth
On the morning of November 29, the first stop of the reunion was the Pukou Campus, filled with memories of youth. Accompanied by Mr. Yan Bingming, an alumni officer at the SEU Chengxian College, they strolled along the familiar tree-lined avenue. The rustle of golden fallen leaves underfoot brought back the shadows of time. The alumni entered the teaching building where they once attended classes and the dormitories where they lived, identifying the old hallways and room numbers, debating the changes in the washrooms, and praising how the floors and staircases had remained bright and new after years of weathering. The warm autumn sunshine filled the campus. The saplings they remembered had grown into towering trees. The gilded characters on "Chengxian Building" and "Ito Gymnasium" still stood as bold and vigorous as ever. Everyone’s thoughts drifted back to their younger days, carrying backpacks and dreams.
Tracing History, Witnessing Alma Mater’s Glory
In the afternoon, Ms. Yan Yan, Alumni Secretary of the School of Mechanical Engineering, welcomed everyone at the Sipailou Campus. Enjoying the autumn scenery of their alma mater, they walked into the solemn and dignified University History Museum. Guided by the narrator, the 123 year history of SEU unfolded step by step – from the earliest Sanjiang Normal School to the renowned institution of today. The stories of generations of SEU people filled every alumnus present with emotion. They paused in front of a photo of President Wei Yu, recalling the opening ceremonies and military training of their own time.
Later, in front of the Great Auditorium, they took a group photo with Mr. Wang Jun (former class advisor and now Party Secretary of the School of Mechanical Engineering) and Mr. Liu Xiaojun (Associate Dean). As the shutter clicked, the teacher student bond spanning thirty years was frozen in that moment. The alumni’s smiles were still brilliant but tinged with maturity; the teachers’ eyes remained kind, now glowing with even more gratification.
Teacher Alumni Symposium, Discussing a New Chapter of the Times
The class meeting that followed was the highlight of the reunion. As soon as old photos from the warm up video appeared, they stirred everyone’s memories. Associate Dean Liu updated the alumni on the recent developments of the School of Mechanical Engineering, highlighting major breakthroughs in discipline construction and research innovation during the 14th Five Year Plan period, and outlining a bright blueprint for the 15th Five Year Plan. Every "Mechanical Engineering alumnus" felt proud witnessing the School’s progress and achievements.
Later, two classmates, Cai Hui and Yang Yong, shared cutting edge developments in AI and robotics, demonstrating how members of Class 21911 continue to advance with the times. The most touching part was when each classmate took the stage in turn to share their life experiences and reflections over the thirty years since graduation. A thousand words finally merged into the unchanging bond with SEU.
At the end of the class meeting, Party Secretary Wang Jun delivered an emotional message that brought many to tears. She recalled that the Class of 1991 was the first cohort she had mentored as a counselor. Reminiscing about those days, she shared her own journey growing together with the School. She expressed heartfelt care and blessings for every student, and said with deep feeling: "The School will always be your warmest home. You are always welcome back!"
The success of this reunion would not have been possible without the strong support of the School’s leadership and the alumni association teachers. Thirty years have passed quickly, but the bonds of friendship and teacher student affection last forever. The story of Class 21911 is a microcosm of countless SEU alumni: they started here and have shone in various professions, while their alma mater remains the lighthouse illuminating their way home. We look forward to the next reunion, when we have all become better versions of ourselves.
Two poems presented to the alma mater by the alumni:
Returning After Thirty Years
Osmanthus fragrance drifts through the old study hall,
Platanus leaves softly chant the length of years.
Long absent, yet the teacher’s spirit lingers still,
Gentle words are nothing but a guardian’s care.
With smart dreams and the original heart,
A simple presence flows like endless water.
Bound to SEU for thirty years,
Let us meet again and add another splendid chapter.
Reunion on the 30th Anniversary of Graduation
Thirty autumns in Jinling, frost now touches our temples,
Yet laughter still knows its old tacit understanding,
Bohemian and unrestrained as we once were.
We talk freely till stars hang in the night,
Drain our cups as moonlight fills the tower.
Let us promise: ten years from now,
Hand in hand, we will revisit this place again.
Text: Class 21911
Photography: Yan Yan
Reviewer: Liu Xiaojun
