HIT homecoming anniversary held after 50 years

Reported by: SHANG Yankai

Photographed by: SHANG Yankai

Translated by: WANG Ying

Edited by: Jonathan Wylie

Half a century ago, a group of young students devoted themselves to the front lines of the construction of our country with ambition. Now they have become old men with silver-hair. They recently returned to HIT, deeply missing their alma mater and teachers. From September 15th to 17th, the 50th anniversary homecoming for the 1959 gradates of the Department of Road and Bridge Engineering was held at HIT. Alumni Association Vice President, and HIT Education Development Foundation Vice Chairman, SUN Heyi, attended the meeting and gave a speech.

    

"Welcome all to your home!" Together they celebrated in the meeting room of the School of Transportation Science and Technology. Alumni, teachers and leaders came together laughing and recalling old times at HIT. It was reported that there were in total 31 graduates, and 16 of them came back to celebrate. The oldest was 76 years old and the average age was 73. 

 

SUN, on behalf of HIT, gave a warm welcome for the graduates’ return and introduced the basic situation of HIT in all aspects. He said that what the alumni contributed to our national development in their own field greatly enhanced the social reputation of HIT. He showed great gratitude for their constant concern about the development of HIT. He said he hoped they continued to contribute ideas and exert efforts. Their spirit for the School of Transportation Science and Technology was also a reflection of HIT’s spirit. SUN expressed hopes for them to regularly return to HIT and in order to pass school spirit to the current younger generation of students. He also sincerely hoped that they would all return and gather at the HIT Centennial Anniversary.
     

 

The meeting was held by Party Secretary WU Guofang of the School of Transportation Science and Technology. The Dean of School of Transportation Science and Technology, HOU Xiangshen, introduced the school’s scientific research, personnel training and other achievements in recent years. The alumni were encouraged after listening. Retired professor of HIT, LIU Jingxing, introduced the preparations for the homecoming event. SUN Yuzhu, who once was league secretary, gave a speech on behalf of the alumni. He said emotionally: "Today, I'm so happy that we students are able to meet at HIT 50 years later, and I’m so proud to see the development of our school. After all these years, we still hold the same love for each other, our teachers and our beloved school. We will never regret our choice to be here. The needs of our country and society are also our needs and responsibilities." He made ​​a presentation of their photo slideshow set to nostalgic old songs. Everyone was brought back to the time of their college life.

 

After 50 years, gray-haired Professor WANG Zheren was excited to see his students again, and he made a piece of poetry for the occasion: ‘Going to college in the 1950s, we were united and lively classes; However suffering three years’ natural disaster, we welcomed great development after graduation; Joining the first line of construction with perseverance, we believed we would succeed; We fully lived up to the wonderful; Now, after 50 years, we are reunited together chatting about our beautiful lives.’ He showed his gratitude for their contribution to the development and construction of the School of Transportation Science and Technology.

 

During their celebration, they visited the HIT Museum, ate at the old canteen, and had a tour of the Songhua River, Stalin Park and Sun Island Scenic Area. While they were recalling the past, they not only got a more comprehensive and profound understanding for HIT’s history and brilliant achievements, but also increased their affection for their alma mater.