Recalling the past, we were young students in our prime, with youthful vigor and unforgettable kindness from our teachers. Looking to the present, we stand in a great era, forging ahead with perseverance and paying tribute to our youth. On October 3, 2020, 18 alumni from Class 12161 of the 1986 cohort of the School of Management gathered in Xi'an from all over the country to participate in the homecoming event marking the 30th anniversary of their graduation, sharing an unforgettable time with their teachers and fellow students.

At 8:30 a.m., the alumni first held a themed class meeting in the Second Lecture Hall of the Alumni Association of Northwestern Polytechnical University. Several alumni were unable to attend due to work commitments or residence abroad, but distance did not hinder the profound friendship among the classmates—they joined the gathering via online video link. During the meeting, the classmates exchanged festival greetings, inquired about each other’s recent lives, and expressed their longing for one another. They talked about their current lives, reminisced about the days of studying and living together in the past, and burst into joyful laughter at the amusing stories of their classmates etched in their memories, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Following the class meeting, a teacher-student forum was held. Che Ada, Dean of the School of Management; Qiao Caiyan, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Management and President of the School’s Alumni Branch; and teachers including Qian Fupei, Li Xiaowan, Liu Mingjie, Yang Naiding, Pan Jieyi, Li Yuping and Miao Xiaoming attended the forum, which was presided over by Li Yuntao, an alumnus and monitor of Class 12161.

At the forum, Qiao Caiyan first introduced the attending leaders and teachers, and extended a warm welcome to the returning alumni. She expressed gratitude to the alumni for establishing the "Senior Scholarship Fund of Class 12161, School of Management" to support talent cultivation. This is the first donation project set up in the name of a class in the School’s history, and also a profound manifestation of the alumni’s gratitude to their alma mater on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the School’s founding. She wished the alumni a smooth and successful 30th anniversary homecoming, and encouraged them to visit the alma mater often when they have time. Subsequently, Che Ada briefed the attendees on the School’s development in recent years in terms of cultural development, discipline construction, faculty team building and talent cultivation. He thanked the alumni for their efforts in various industries and wished them greater success in their careers.

The alumni also shared their feelings. They expressed great joy at reuniting with their teachers and classmates during this homecoming. Now scattered across various walks of life and achieving remarkable career success, they attributed their accomplishments to the alma mater’s favorable academic atmosphere and the earnest teachings of their teachers back then—these had nurtured confidence that shines in their eyes and resilience rooted in their bones. They hoped to maintain close communication and exchanges with the alma mater, wished the alma mater even better development, and prayed for the teachers’ health and all the best. During the forum, the monitor called the roll one by one, and each classmate responded and bowed to pay tribute to the teachers. Meanwhile, Alumnus Ou Lixiong displayed some old group photos, evoking memories of their youthful years together.

Reunions between teachers and students are always filled with special warmth and excitement. Seeing the alumni return with their youthful spirits still intact, and feeling their enthusiasm and youthful hearts, the teachers remarked that they themselves felt younger and were deeply moved. They expressed great pride in seeing their students striving hard in their respective positions. The teachers hoped the alumni would visit the alma mater often, participate in more university and school activities when possible, and contribute their strength. They also congratulated the alumni on their achievements and encouraged them to keep up the good work. Professor Qian Fupei, former Dean of the School of Management, advised everyone, "No matter who you are, what age you are, or what position you hold, this is your life. And everyone’s life is a project—strive your best to make it a success." He also hoped everyone would return to attend the commemoration ceremony for the 30th anniversary of the School’s founding.

At the end of the forum, with the joint witness of the teachers and alumni, the donation ceremony for the "Senior Scholarship Fund of Class 12161, School of Management, Northwestern Polytechnical University" was successfully held. Later, all participants took a group photo in the First Lecture Hall, marking the successful conclusion of this homecoming event.

Time flies like an arrow, and years pass like a song. In the blink of an eye, the alumni of Class 12161 have been away from their alma mater for 30 years. Although dust-laden memories may fade with time, the friendship between former classmates and the bond between teachers and students will be forever engraved in their hearts.

(Written by / Fu Xiaofan; Reviewed by / Qiao Caiyan)