In the golden days of October, SBC hosted the 2025 Alumni Homecoming event to celebrate USST’s 119th anniversary. Alumni from various sectors, along with faculty and current students, gathered at the Fuxing Road Campus to reconnect, celebrate this significant milestone, and jointly envision a new chapter for the future.
Alumni checking in at the tea room entrance
Sands of Blessing, A New Journey Together
Alumni pouring colored sands
The event began with a distinctive highlight at the registration area – an interactive pouring sands installation. Alumni sequentially poured colored sand grains, symbolising Happiness, Health, and Good Fortune, into a glass container. Gradually accumulating into a mountain-like form, this act represented the convergence of past campus memories into shared aspirations for a bright future, while also embodying their heartfelt blessings for the alma mater.
Ingenious Heritage, A New Cultural Chapter
Alumni experiencing the intangible cultural heritage
In the intangible cultural heritage hands-on zone, four traditional activities—lacquer fan painting, sachet crafting, ancient pitch-pot game, and paper cutting—unfolded simultaneously in a vibrant atmosphere. At the lacquer fan station, alumni created patterns blending the Shanghai Bund skyline with London's Tower Bridge using indigo, carmine, and gamboge hues. Before the sachet tables, participants carefully filled pouches with mugwort, clove, and cassia twigs, stitching personal regards and blessings into each creation. The pitch-pot area resonated with cheerful laughter, while the paper-cutting section displayed an array of exquisite works. The deep integration of campus cultural elements with traditional heritage skills created a dynamic interplay between artisan spirit and youthful energy.
Shared Vision, A Collective Blueprint
XIAO Xueyi presenting alumni initiatives
XIAO Xueyi, SBC tutor and alumni officer, reviewed the development journey of the Alumni Family since its establishment. She expressed sincere gratitude to alumni for their enduring care and support for the College's development, warmly inviting them to continue providing valuable insights for the advancement of the institution's educational mission, working hand in hand to drive continuous progress.
CAI Hui sharing institutional achievements
Subsequently, CAI Hui, Deputy Party Secretary and Associate Dean of SBC, extended a warm welcome to the returning alumni. She presented the College's recent achievements in programme development, talent cultivation, and particularly in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship. She encouraged alumni to actively share their growth experiences, guide current students forward, perpetuate the distinguished legacy of SBC students, and collectively strengthen the educational bridge of passing the torch.
Shared Wisdom, Mutual Growth
Interactive sharing session
During the open exchange session, alumni engaged in lively discussions about the College's future talent development and alumni work advancement. Participants not only shared the latest trends in their respective fields but also offered numerous valuable suggestions for current students. An alumnus from the Class of 2012 shared his professional twin cities experience transitioning from London's Square Mile to Shanghai's Bund, while a 2017 graduate recounted her story of crossing into the AI sector for a second entrepreneurship. In this free-flowing dialogue marked by genuine interaction and thoughtful responses—spanning university life, career development, and industry trends—current students gained practical insights while experiencing the profound warmth of alumni fellowship.
Group photo
The event drew to a close in a warm, congenial atmosphere. Alumni unanimously expressed appreciation for the communication platform SBC had created, pledging to frequently return to their alma mater. As the event concluded, participants strolled through the autumn-tinted Fuxing Garden, reminiscing about their youth and renewing cherished classmates bonds.
