CUC Hosts International Alumni Homecoming for 70th Anniversary Celebration
The International Media Education Institute, also known as the Center for Overseas Student Affairs, organized the event.
BEIJING —The Communication University of China (CUC) celebrated its 70th anniversary with an international alumni homecoming event on Sept. 28, 2024, at the China Communication and Communication Center, writes Jenipher Asiimwe.
The "Communication University of China, I am back" event, organized by the International Media Education Institute, drew nearly 100 international student representatives and notable guests.
The International Media Education Institute, also known as the Center for Overseas Student Affairs, organized the event.
Notable attendees included Zhang Xuesong, Director of Strategic Research at the Asia-Pacific Communication Center; Ru Tao, Director of International Spread at the Beijing Municipal Party Committee Propaganda Department; Mach, Secretary General of the International Alumni Talent Alliance; Shirley Chen, Secretary General of the Malaysia Alumni Association; and Jin Xuetao, Dean of the School of International Communication Education at CUC.
Zhang Xuesong emphasized the crucial role of international alumni in fostering cross-cultural understanding.
"International alumni, as media talents cultivated by CUC, are the bridge to promote mutual understanding and communication among countries," Zhang said.
He expressed hope for CUC's continued internationalization and strengthening of the "studying in China" brand.
Ru Tao praised CUC's contributions to international media education, noting, "CUC has trained a large number of high-quality, compound international media elites."
He encouraged alumni to leverage their unique perspectives in future international communications, calling them "double emissaries of understanding China and the world."
Jin Xuetao highlighted CUC's history with international students, dating back to 1982 when the university welcomed its first international Chinese language student through a partnership with Ohio State University.
CUC began enrolling international degree students in 1995 and has since achieved remarkable results in professional development and personnel training.
The event featured inspiring stories from prominent alumni. Victoria Elizabeth, a Jamaican alumna with diverse cultural roots, shared how her decade in China helped her connect with her family's Chinese heritage.
Now a cultural ambassador, she teaches communication studies and promotes understanding between China and the West.
Spanish alumnus Noel Sirerol Gonzalez recounted his journey from East Asian studies to filmmaking, encouraging students to pursue their passions.
Rwandan graduate Donatien Niyonzima discussed his insights into international spread and intercultural exchanges, while Polish alumna Cui Hua reflected on her three-time study experience at CUC, highlighting the evolving media landscape.
Shirley Chen presented a gift on behalf of the Malaysia Alumni Association, founded in 2016 as the first China-related non-governmental organization officially approved by the Malaysian government.
The association focuses on "serving the Alma Mater, networking with alumni, assisting students, and maintaining friendship in China."
The event concluded with international students singing the school song "There is a row of young poplars on campus," followed by an interactive Q&A session and a commemorative group photo.
This homecoming celebration not only honoured CUC's 70-year legacy but also provided a platform for international alumni and current students to connect, showcasing the university's inclusive spirit and global impact in media education.