On the afternoon of July 24th, over 200 distinguished and virtuous alumni representatives from different districts and counties of Putian gathered in the lecture hall of the headquarter of 3Trees Company of Limited in Putian to attend the inaugural meeting of the XMU Putian Alumni Association.
Chen Zhiyong, alumnus of Grade 1993 graduated from the Department of Political Science, introduced the preparatory work of the association and expressed his gratitude for supports from all parties. In the meeting hosted by Zeng Guobin, the regulations and election methods were adopted and the first alumni association council was elected. Hong Jie was selected as the honorary chairman, Zeng Wenhua, vice president of Putian University, as the chairmen, Zhu Yuanfeng, Zhu Qifeng, Chen Qing, Chen Jianyu, Zheng Zhengrong, Zheng Xinping, Weng Huaren, Huang Feizhou and Xie Jinshun vice chairman, Chen Zhiyong secretary general, Chen Jianhui and Huang Zhisheng deputy secretary general. According to relevant regulations, some other major responsible persons of the alumni association council will not be eventually decided until approved by relevant departments.
Li Jianfa presented Hong Jie with honorary chairman tablet and Zeng Wenhua with chairman table and delivered an inspiring speech. On behalf of Xiamen University and the XMU General Alumni Association, he expressed warm congratulations on the foundation of the XMU Putian Alumni Association and acknowledged that Putian is a land of precious resources and also a birth place of creative minds and gifted talents with long history and splendid culture. Since the reform and opening, alumni in Putian, inheriting the spirit of “Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection”, made distinguished contributions to economic and social development of Putian and earned great honor for alma mater. Li also pointed out that enjoying the support of the communist party of China, Chinese government, all sectors of society and alumni, XMU, through 95 years of robust growth, has developed into a comprehensive university with a wide range of disciplines, superior school conditions and many qualified faculties. He emphasized that under the new situation of the "Double First-rate" Development, alma mater, in order to realize two centenary goals, requires the support and assistance of alumni. At last, Li hoped that the alumni association of Putian could play a role in strengthening the connection between alma mater and alumni and develop into a warm home in which alumni help each other and make common progress.
Zhan Xinli presented the flag, calligraphy work and a famous painting to the alumni association, wishing a bright future for it. Hong Jie and Zeng Wenhua accepted them.
In his welcome address, Hong Jie said that 3Trees is devoting to constructing “the most beautiful enterprise in China”. As XMU is China’s most beautiful university, the foundation of the alumni association of Putian here is a beautiful encounter. He retrospected his connection with XMU and was proud of the vigorous and fast development of alma mater. Hong pointed out that the founder of XMU, Mr. Tan Kah Kee, is an entrepreneur loving his country and hometown and contributing all his fortune to education, whose spirit is worth learning by every entrepreneur.
Zeng Wenhua expressed his gratitude for the trust and support of alumni and felt the honor and heavy burden given to him. He would carry out his work in such aspects as strengthening connections between alumni and alma mater, organizing colorful activities, establishing an efficient communication platform and so on. Ye Wenzhen, on behalf of the XMU alumni association of Fuzhou, shared his good idea and practice explored during the development of the alumni association of Fuzhou. Lan Weiguang, on behalf of alumni in Singapore, conveyed his gratitude for alam mater and best wishes for the alumni association of Putian.
On behalf of Putian municipal government, Jiang Zhixiong, alumnus of Grade 1978 graduated from the Department of Mathematics and deputy mayor of Putian municipal government, extended his congratulations on the foundation of the alumni association of Putian. Jiang said that the development of Putian requires talented people and hoped that the association may unite the strength of alumni and make great contributions to the development of Putian.
The Xiamn University alumni association of Putian, the 84th alumni association of XMU, started its construction preparation on September, 2015. Over 600 alumni engaging in different fields like politics, education, business and so on have been included. Its foundation further completes the organizational network of alumni associations in province, making contribution to the cooperation between alma mater and city.
