Alumni from different graduating years returned to Nanfang College, Guangzhou (NCG) on 18 October as the School of Public Administration organised a series of homecoming activities to celebrate the College's 20th anniversary. The occasion offered graduates an opportunity to reconnect with former teachers and classmates, learn about recent developments and share their perspectives on the School's future.
The day began with alumni attending NCG's Conference on High-Quality Development, where they gained an overview of the College's achievements over the past two decades and its plans for the future. Afterwards, a visit to the School's cultural display introduced recent developments in academic disciplines and student education, with Meng Yali, Director of the School's Administrative Office, guiding alumni through the exhibits.
The Departments of Public Relations and Human Resource Management also hosted networking lunches, bringing alumni together with School leaders and faculty members. Among those attending were Professor Chen Tianxiang, Dean of the School of Public Administration; Ou Chongya and Wang Zheng, Associate Deans; Huang Ning, Head of the Department of Public Administration; Jiang Jun of the Department of Cultural Industries Management; Meng Yali, Director of the Administrative Office; Fang Yadong, Director of the Student Affairs Office; Wang Xu, Alumni Liaison Officer; and faculty representatives.
Conversations over lunch ranged from recent developments at the School to graduates' experiences in their respective professions. Drawing on their work and observations of industry trends, alumni offered suggestions on student education, graduate employment and the skills needed in the workplace. Their contributions provided perspectives to inform the School's continued development.
Following lunch, alumni visited the College's History and Development Exhibition Hall and Alumni Home, where they learned more about NCG's development and its efforts to maintain connections with former students.
A key part of the afternoon's activities was the 16th Alumni Forum, held at the Yuekong Multifunctional Hall. Welcoming the returning graduates, Dean Chen emphasised their importance to the School's development and the example they set for current students. He expressed the hope that the forum would encourage regular exchanges between graduates and students, broaden students' perspectives and help them identify their future directions.
Five alumni speakers representing fields including the internet industry and law shared experiences from their professional journeys. Drawing on their career development, they responded to students' questions about academic study, essential skills and career planning, offering practical insights into the opportunities and challenges of working life.
The forum concluded with Associate Dean Ou presenting the five speakers with letters of appointment as career mentors.
The homecoming programme strengthened connections between alumni, faculty and students while creating opportunities for graduates to contribute to the education of future cohorts. Looking ahead, the School of Public Administration plans to expand its alumni engagement activities, enhance communication and services for graduates, and encourage closer collaboration in support of its continued development.
