On April 28, 2012, the Tsinghua-MIT International MBA alumni reunion was held upon Tsinghua University’s 101 Anniversary. Alumni from 1997, which is the starting point of the IMBA program, to 2011, gathered at SEM. Around 100 alumni from across China returned Tsinghua to reconnect with classmates, faculty and make new friends.

Group Photo of several alumni attending the event

The guests were introduced after a brief review of the development of the IMBA program. The guests present included Professor JIAO Jie, Professor HE Ping, former director of IMBA program Ms. XIE Qihong, and the current program administration team.

The opening address was given by Professor JIAO Jie, the deputy CPC secretary of SEM. Professor Jiao expressed sincere gratitude to all the alumni present. He hoped that the alumni reunion could be held annually for alumni to celebrate Tsinghua’s birthday. By the joint efforts of the school and the alumni, Tsinghua will continue to lead the internalization of MBA education in China.

Speech by Professor JIAO Jie

Ms. Mao Donghui, the Executive Director of MBA program gave a short speech announcing the reestablishment of the Tsinghua MBA Alumni Association and its first meeting in March, 2012. Ms. Mao wished that the chapter of IMBA under the book of the MBA Alumni Association would be polished by the approximately 1300 alumni and 100 current students. The dedication and communication between the alumni could bring about great value.

Speech by Ms. Mao Donghui

As the alumni representative, Mr. QIN Minhan from Singapore gave a speech. He reinforced that Tsinghua-MIT IMBA Program was truly the gateway to the best of China enable students and alumni to fully leverage resource of Tsinghua and China. He urged that the most influential members from every class should stand out and set up more clubs and regional groups. As the unique international program in the school of economics and management, the IMBA program should devote to the aim of “influence the world”.

Speech by QIN Minghan, the Alumni Representative

Professor HE Ping and alumna Ms. WANG Anqin held the alumni panel, themed “Memory and Legacy”. The alumnus Mr. XU Mingyu, LUOXin and HE Peng, representing alumni from every five years, recalled the campus life and their career and personal development after graduation. It especially interested the audience to hear about the sharing of Mr. Xu, the most senior graduate of 1999 among the guest panelists. Some audiences were also asked to talk about their Tsinghua experience briefly. Mr. Michael Frechette, graduated in 2009, commented the Tsinghua MBA competency as fully submerging oneself in China, which echoes many IMBA students’ reason of choosing Tsinghua. Anqin closed the panel by encouraging the present alumnus to embrace and share the emotion of happiness.

Panel discussion themed “Memory and Legacy”

At the end of this event, with the Tsinghua anthem sung by everyone, candles were passed on from alumni to current MBA students, symbolizing handing over the experience, spirit, and responsibility from earlier to later cohorts.  The student volunteers planned the event and made it happen also came up to the stage to appreciate the audience alumni’s applause.

Alumni mingle

The alumni enjoyed one hour of mingle time after taken the group photo. The event closed at 6p.m. with great success.