The University of Michigan–Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) held a grand alumni reunion on April 6 at the Long Bin Building on the SJTU Minhang campus to celebrate the 19th anniversary of its founding. Coinciding with the 129th anniversary of SJTU, the event brought together more than 100 participants, including alumni from around the world, faculty, staff and other members of the JI community.
In his welcome remarks, Dean Chien-Pin reviewed JI’s 19-year development. As a pioneer in higher education reform, the institute has made remarkable achievements in building an international faculty, innovating talent development models, and promoting educational cooperation between China and the United States. With over 4,300 alumni active across the globe, JI has earned widespread recognition at home and abroad and has consistently served as a vital bridge for Sino-US cultural exchange, said the dean, who emphasized JI’s long-term commitment to global engagement, interdisciplinary innovation, and strong alumni relations.
To mark the 10th anniversary of the “John Wu & Jane Sun Endowment Fund,” scholarship recipients presented flowers to John Wu and Jane Sun as a token of appreciation.
Founder and Chairman of H&F Fund Management Group John Wu, who is also Co-Chair of the JI Development Advisory Board, expressed his confidence in the future of the institute and encouraged the JI community to remain committed to core values while pursuing broader international collaboration in an era of global change.
Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group and Co-Chair of the JI Development Advisory Board, shared her joy in witnessing the growth of JI students and expressed her hopes for their continued success.
Scott Yang, SJTU’s Deputy Director of Student Division and Director of the Student Affairs Center, recounted his close connection with JI and shared his reflections on its development over the past 19 years. He said the institute has advanced through innovative top-level design, excellent educational philosophy, and unique management model, cultivating a culture of unity and progress. Yang also expressed confidence in JI’s continued leadership in higher education reform and development in China.
JI Student Affairs Office Manager Qi Wu, who served as the student counselor of Class of 2015 celebrating the 10th anniversary of graduation, recalled her 18-year journey with the institute and the meaningful connections built through shared experiences.
Alumnus Fengnian Zhao, who earned his bachelor’s degree in 2015 and Ph.D. in 2021, reflected on his transformation at JI. He credited the open and inclusive environment for encouraging exploration and personal growth and shared advice with current students: act decisively, seek inspiration from outstanding peers, and stay true to one’s curiosity and values.
Attendees also enjoyed a video montage of student memories and congratulatory messages from alumni around the world.
The event featured the launch ceremony of the newly established Alumni Home, a dedicated space designed by Class of 2006 alumnus and Zhuomo Zhuomo founder Simin Wang. The space will use interactive walls to showcase alumni stories and modular furniture to support creative engagement and community building, he said.
A mentorship appointment ceremony was also held, during which Dean Chien-Pin Chen presented appointment letters to two newly named aesthetic education mentors: Professor Zhenyu Yang from the China Academy of Art, and alumnus Simin Wang.
The JI Alumni Mentorship Program was officially launched, with Dean Chen awarding certificates to the first group of alumni mentors.
In his concluding remarks, JI Founding Dean and Deputy Director of SJTU’s University Council Jun Ni reflected on the early days of the Institute and highlighted the strong link between SJTU’s reform initiatives and its internationalization efforts. He described JI as a successful model of Sino-foreign educational collaboration in the new century and a pioneer in establishing a distinct path of development. With the continued support and contributions of its alumni, JI is well-positioned to write a new chapter in the reform and advancement of higher education, said Ni.
Group photo of event attendees
Source: SJTU JI
Editor on Duty: Yan Cheng