To celebrate the 113th anniversary of the founding of Tsinghua University, the Department of Earth System Science (DESS), Tsinghua University held the Alumni Symposium 2024 on April 27. Luo Yong, Dean of the DESS, Geng Rui, Secretary of the Party Committee, Yu Le, Head of the Graduate Student Work Group, Yao Songkun, Director of the Party and Government Office, Xu Meng, Director of Employment, and some graduate students attended the meeting. Lu Hui, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the DESS, presided over the symposium.

More than 10 department alumni from universities, research institutes, government departments, enterprises and other units shared cutting-edge information in related fields and their own growth experiences. Lu Hui extended a warm welcome to all the department alumni returning to the university, and expressed sincere gratitude for their long-term concern and support to the DESS. He hoped that the department alumni would continue to offer their valuable suggestions for the development of the DESS.

Luo Yong makes an introduction

Luo Yong presented an overview of the recent developments and cutting-edge progress achieved by the DESS, noting that over the past year, the DESS has witnessed a pivotal breakthrough in the development of its teaching faculty, accompanied by noteworthy achievements in educational and instructional management, research endeavors, as well as international collaborations. Looking ahead, the DDESS will remain committed to propelling the discipline of Earth system science to new heights, with a steadfast focus on the aspiration of “expediting the establishment of a world-class Earth system science discipline imbued with both Tsinghua's distinctiveness and China's unique characteristics.”

Exchange meeting

Alumni of the DESS, Zhao Xi, Li Hong, Zhao Mengzhen, Ren Zhehao, Qian Yukun, Jia Yongpo, Gu Chao, Cui Wenliang and Meng Yuchen, respectively shared their recent work and life, and presented valuable opinions and suggestions for the development of the DESS.

In the exchange session, the alumni and the students of the DESS had a heated discussion around study plans, the formulation of research goals, and the expansion of life experiences. Alumni of the department suggested that younger brothers and sisters should explore and try more, broaden their horizons in an all-round way and make full use of the resources of the school. During the interactive session, the alumni and DESS students engaged in a lively discourse centering on study blueprints, the establishment of research objectives, and the enhancement of life experiences. The alumni advised the students to embark on extensive exploration and experimentation, to broaden their perspectives comprehensively, and to make full use of the institutional resources available.

Geng Rui delivers a concluding speech

In her concluding address, Geng Rui cordially welcomed the alumni, emphasizing the notion that “Tsinghua University boasts three treasures: its motto, its campus, and its alumni.” She expressed gratitude to the alumni for their contributions to the growth and progress of the DESS, urging them to uphold the university's motto and fortify their bonds with their alma mater and the DESS. Additionally, she exhorted the students to actively seek guidance from the alumni and courageously embark on the grand stage to pursue their aspirations and actualize the full potential of their lives.

Group photo of participants

Written by He Yixu, Li Aiwei, and Liu Xinyi

Photographed by He Yixu