On May 31st, Mr. Zhao Xicheng, a 1946 graduate of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and honorary director of the university, as well as Chairman of the American Fu Mao Group, visited his alma mater accompanied by his eldest daughter, Dr. Zhao Xiaolan, an honorary doctorate recipient from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and former U.S. Secretary of Labor and Transportation. Secretary of the University Party Committee, Yang Zhenbin, and President Ding Kuiling welcomed the returning alumni warmly at the Xuhui Campus.

Also present were Vice Director Lv Ting and Senior Researcher Li Xueyao from the American Department of the Chinese People's Diplomatic Academy, Vice President Zhang Ansheng from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Commissioner Wang Houji from the Party Committee and the United Front Work Department, and a distinguished member of the Alumni Association, Chen Liangjie, among other key figures from the Development Liaison Office, Alumni Association, School of Naval Architecture, and School of Law.

During the meeting, President Ding Kuiling introduced the university's development and expressed gratitude to Mr. Zhao and his family for their enduring support and dedication to the alma mater. Mr. Zhao and his family have maintained a deep and close bond with the university over the years. Since the early days of China's reform and opening up, starting from when the university formed the nation's first professorial delegation to visit the U.S., Mr. Zhao, especially after assuming the role of Chairman of the American Alumni Association, has been dedicated to promoting cross-strait relations and Sino-American educational cooperation and development. His spirit of "remembering the source of water" has vividly embodied the university's inclusive and open cultural heritage. President Ding noted that in its 128-year history, Shanghai Jiao Tong University has produced over 400,000 outstanding graduates who have made significant contributions to society across various fields. It is the collective efforts of generations of alumni that have shaped the university's current vibrant development, excellent social reputation, and international influence. He warmly wished Mr. Zhao continued health and expressed confidence in his ongoing contributions to promoting cultural exchanges between China and the United States.

Mr. Zhao Xicheng has always cherished fond memories of his education at his alma mater, emphasizing how Chinese education laid a solid foundation for his family and career development in the United States. He expressed deep gratitude to his alma mater and teachers. Sharing his perspectives on Sino-American educational exchanges and talent development, Mr. Zhao highlighted the strengths of both Chinese and American educational systems. He urged young students to not only focus on building a solid academic foundation but also to cultivate a global outlook and cross-cultural communication skills, encouraging them to explore and innovate, striving to break down global barriers and promote social progress.

On behalf of the university, President Ding Kuiling presented Mr. Zhao Xicheng and Dr. Zhao Xiaolan with a commemorative album. The album, with vivid photographs, documented Mr. Zhao Xicheng and Dr. Zhao Xiaolan's eleven visits to the alma mater since 1994, bearing witness to their deep bond with the university. As distinguished alumni, Mr. Zhao Xicheng and Dr. Zhao Xiaolan have continually supported the development of their alma mater. They have served as former directors of the American Alumni Association, actively participating in its activities, and have frequently returned to the university to attend various events, providing valuable advice and contributing to the university's internationalization and talent development.

Mr. Zhao Xicheng, Dr. Zhao Xiaolan, and their entourage toured the Xuhui Campus by car, admiring the transformed campus scenery and expressing high hopes for the university's future development.