The School of English and International Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) celebrated its 80th anniversary on Sept 21. The event was attended by over 800 alumni, faculty and students. 

Wang Dinghua, secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, speaks at the celebration event for the 80th anniversary of BFSU’s School of English and International Studies on Sept 21. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Wang Dinghua, secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, extended heartfelt congratulations to the School of English and International Studies, highlighting its crucial role in BFSU’s history and its contributions to the Chinese path to modernization and national rejuvenation over the past 80 years. 

He expressed hope that the school will continue to achieve new accomplishments in supporting national development and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. 

Liu Jianchao (left), head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, and Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and executive vice-president and secretary-general of the TAC, congratulate BFSU’s School of English and International Studies on its 80th anniversary. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Alumni representatives, including Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, congratulated the school on its 80th anniversary via a video message, while Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration and executive vice-president and secretary-general of the Translators Association of China (TAC), did so in person. 

They reflected on their time at BFSU, expressed gratitude for the school’s educational philosophy, which has consistently guided and inspired them throughout their careers, and encouraged current students to carry forward the school’s rich traditions and profound humanistic spirit. 

Congratulatory letters sent by English and foreign language schools at BFSU’s sister universities [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Zhang Jian, dean of the School of English and International Studies, presented a report on the school and its English program’s developments and achievements over the past decade. He stressed that the English program extends beyond language learning. It aims to produce high-level foreign language professionals capable of engaging with international affairs and safeguarding national interests. 

Distinguished alumni representatives deliver speeches during the sharing session. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The alumni sharing session invited distinguished figures representing various graduating classes, who talked about their connections with BFSU and the School of English and International Studies and expressed gratitude for the education they had received. 

The speakers are Luo Linquan, vice-president of the China Public Diplomacy Association; veteran TV hostess Yang Lan; Wang Jian, head of the Marketing and Operation Department at China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation; Jin Limin, director of BFSU’s Office of Confucius Institutes; and Liu Mian, president of the BFSU Alumni Association in Australia and pro-vice-chancellor of the University of Technology Sydney.  

Six alumni of the School of English and International Studies receive the Alumni Star Award. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

The celebration also included an award ceremony for the Alumni Star Award. The honor was presented to six alumni by the Alumni Association of the School of English and International Studies to recognize their outstanding contributions to the growth of the school over the years.