On the morning of July 18, XSYU held its 2026 Alumni Homecoming Conference for High-Quality Development at the Gymnasium of the Yanta Campus. University leaders in attendance included Chang Jiang, Wang Jinfu, Wang Huiqiang, Zhang Rongjun, Zhang Juntao, Chong Yuhong, Gao Hui, and Zhang Mu. The conference brought together representatives from global alumni chapter leaders, the Alumni Entrepreneurs Association, alumni from the classes of 1986, 1996, 2006, and 2026 along with their family members, all division-level and section-level cadres, faculty representatives, retired staff representatives, and current student representatives. They gathered to renew old friendships and jointly chart a course for future development. The conference was moderated by Ouyang Qi (alumna, Class of 2006, Chinese Language and Literature major), Qiao Xiao (faculty member, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering), Zhou Tianxi (current student), and Liu Ruiyao (current student).
The conference commenced with a warm and vibrant atmosphere, as alumni reminisced about cherished memories to the melody of a warm-up song medley.
Party Secretary Chang Jiang presented donation certificates to representatives from donor classes and entrepreneurial donors, expressing gratitude for their profound loyalty and heartfelt devotion to giving back to their alma mater.
President Wang Jinfu delivered a report titled "Assessing the General Trend, Opening a New Chapter, and Uniting as One." He noted that in the face of a rapidly evolving global landscape, a profound reshaping of the energy sector, and the surging tide of educational transformation, the University must prudently adapt to changes, respond scientifically, and proactively seek new directions. During the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, the University will anchor its course with a strategic path of "New Four Transformations," holistically advancing reforms in four key areas: educational models, institutional frameworks, management systems, and support mechanisms. The University will focus on serving the national energy strategy and regional industrial development, striving to build a first-class Shiyou University, a culturally vibrant Shiyou University, and a flourishing Shiyou University. He emphasized that alumni are the University's most treasured golden calling card, and the University will make every effort to build three major platforms—collaborative education, collaborative innovation, and collaborative governance—to achieve mutual empowerment and symbiotic success between alumni and the alma mater. He expressed his aspiration that all faculty, students, and alumni would join hands, work diligently, and jointly compose a new and brilliant chapter in the high-quality development of a first-class Shiyou University.
Attendees watched a special video titled "Time Flows, But We Remain the Same," revisiting youthful days and rekindling camaraderie through fond memories.
At the conference, the University Student Choir delivered a heartfelt performance of the piece "Leading Role." Additionally, distinguished artists from the Shaanxi Opera Research Institute, a partner institution, took the stage to perform a classic Qinqiang opera excerpt, "Cruising West Lake," from the popular drama "Leading Role." The authentic and rich charm of traditional opera allowed all alumni present to immerse themselves in the unique splendor of traditional Chinese performing arts.
Kang Hui (alumnus, Class of 2006, Petroleum Engineering; National Model Worker) shared his "Story of Me and Shiyou University," passionately recounting how, over his two-decade career, his alma mater's teachings and cultivation strengthened his original aspiration to "drill more wells, drill good wells, and drill excellent wells," as well as his confidence and determination to serve the nation through energy development.
Alumni couple Sun Liping (alumna, Class of 2005, Information Management) and Cheng Yue (alumnus, Class of 2007, International Economics and Trade) performed a musical piece, "Time of Yesteryear," evoking precious memories of campus life through song.
Professor Dou Yihua, a doctoral supervisor and expert receiving the Special Government Allowance from the State Council, addressed all alumni as a faculty representative. He encouraged them to always bear in mind the University motto: "Diligence in Learning, Perseverance in Action; Continuous Self-Improvement," uphold the fine tradition of "Unity, Diligence, Truth-Seeking, and Innovation," and deeply cultivate the spiritual heritage of Shiyou University. He urged them to remain true to the original aspiration of being "children of petroleum," fulfill the mission of serving the nation's energy sector through practical and dedicated efforts, excel in their respective positions, and contribute to safeguarding national energy security.
He Rong (alumnus, Class of 1992, Chemical Machinery; President of the Alumni Entrepreneurs Association) and Wang Nan (alumna, Class of 2006, Chinese Language and Literature) jointly read the "Proposal for the Third Alumni Homecoming." They called upon all members of the Shiyou University community to carry forward its spirit and remain steadfast in serving the nation; to practice the University's motto and tradition, thereby perpetuating the "red gene" of the petroleum industry; to care for the University's development and pool resources to support discipline building and talent cultivation; and to strengthen alumni bonds and co-build a spiritual home. They urged everyone to carry forward the spirit of "Iron Man" Wang Jinxi and the petroleum spirit, striving to excel for the times and bring honor to their alma mater, thus building a community of shared future between alumni and the University.
The conference concluded successfully with a performance of "A Bright Future" sung by University faculty members Kou Lili and Tian Li. All alumni then stood and sang the University anthem, "A Brilliant Tomorrow," bringing the homecoming conference to a warm and uplifting close.
This conference served not only as a fond reflection on the University's illustrious 75-year journey but also as a clarion call to build consensus and embark on a new journey. The University will work in unison with its alumni, integrating their wisdom and strength into the long river of its development, and building a lifelong community of shared future. With practical actions, it will promote energy self-reliance and strength, and serve regional economic and social development with a more open stance. It aims to transform the heartfelt sentiment of "returning as young at heart" into an inexhaustible driving force for overcoming challenges and forging ahead. United, all members of Xi'an Shiyou University will march forward with renewed vigor and a pragmatic approach on their journey toward building a distinctive, high-level university, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the University's founding with concrete actions, a "doer" spirit, and accelerated progress.
