More than 800 alumni of Shanghai’s Fudan University gather for a reunion on September 28. [Photo/Eastday.com]

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the return of gaokao (China’s college entrance examination), more than 800 alumni of Shanghai’s Fudan University gathered from all over the world for a reunion at their alma mater on Thursday, September 28. 

The alumni, mostly grey-haired elders, were enrolled in the university between 1977 and 1978. On the Reunion Day, the former graduates of the university attended a reunion conference at the campus stadium. A video showing old photos of their participation in gaokao and their university life was played, reminding the audience of their past.

An old photo of the admission ticket for the 1977 gaokao is showcased at the reunion conference. [Photo/Eastday.com]

As a representative of Class of 1977 of the Department of Economics, Zhu Min, Dean of the National Institute of Financial Research of Tsinghua University, delivered a speech at the reunion.

A representative of Class of 1977 of the Department of Economics delivered a speech at the reunion. [Photo/Eastday.com]

On the same day, twelve alumni were honored as distinguished supervisors at Fudan University, responsible for the educational programs of the university’s five residential colleges.  

China resumed gaokao four decades ago following a decade-long suspension. In 1977, around 675,000 youths were able to go back to the classroom and start a new chapter in their life. Among them, 3,563 were admitted by Fudan University and Shanghai No.1 Medical College. (In 2000, Shanghai No.1 Medical College was affiliated with Fudan University.) As the first batch of university graduates since 1977, they are part of a unique generation in China’s history and talent development. Being down-to-earth and hardworking, they have made great contributions to the country.