On November 1, 1956, the Central Academy of Arts & Design (now Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University) held its founding ceremony, opening a new chapter in modern art and design education in the People’s Republic of China. Guided by the mission of serving people’s daily needs in clothing, food, housing, and transportation, the Academy has forged ahead amid the tides of the times.
On November 1, 2025, the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University marked its 69th anniversary with the “Celebration of the 69th Anniversary of Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (Formerly Central Academy of Arts & Design) Alumni Homecoming Ceremony,” held at the Visual Art Center in Block B of the Academy. A large gathering of alumni returned to Tsinghua Campus to reunite, reconnect, and envision the future together.
Retired faculty members, alumni from the milestone classes of 1965, 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015, as well as representatives from other graduating years, joined Dean Wu Qiong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Wang Xiaoxin and Ma Wenjia, Vice Deans Fan Yinliang, Li Yingjun, and Wang Xiaomo, Directors of departments and administrative offices, and faculty representatives. Bathed in warm sunshine and surrounded by golden ginkgo leaves, the event reignited the bonds of alumni friendship and the enduring artistic aspirations of the Academy community on this special day.
Dean Wu Qiong’s Address
Dean Wu Qiong opened the ceremony with a welcoming address, extending sincere greetings to retired faculty and alumni. She reviewed the Academy’s 69-year legacy of “designing for people’s lives and creating for the nation’s future.” During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Dean Wu noted, the Academy has centered its efforts on “integration of art and science,” achieving remarkable progress in discipline development, talent cultivation, and scientific research innovation. Its overall disciplinary strength has been consistently enhanced, and its international reputation and influence have reached new heights, with successful completion of numerous national-level major design projects,a testament to the Academy’s mission and commitment.
Looking ahead, the Academy will deepen reforms to prepare for its 70th anniversary, with plans for an anniversary exhibition, a “Art and Science” thematic exhibition, and an international conference on art and design education. Global alumni are cordially invited to return to their alma mater next year to celebrate the milestone and witness the Academy’s new chapter of development.
Alumni Speakers: Huang Baozhi, Su Liqun, Feng Hai, Hou Liye, Xu Dehao
Hosted by Wang Xiaoding and He Jing
Representing alumni from the 60th, 40th, 30th, 20th, and 10th anniversary classes respectively, Huang Baozhi (Class of 1965), Su Liqun (Class of 1985), Feng Hai (Class of 1995), Hou Liye (Class of 2005), and Xu Dehao (Class of 2015) delivered speeches that wove together the Academy’s touching journey across time. They shared cherished memories of their student days, reflections on their artistic growth, and unwavering dedication to their craft, expressing profound gratitude for their alma mater’s nurturing and deep respect for their mentors. Their heartfelt narratives, brimming with nostalgia for youth, appreciation for friendships, and profound affection for Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University as a spiritual home, resonated warmly with the audience.
The ceremony was hosted by Wang Xiaoding (Class of 1995, 30th anniversary alumni) and He Jing (Class of 2005, 20th anniversary alumna and Assistant Professor in the Visual Communication Design Department of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University).
Scene from the Alumni Ceremony
At the iconic red gate, a witness to the Academy’s history, teachers and students reunited, and alumni embraced, with smiling faces capturing the profound, time-honored bonds of the Academy family.
The ceremony concluded on a warm and enthusiastic note. Following the event, alumni returned to their respective departments, engaging in heartfelt conversations with teachers and classmates, sharing decades of artistic exploration and life insights, and offering suggestions for the Academy’s future development.
As time passes, the original aspirations remain unchanged. Wherever they may be, the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University will always be the warmest home in the hearts of all alumni. This timeless emotional connection is the Academy’s most precious asset and an inexhaustible driving force inspiring alumni to move forward.
Over 69 years, the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University has enlightened wisdom through art, served society through design, and shaped the future through education. As preparations for the 70th anniversary begin, all members of the Academy will continue to walk hand in hand, honoring tradition through innovation, documenting the era through art, and contributing a more aesthetically powerful Tsinghua chapter to the realization of Chinese modernization.
Source: Student and Alumni Affairs Office
