On October 17, the Zhejiang University–University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Institute (ZJUI) welcomed alumni from around the world back to campus, where they reconnected with former faculty and classmates, sharing their experiences and perspectives on the Institute's development. The event was attended by Associate Professor Wee-Liat Ong, Vice Dean of ZJUI, Lu Qiang, former Director of Academic Affairs Office for Undergraduates of ZJUI, alumni representatives, faculty members, and students.

Associate Professor Wee-Liat Ong extended a warm welcome to the returning alumni and reviewed ZJUI’s development over the past decade, highlighting the Institute’s efforts and achievements in cultivating top-tier innovative talents with an international outlook, promoting early research training, and advancing holistic education. He observed that the alumni's own journeys are the clearest evidence of the Institute's approach to talent development, and expressed the hope that they would continue to stand by ZJUI as it embarks on its next chapter.

Lu Qiang looked back on the Institute's earliest days, recalling how he had personally welcomed the very first cohort of 30 undergraduates and watched generation after generation grow and flourish. He said he took genuine pride in seeing alumni thrive in their respective fields, and encouraged them to keep striving for excellence, stay close to ZJUI, and pass on their experience to the students who would follow.

At the Alumni Salon, four ZJUI alumni drew on their academic and professional experiences to offer insights into the choices and opportunities they encountered at different stages of their journeys. For students considering further study, Feng Yue, a graduate of the Class of 2021 in Mechanical Engineering at ZJUI, walked the audience through planning for overseas graduate study and relevant policies, offering useful guidance for those hoping to pursue education abroad. Turning to career preparation, Yan Jiahao, a graduate of the Class of 2022 in Electrical Engineering at ZJUI, drew on his experience with campus recruitment process to highlight key steps and practical strategies for job hunting. Chen Xiangmei, a graduate of the Class of 2024 in Mechanical Engineering at ZJUI, reflected on her studies at Stanford University and her professional experience at XPENG Motors, offering insights into the transition from university to the workplace. Beyond graduate study and job hunting, the discussion also touched on a broader range of career possibilities. Chang Long, a graduate of the Class of 2023 in Mechanical Engineering at ZJUI, spoke about his transition from academic research to entrepreneurship and venture investment, reflecting on the experiences and lessons along the way.