On April 6, the School of Agriculture and Biology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University held a grand alumni homecoming event. Over 200 alumni from across the country returned to campus to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the university and the 67th anniversary of the School, rekindling fond memories of their alma mater.

In the afternoon, the 2026 Alumni Congress of the School of Agriculture and Biology was convened in the lecture hall of Building A. Dean Ai Lianzhong, Party Secretary Xu Fang, Deputy Party Secretaries Chen Han and Zhang Renwei, Vice Deans Li Xinhong, Yin Shan, Ma Chao, and Niu Yuge, department heads, faculty and student representatives, along with returning alumni, gathered together. The congress was presided over by Zhang Renwei.

Dean Ai Lianzhong delivered a report on the School's current development, covering five areas: an overview of the School, scientific research, talent cultivation, social services, and future prospects. He noted that the School remains committed to the goal of "building a world-class agricultural discipline with Chinese characteristics," and has achieved significant progress in faculty development, disciplinary construction, and research innovation in recent years. Going forward, the School will continue to optimize its structure, value both recruitment and training, and produce more high-quality outcomes. He also expressed gratitude to the alumni for their continued care and support.

Zhang Renwei provided an update on alumni affairs and the Shanghai Agricultural Higher Education Development Fund. As of 2025, the School has cultivated more than 15,000 students across various programs. He stated that the School will continue to provide attentive services to alumni through a combination of online and offline channels, and expressed the hope that alumni and the School will move forward together, strengthening exchanges and cooperation for mutual benefit and shared success.

The congress also witnessed the launch ceremony of the "Kai Zheng Excellence in Talent Cultivation Fund." The fund was established with a generous donation of 1.3 million RMB by Chen Yufeng, a 2010 alumnus from the Plant Biotechnology program, on the occasion of the university's 130th anniversary. Jointly initiated with the School, the fund aims to further support the cultivation of outstanding innovative talents in agricultural sciences. Sharing his motivation, Chen Yufeng said that his four years at SJTU were the fondest memories of his youth, and he hopes to contribute modestly to help more fellow students pursue their passions, explore courageously, and integrate knowledge with action.

Subsequently, the congress held the appointment ceremony for class liaisons representing the graduating classes of 1986, 1996, and 2006. Vice Deans Li Xinhong, Chen Han, and Ma Chao presented appointment letters to the liaisons. These class liaisons will serve as a bridge between the alma mater and its alumni, uniting alumni strength and carrying forward the SJTU spirit.

Zhou Zhongyin, a retired faculty representative, shared heartfelt recollections of the School's arduous journey from the resumption of its academic programs in 1978 to its integration into SJTU in 1999, encouraging alumni to remain true to their original aspirations.

The congress also featured speeches from alumni representatives: Shi Zhong, a 1986 alumnus and former Chief Economist of the Shanghai Municipal Agricultural Commission; Zhou Pei, a 1986 alumnus and Deputy Chief Commander of the Chongming Campus Construction Headquarters, former Party Secretary and Dean of the School; Bao Biqi, a 2006 alumna and Director of the Food Inspection and Quarantine Division of the Municipal Affairs Bureau of Macao; and Cao Haowei, a 2016 alumnus and Director of Shanghai INTAMSYS Technology Co., Ltd. They shared their academic journeys, recalled their youthful days, and drew on their experiences in agriculture and rural affairs to call on the School to foster collaborative research on core agricultural technologies. They also encouraged fellow alumni to remain committed to their professional aspirations and to uphold the SJTU spirit and patriotism.

Xu Fang delivered the concluding speech. He noted that the School’s development progresses in step with the university, and that the current national push for agricultural and rural modernization and rural revitalization presents significant opportunities for the School. Alumni are, and always will be, the School’s enduring concern. The School will build a community of shared emotions, shared endeavors, and shared values, offering caring services to alumni. He looks forward to alumni walking together with the School to create a brighter future.

The congress concluded in a warm and heartfelt atmosphere. Attending faculty, students, and alumni moved to the square for a group photo. After the congress, various grade-level and class-based activities were organized.