On the morning of November 2nd, the 50th-anniversary celebration of ZUFE was grandly held in the West Gymnasium. In attendance were Xu Wenguang, member of Standing Committee of Zhejiang Provincial Committee of CPC China and executive vice governor; Huang Xuming, former vice governor and former vice chairman of CPPCC of Zhejiang Province; Zhou Xiangjun, deputy secretary-general and a member of Party Leadership Group Office of the Provincial Government Office; Chen Genfang, director of the Provincial People's Congress Education, Science, Culture, and Health Committee; Chen Chunlei, secretary of Party Leadership Group and director of Provincial Department of Education; Ying Baiping, secretary of Party Leadership Group Office of the Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development; Wu Shengfeng, director and secretary of Party Leadership Group Office of Provincial Bureau of Statistics; Wang Guangbing, deputy secretary of Provincial Department of Finance and Level Ⅰ Bureau Rank Official. Representatives from over 100 counterpart universities also attended the ceremony. The event was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including senior government officials, leaders from various enterprises and institutions, and representatives from over 100 counterpart universities. Additionally, over a hundred universities, including Zhejiang University, Renmin University of China, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, University of Cambridge, and National University of Singapore, sent congratulatory letters and video messages to celebrate ZUFE’s 50th anniversary.

School senior leaders and faculty members, presidents and secretaries of alumni associations from various regions, alumni from different graduating grades, as well as current ZUFE’s leadership team, faculty, and student representatives attended the grand ceremony. Together, they commemorated the 50th anniversary of ZUFE, reflecting on its unwavering commitment to its founding mission through decades of challenges and achievements, while also envisioning a promising future for its continued development.

At the 50th-anniversary celebration of ZUFE, Xu Wenguang read out the directive from Wang Hao, the provincial Party secretary and governor. In the directive, Wang Hao highlighted that over the past 50 years, ZUFE has been innovative and enterprising, cultivating a large number of high-quality economic and management talents and making significant contributions to provincial economic and social development. Looking ahead, he called on ZUFE to deeply implement the important speeches of President Xi Jinping on higher education and the spirit of the National Education Conference. He urged ZUFE to focus on the goal of building a high-level university, strengthen its advantageous disciplines, optimize talent cultivation, enhance research levels, and leverage its think-tank resource. The aim is to accelerate the construction of a distinctive first-class university of finance and economics, and to make greater contributions to Zhejiang’s efforts to “take the lead and write a new chapter”. Xu Wenguang, on behalf of the provincial Party Committee and government, extended congratulations on ZUFE’s 50th anniversary. He emphasized that the directive from Wang Hao reflects the high expectations and clear requirements for ZUFE’s accelerated development. Xu stressed that ZUFE should thoroughly study and implement the directive, seize the 50th anniversary as an opportunity, and closely align with the provincial key task. ZUFE should accelerate the integrated development of education, science, and talent, cultivate high-quality and innovative “New Finance and Economics” talents, and create a new hub for top research talents. This will provide more ZUFE’s solutions and demonstrate greater responsibility in Zhejiang’s economic and social development. Xu also stated that the provincial Party committee and government will fully support ZUFE’s reform and innovative development, creating favorable conditions and strong guarantees for ZUFE to become a distinctive first-class university of finance and economics. He called on alumni and friends from all walks of life to continue to care for and support the construction and development of ZUFE.

The commemorative ceremony was chaired by Li Jinchang, secretary of ZUFE’s Party Committee. “Fifty Years of Glory, Youthful Vitality; Embracing Innovation for a Promising Future!” He expressed that in this golden autumn season, everyone has gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of ZUFE in solemn style, jointly reminiscing about history, sharing joy, and looking forward to the future. He expressed gratitude to all sectors of society that have long concerned themselves with and shown care for ZUFE’s development, and extended cordial greetings to all faculty, staff, and alumni at home and abroad. On behalf of ZUFE, he sincerely thanked Wang Hao for his concern and guidance to ZUFE, and expressed gratitude to the provincial Party Committee and provincial government for their strong support for ZUFE's education. He also stated that ZUFE will conscientiously implement the directive, decisions and deployments of the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government, holding the interests of the country, taking root in Zhejiang, striving to excel and achieve new accomplishments in the construction of a strong province in higher education, and making new and greater contributions to leading the way and writing a new chapter on the new journey of Chinese modernization.

On behalf of ZUFE, Wei Jiang, deputy secretary of ZUFE’s Party Committee and president, delivered a speech. He reviewed ZUFE’s 50-year development journey and emphasized that we must take up the baton from our predecessors and fully implement the strategic deployment of the Provincial Party Committee and provincial government to build a strong province in higher education. He outlined four key directions for ZUFE’s future endeavors that we should embark on a new journey with unwavering commitment. First, ZUFE must stay true to our original aspiration, prioritize education, and take talent cultivation as our fundamental task. We will focus on nurturing high-character, high-ability, and high-quality “exemplary ZUFE students” that belong to MAQ type (M stands for Morality, A for Ability, and Q for Quality). Second, ZUFE innovates boldly and aspiring for excellence. We dare to innovate, strive for excellence, implement the “New Finance and Economics Strategy”, develop finance beyond traditional boundaries, and establish an independent knowledge system with a “Zhejiang Finance and Economics identity.” Third, ZUFE fosters open cooperation and builds an ecosystem. We will establish our professional disciplines in Zhejiang and across China, and collaborate with alumni to build an emotional, reputational, and developmental community. Fourth, ZUFE integrates Party building and governance for empowerment. We will lead high-quality development with high-quality party building, guided by the fusion of party building initiatives. He stressed that we must keep in mind the national interests, embrace the “two integrations” and the “two pioneering efforts”. Together, we must unite and strive to write ZUFE’s chapter in advancing a powerful nation and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.

Wu Guosheng, secretary of the Party Committee of Central University of Finance and Economics, and the representative of counterpart universities, expressed that as counterpart finance and economics universities, CUFE and ZUFE have always supported each other and established deep friendships and good cooperation. The two universities will strive for closer cooperation in broader fields and at deeper levels to achieve mutual empowerment at higher levels and in more dimensions, fully demonstrating a new paradigm of cooperation between finance and economics universities on the new journey of building an educationally powerful nation! He believes that ZUFE will take its 50th anniversary as a new starting point, base itself in Zhejiang, serve the country, and face the world, comprehensively embarking on a new journey to build a distinctive First-class university of finance and economics.

Gao Wenshu, vice president of University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the representative from cooperating universities, expressed that UCASS and ZUFE enjoy a solid foundation and extensive areas of cooperation. UCASS is willing to move forward hand in hand with ZUFE, continuously deepening mutual exchanges and cooperation, persistently creating a model and highland for jointly run schools by both parties, and jointly ushering in an even brighter future for the construction of a leading country in higher education.

Li Yongyou, a faculty representative, a specially-appointed professor under the Ministry of Education’s key talent program cultivated by ZUFE, a member of the Applied Economics Discipline Evaluation Group of the Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council, and a National Model Teacher, expressed that as a Zufer, he will be guided by the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s speech at the National Education Conference, take the construction of a leading country in education as his mission, be led by the spirit of educators, uphold ZUFE’s motto of “Pursuing virtue and academic excellence, and keeping pace with the times.,” and practice the spirit of “Cultivating Virtue and Diligent Study, Managing State Affairs and Benefiting the People, Respecting Reality and Pursuing Innovation, and Daring to Stand at the Forefront.” He will continue to use his hard work to create an even more glorious future for ZUFE and pay tribute to this great era with his diligence. As a Zufer, he firmly believes that ZUFE has a promising future.

Qiu Julan, an alumni representative, National March 8th Red-Banner Pacesetter, National Female Role Model for Outstanding Contributions, recipient of the Annual Achievement Award for Chinese Economic Women, outstanding female entrepreneur in Zhejiang’s business community, expressed her profound pride in being part of a family of six who are all ZUFE’s students. She is deeply grateful to her alma mater for equipping her with knowledge, abilities, courage, and strength, enabling her to forge ahead courageously in the face of adversity. With a grateful heart, she established the “Julan Fund,” fully aware that without the nurturing of her alma mater, she would not be where she is today. She encourages ZUFE’s students to embrace their dreams and forge ahead bravely, believing that they can create their own brilliance!

Sun Chenxi, a representative of current undergraduates from Grade 2021 of the School of Business Administration, reminisced about her learning and living experiences at ZUFE over the past three years. She grew from an innocent girl to standing on the big stages of national and provincial innovation and entrepreneurship competitions on multiple occasions, she has used her own experiences to illustrate what it means to be a well-rounded “exemplary ZUFE students” who excels academically, morally, physically, aesthetically, and practically.

At the ceremony, Li Jinchang and Wei Jiang presented commemorative plaques and flowers marking ZUFE’s 50th anniversary to local government leaders including Fang Yi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Hangzhou Municipal Party Committee and deputy mayor; Qi Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Jiaxing Municipal Party Committee and deputy mayor; Jin Chengtao, party secretary of Qiantang District; Zhou Yang, district chief of Xihu District; and Xu Honglian, mayor of Haining, expressing their gratitude for their vigorous concern and support for the school's development and construction.

In the anniversary, a ceremony was held to present the 50th Anniversary Contribution Awards. Li Jinchang and Wei Jiang presented commemorative plaques and flowers to Wang Daozhen, Wang Xianqiang, Tong Benli, Han Yixiang, Wang Junhao, Chen Genfang, and Zhong Xiaomin, expressing gratitude to the generations of Zufers who have made outstanding contributions to ZUFE’s development with dreams and diligent efforts. Tong Benli, who served as president for 11 years and party secretary for 5 years, shared in an interview, “Looking back on the past, there were many memorable moments.” Over the past five decades, ZUFE has achieved rapid development. “The road ahead is long and winding, yet we must forge ahead with renewed vigor.” To realize the goal of becoming a high-level university of finance and economics, there is still a long way to go. He sincerely wishes ZUFE a brighter future!

A ceremony to present the 50th Anniversary “Taoli” Awards was also held. Huang Xuming, a 1979 alumnus and former vice governor of Zhejiang provincial government, together with Hu Huikang, advisor to the Alumni Association, former teacher of ZUFE, and chairman of Fuchun Oriental Group, presented awards to alumni including Hu Shaoxian, Xu Yuxiong, Li Chunbo, Ying Feihu, Cao Guoxiong, Qiu Julan, Wang Jianbin, Zhang Xiaohong, Lou Dong, Nijati Aimaiti, Ma Yichao, Liu Zhikuo, and Jin Yuqiong. These alumni represent the countless Zufers who have taken root at the grassroots level, made outstanding achievements, and shown great love and glory in the construction of a powerful nation.

Li Jinchang and Wei Jiang, together with Shi Dongcai, deputy director-general of the Provincial Science and Technology Department, Wang Guangbing, deputy director-general and level I counsel of the Provincial Finance Department, Ying Baiping, secretary of the Party Committee and director-general of the Provincial Housing and Urban-Rural Development Department, Wu Shengfeng, secretary of the Party Committee and director-general of the Provincial Statistics Bureau, Li Jie, deputy director-general of the Provincial Civil Affairs Department, Zhu Jun, chief economist of the Provincial Department of Commerce, Lan Jian, deputy director-general of the Provincial Audit Office, and Wang Liming, deputy director-general of the Provincial Tax Service, jointly launched the “Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics’ Service Initiative for Zhejiang Province.” ZUFE will continue to refine new modes of cooperation and enhance new coordinated synergies, jointly contributing greater strength to the high-quality economic and social development of Zhejiang Province.

Li Jinchang and Wei Jiang jointly welcomed and lit the “Flame of Endeavor”. On that morning, the “Flame of Endeavor” relay event was held in conjunction with the commemorative ceremony. The flame was collected from the Hangzhou Silkworm Egg Farm, the original site where ZUFE began its journey. The torch relay, involving 50 faculty members, students, and alumni, traveled through Wulong Temple, No. 94 Wenyi Road, and the Wenhua Campus, covering a total distance of 50 kilometers, as a tribute to ZUFE’s 50th anniversary.

Lin Hui, the alumni representative, and party secretary and director of the Jiaxing Tax Bureau of the State Taxation Administration, Zhang Yuyu, a member of the Wenzhou Bay New Area Administrative Committee, Ye Donghui and Zhao Yuheng, faculty representatives, Li Zhengnan, the student representative and 18 other current students recited the poem ZUFE, With You and Me, Glorious at Fifty (浙财有你我，五秩正风华). Before the ceremony, ZUFE’s art troupe presented song and dance performances. What’s more, blessings from alumni at home and abroad, a light show video, a promotional video of ZUFE, and the entrance of ZUFE’s flag, and flags of alumni associations from various regions all ignited the enthusiasm of the audience. Classic scenes from the documentary Moved by Sound (闻声而动)transported attendees through the past time, revisiting the past and feeling the hardships and glories that ZUFE has experienced along its journey.

As the familiar melody of ZUFE’s song resonated, “Pursuing virtue and academic excellence, seeking truth and innovation in our youth, ZUFE shall strengthen itself; Keeping pace with the times, serving the country and society, I love my school, where I freely soar. Pursuing virtue and academic excellence, seeking truth and innovation, living a life without regrets, ZUFE shall strengthen itself; Keeping pace with the times, serving the country and society, I love my school, where I sail far away,” all guests, faculty, students, and alumni stood up and sang in unison. The passionate tune seemed to narrate the vicissitudes and glory of the alma mater, evoking the deep love and attachment of every Zufer. Together, they wished for a brighter future for ZUFE. The event was held in two venues: the main venue at ZUFE’s West Gymnasium and another along the Qiantang riverbank. The ceremony was also live-streamed on the Guangming Net client side and ZUFE’s official Weibo account. Zufers from all corners of the world connected through screens to celebrate their alma mater’s birthday together. By noon, the Guangming Net client side had recorded over one million views, and ZUFE’s official Weibo broadcast topped the national live-streaming popularity chart.