On June 22, the 2024 Summer Joint Picnic & Cultural Festival was held at Overpeck County Park in New Jersey. Co-hosted by 35 Chinese university alumni associations and community organizations, the event attracted more than 1,000 attendees, including alumni from dozens of universities, representatives of the Consulate General of China in New York, local New Jersey officials, representatives of the Chinese American community, members of the Chinese community and business community across the Greater New York area, and local residents.
The Summer Joint Picnic & Cultural Festival originated from a Chinese university alumni picnic and outdoor gathering launched in 2012. After more than a decade of development, the event has grown from a joint gathering organized by just two alumni associations to this year's 35-organizer collaboration. It has also evolved from a simple barbecue picnic into a comprehensive community event featuring alumni association showcases, live performances, games and recreational activities, career networking, matchmaking, and cultural presentations. Attendees' mindset has likewise evolved from simply attending an alumni gathering to fully embracing the experience as a community festival. The event has become one of the signature gatherings in the U.S. East Coast region that brings together the largest number of Chinese university alumni.
This year, while carrying on the tradition, the organizers introduced a “Cultural Festival” component for the first time as an innovation. The official English rendering of the Chinese theme, “海纳百川，携手同行,” was also formally established as “Hand in Hand, Unite as One.”
👆Yan Weimin
👉Yu Yougen
Opening Ceremony
At the opening ceremony, Yan Weimin, President of the Tianjin University (Beiyang University) North America Alumni Association and chief planner of the event, delivered the opening remarks. On behalf of the organizing team, he welcomed all guests and friends and expressed his appreciation to all organizers, volunteers, participants, and sponsors for their strong support.
Yan introduced the history and mission of the event. As reflected in its theme, he said, the gathering aims to help people get to know one another and build trust and mutual-support relationships while enjoying a happy and memorable day, thereby promoting solidarity and common progress within the community.
Yu Yougen, Education Counselor of the Consulate General of China in New York, delivered remarks on behalf of the Consulate. He praised the cohesion and execution of the 35 organizing organizations and congratulated the Greater New York Chinese community on gradually developing a platform centered on “sharing, communication, fun, and entertainment.” He encouraged everyone to serve as a bridge for communication between China and the United States, strengthen friendship, and continue to care about and support China's development.
Chris Kozlow, representing the office of U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey; New Jersey State Senator Gordon M. Johnson; Fort Lee Councilmembers Paul Yoon and Liang Zhi; Bergen County Commissioner Steve Tanelli; and Wendy Wang, a member of the Bergen County Asian American Business Advisory Committee, were among the guests who attended the event and offered remarks and congratulations. Representatives from Congressman Gottheimer's office and Bergen County government also presented certificates of recognition to the event organizers and sponsors.
Alumni Association Showcase
During the alumni association and community organization showcase, representatives from the participating organizations introduced their alma maters in creative, concise, and engaging ways. The presentations highlighted the distinctive characteristics and vitality of each alumni association and organization, helping attendees learn more about the participating groups while also strengthening the sense of community among their members.
Special Report
At this year's Summer Joint Picnic & Cultural Festival, RUC North America Alumni Association, led by President Yafeng Wu, once again served as one of the co-hosting organizations and participated throughout the planning, preparation, and implementation of the event. RUC alumni also brought their professional expertise to the organization of the event, taking the lead in coordinating the publicity and emcee teams. The association successfully completed its responsibilities and received strong recognition and praise from the organizing team and alumni of fellow universities.
Jiang Xinyi (second from right) served as an emcee
Unlike previous years, and in accordance with the principle that offline activities should be organized locally, RUC North America Alumni Association this year specifically assigned its New York Chapter to participate in the preparation and execution of the event. Faced with demanding responsibilities, the young chapter management team worked efficiently and systematically, with each member fulfilling their role. Chapter President Jiang Xinyi not only participated in the organizing team but also led the emcee team, becoming one of the highlights of the event. Chapter Secretary-General Zhang Yong was responsible for all publicity copy and the official WeChat account design for the event, often working late into the night and patiently accommodating requests from different parties. Vice President Lu Cuili and other chapter members traveled a considerable distance and arrived early at the venue to assist with registration and check-in.
The event attracted approximately 20 RUC alumni from across the Greater New York area. RUC-NAAA set up a tent as its headquarters, displayed the association's bright banner, and prepared tables, chairs, and ice water to welcome RUC alumni “home” and host alumni from other universities who stopped by. Amid laughter and lively conversation, alumni talked about their studies and careers, exchanged WeChat contacts, and took group photos, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
During the alumni association showcase, Jiang Xinyi represented RUC on stage and introduced the characteristics and signature programs of RUC North America Alumni Association, with particular emphasis on the 10th Mingde Forum, scheduled to take place in New York in November. She sincerely invited alumni from fellow universities to support and participate in the event.
“Even if I have nothing, I still have RUC alumni!” With Jiang Xinyi leading the chant, RUC alumni both on and off the stage shouted the famous phrase together, symbolizing the solidarity, friendship, mutual support, and shared progress of the RUC community. The chant drew enthusiastic applause from the entire audience.
This year, the organizers arranged a rich variety of activities, including live performances throughout the event, as well as games, a matchmaking corner, a career corner, and a cultural corner. A wide selection of food was also provided for attendees.
Games & Recreation
The games team carefully designed more than a dozen interactive activities in which participants could collect stamps and redeem prizes. The games ranged from competitive activities such as trivia, themed photo challenges, soccer shooting, mini golf, beanbag toss, and paper-airplane contests, to hands-on activities such as bracelet making that tested participants' patience and attention to detail. Traditional Chinese cultural games, including Feihualing, a traditional Chinese poetry game, and Touhu, the ancient game of arrow throwing into a vessel, added an especially distinctive cultural touch. The activities attracted large numbers of alumni and community members.
Matchmaking Corner
The matchmaking corner has long been one of the signature attractions of the annual event. This year, the organizers introduced the theme “Fate Is Mysterious; Your Part Is to Make It Happen,” attracting enthusiastic participation from many single men and women.
Volunteers creatively designed interactive games such as “Fate Bubbles” and “Peach Blossoms in Full Bloom.”Participants wrote their basic information and contact details on cards and placed them into a “fate blind box.” Once a card was randomly drawn and opened at the event, the participants could exchange contact information and begin communicating.
This innovative approach created a lively atmosphere, with more than 20 pairs successfully matched through the activity. After the event, more than 200 alumni who participated in the matchmaking corner continued interacting actively in a dedicated WeChat group.
Career Corner
The Career Corner was another major attraction. Two dedicated areas invited professionals from the finance and technology industries and drew a steady stream of students and representatives from companies looking to recruit.
Participants introduced themselves, listened carefully, and exchanged information and experiences about job searches and career advancement. The conversations remained active and in-depth from the beginning of the event through its conclusion. Nearly 200 people joined the career networking WeChat group and continued exchanging information and insights after the event.
Cultural Corner
The Cultural Corner was one of the highlights of this year's Summer Joint Picnic & Cultural Festival. With strong support from the New York Hanfu Society, Hanfu NPCs showcased a wide variety of exquisite traditional Chinese garments, allowing visitors to experience the distinctive beauty of Hanfu.
The area also featured a rich selection of traditional-style accessories, including DIY traditional-style folding fans and delicate hairpins, giving participants the opportunity to experience traditional handicrafts firsthand. Fun Hanfu trivia and traditional-style accessory demonstrations not only added to the excitement of the event, but also allowed participants to experience the elegance and wisdom of ancient China through interaction, gaining a deeper appreciation of the richness and distinctive charm of Chinese culture.
The Cultural Corner also offered a variety of interactive activities, including water-writing calligraphy, which attracted enthusiastic participation. A guqin performance added an atmosphere of tranquility and elegance with its flowing melodies. Traditional Chinese puzzle games such as Jiulianhuan and Luban Lock challenged participants' intelligence and patience.
Traditional artisans demonstrated the making of sugar paintings and paper cuttings, offering visitors unique cultural experiences. Face painting, balloon art, and digital portraits also brought smiles to children and adults alike.
Food
The food team provided everything from traditional snacks to a wide selection of delicious Chinese dishes, as well as fresh-ingredient Hawaiian rice bowls and boxed lunches. The diverse lunch offerings catered to a variety of tastes and gave everyone plenty to enjoy. Mung bean soup also provided a refreshing way to cool off and stay hydrated in the hot weather.
Performances
Dozens of friends from universities and community organizations took the stage to showcase their talents, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere and providing entertainment throughout the event.
The performances ranged from original singers to professionally trained bel canto performers, from solo instrumental performances to harmonious group acts, from energetic rock hits to gentle guitar-and-vocal performances, as well as lively K-POP dances, beautiful Dai ethnic dance, and elegant traditional Chinese classical dance.
A children's traditional costume fashion show and a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance brought the atmosphere to a climax. The diverse range of performances demonstrated the diversity and integration of cultures and truly offered something for audiences of all ages.
最后，整场活动在《明天会更好》的大合唱中落下帷幕。校友们纷纷表示，此次联谊会不仅让他们收获了愉快的时光和美好的回忆，更增进了彼此之间的友谊和联系。大家一致认为，面对未来的机遇与挑战，只有携手并肩，才能共创更加美好的明天。
联谊会的成功举办为未来类似活动的开展积累了宝贵的经验，进一步促进了社区的交流与和谐。让我们期待明年再相聚，共同见证更多的欢乐与温馨。
Finally, the event came to a close with a group performance of “Tomorrow Will Be Better.”
Many alumni said that the gathering not only gave them a wonderful day and lasting memories, but also strengthened friendships and connections among participants. They agreed that in the face of opportunities and challenges ahead, only by standing together and moving forward hand in hand can we create a better tomorrow.
The successful event provided valuable experience for similar gatherings in the future and further promoted communication and harmony within the community.
We look forward to gathering again next year and sharing more moments of joy and warmth together.
Written by: Zhang Yong
Assisted by: Amy Sun
Proofread by: Yafeng Wu, Yan Weimin
BCG Glass Industry Title Sponsorship
2024 Summer Joint Picnic & Cultural Festival
Co-Organizers
Tianjin University (Beiyang University) North America Alumni Association
Tsinghua University Alumni Association of Greater New York
RUC North America Alumni Association New York Chapter
Wuhan University Alumni Association of Greater New York
Jiaotong University Alumni Association of the Americas, Greater New York Chapter
University of Science and Technology of China Alumni Association of Greater New York
Nankai University Alumni Association of New York
Peking University Alumni Association of Greater New York
Jilin University Overseas Alumni Association (U.S. East Coast)
Xiamen University Alumni Association of Greater New York
Dalian University of Technology Alumni Association of Greater New York
Nanjing University Alumni Association of Greater New York
Xi'an University of Finance and Economics North America Alumni Association
Jinan University Alumni Association of the U.S. East Coast
Guangdong University of Foreign Studies Alumni Association of New York
Zhejiang University Alumni Association of Greater New York
Southeast University Alumni Association of Greater New York
Xidian University Alumni Association, New York Chapter
Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Alumni Association of Greater New York
Shanghai International Studies University Alumni Association in the United States
Central University of Finance and Economics North America Alumni Association
Tongji University Alumni Association of Greater New York
Beijing International Studies University North America Alumni Association
Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications Alumni Association of Greater New York
Southwest University of Political Science & Law Alumni Association in the United States
Beijing Institute of Technology Alumni Association of Greater New York
Xi'an International Studies University North America Alumni Association, Greater New York Chapter
University of Liverpool Suzhou Alumni Association, U.S. Chapter
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics Alumni Association of Greater New York
International Asian Cultural Association
Manhattan School of Music Chinese Students and Scholars Association
Fort Lee Chinese American Association
Sun Yat-sen University Alumni Association of the U.S. East Coast
South China University of Technology Alumni Association in the United States
Dalian Maritime University Alumni Association of the U.S. East Coast
Organizing Team
Planning & Coordination Team (Representatives of Co-Organizers)
Yan Weimin (Tianjin University), Yafeng Wu (RUC), Wang Shuguang (Xi'an International Studies University), Yang Zhaoyang (Southeast University), Yan Weigang (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Xu Jie (USTC), Hou Ping'an (Fort Lee Chinese American Association), Hou Yanyan (Dalian University of Technology), Zhang Hong (Southwest University of Political Science & Law), Wu Jiao (Xiamen University), Gou Xiaoxing (International Asian Cultural Association), Chen Xi (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics), Guan Jianfei (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Yue Tian (University of Liverpool Suzhou), Tian Jing (Beijing International Studies University), Jiang Xinyi (RUC), Chen Mo (Jinan University), Li Yanlin (Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications), Peng Enda (Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications), Mo Wenzhong (Sun Yat-sen University), Li Hao (Tsinghua University), Fu Shuang (Peking University), Wu Shuyi (Wuhan University), Han Xiao (South China University of Technology), Liu Guyan (Jiaotong University), Lu Ning (Zhejiang University), Yin Yafeng (Beijing Institute of Technology), Ye Shasha (Sun Yat-sen University), Zheng Hezhong (Nankai University), Nie Linzhe (Peking University), Li Jialin (Jilin University), Wang Xiaochen (Southwestern University of Finance and Economics), Guan Liming (Shanghai International Studies University), Huo Rui (Central University of Finance and Economics), Zhang Jianping (Nanjing University), Zhang Zhiling (Tongji University), Zhang Binlin (Tongji University), Song Jianing (Manhattan School of Music), Wang Jianqun (Xidian University), Jiang Hang (Peking University), Sana (Xi'an University of Finance and Economics), Zhang Hanqing (Tsinghua University)
Park Permit Application & Insurance Team
Ying Yuezhang (Shanghai International Studies University), Yan Weimin (Tianjin University), Wang Shuguang (Xi'an International Studies University), Zhang Hong (Southwest University of Political Science & Law)
Sponsorship Coordination Team
Yang Xi (Central University of Finance and Economics), Li Yueying (Central University of Finance and Economics), Zhang Jing (Tianjin University), Ma Lanming (Central University of Finance and Economics), Chen Xinran (Central University of Finance and Economics), Jiang Baochan (Central University of Finance and Economics), Qiu Yixing (Beihang University)
Finance Team
Zhang Ruiwei (Nankai University), Tang Yongge (Central University of Finance and Economics), Bai Fangwei (Tianjin University)
Publicity Team
Yafeng Wu (RUC), Zhang Yong (RUC), Frank Dong (Professional Photographer), Li Zhuoguang (Professional Photographer)
Venue Team
Yang Zhaoyang (Southeast University), Zhao Xiaoyu (Southeast University), Zhang Zhi (Southeast University), Gu Yiyin (Southeast University), Jiang Yu (Southeast University), Wei Zirui (Wuhan University), Lin Ruoran (Wuhan University), Ying Yuezhang (Shanghai International Studies University), Tong Li (Jiaotong University), Zhu Zutao (Sun Yat-sen University), Liang Ping (Sun Yat-sen University), Xu Jing (Sun Yat-sen University), Pan Jie (Sun Yat-sen University), James Lee (Family Member of Sun Yat-sen University Alumni), Sheldon Chen (Family Member of Sun Yat-sen University Alumni), Tan Ping (Sun Yat-sen University), Mo Wendong (Sun Yat-sen University), Qi Jianqing (Nanjing University), Chen Yang (Southeast University), Zheng Hao (Sun Yat-sen University)
Emcee Team
Jiang Xinyi (RUC), Dong Zhihan (Nankai University), Wen Zhe (USTC), Yan Zhengbin (Nanjing University), Wang Hao (Dalian University of Technology), Yang Jiayi (International Asian Cultural Association), Zhang Yue (Nankai University)
Performance Coordination Team
Gou Xiaoxing (International Asian Cultural Association), Xu Kai (USTC), Zhang Yingchao (USTC), Song Jianing (Manhattan School of Music), Guo Beihan (Beijing International Studies University), Qiao Jinzhe (Dalian University of Technology), Zhao Junyi (Manhattan School of Music)
Prize Team
Yue Tian (University of Liverpool Suzhou), Hao Shuyao (University of Liverpool Suzhou), Li Guanting (University of Liverpool Suzhou), Yu Lanyu (University of Liverpool Suzhou)
Registration Team
Yan Weigang (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Xu Jie (USTC), Yang Zhaoyang (Southeast University), Guan Jianfei (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Song Shengchun (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Chen Zhan (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Kuang Daning (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Xu Xing (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Li Weiyu (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Xia Chenxi (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Chen Ruohao (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Luo Wen (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Xu Wenwei (USTC), Xie Wenlong (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Ye Zhongming (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Zhang Ruipu (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies), Tian Lili (Southwest University of Political Science & Law), Li Qian (RUC), Lu Cuili (RUC), Xiao Yonghong (Sun Yat-sen University), Xia Yanwen (Beijing International Studies University), Chen Zhenyu (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies)
Food Team
Zhang Zhiling (Tongji University), Peng Enda (Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications), Yang Linjing (Fort Lee Chinese American Association), Hou Yanyan (Dalian University of Technology), Wang Jianfeng (Xiamen University), Li Qian (RUC), Lu Cuili (RUC), Tong Li (Jiaotong University), Li Yanlin (Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications), Zhang Binlin (Tongji University), Miao Bo (Dalian University of Technology), Yang Zhaoyang (Southeast University), Yan Weimin (Tianjin University)
Games & Recreation Team
Huang Yuxiang (Xiamen University), Guo Beihan (Beijing International Studies University), Wang Xiaoyu (USTC), Yan Linxuan (Peking University), Song Minghui (Peking University), Li Ruoxi (Peking University), Jin Mengyang (Tianjin University), Qi Jianqing (Nanjing University), Jiang Yalan (Beijing International Studies University), Jin Ting (Beijing International Studies University), Tian Jing (Beijing International Studies University), Gao Han (Zhejiang University), Lü Jing (Zhejiang University), Dong Xiaoxuan (Tianjin University), Zhang Zening (Dalian University of Technology), Zhang Weijing (Beijing Institute of Technology), Zhu Leqi (Beijing Institute of Technology), Wang Zengye (Jiaotong University), Chen Yanjing (Jiaotong University), Tong Li (Jiaotong University), Wang Chang (Xiamen University), Zhu Chen灿 (Xiamen University), Li Jian (Xiamen University), Zhang Jieyu (Xiamen University), Qiyue (Zhejiang University), Sunnie (Zhejiang University)
Cultural Corner Team
Chen Xi (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics), Chen Yulin (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics), Chen Siyu (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics), Wang Wen (Beijing International Studies University), Ye Sixiong (University of Science and Technology Beijing), Qian Shisheng (Fudan University), Gao Zhijie (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics), Wu Yuxuan (Nanjing University), Ni Meng (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics), Sun Yaping (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics)
Matchmaking Corner Team
Zheng Hezhong (Nankai University), Dong Zhihan (Nankai University), Xu Yan (Nankai University), Xu Xian (Nankai University), Ni Tingting (Nankai University), Ye Siyu (Nankai University)
Career Corner Team
Wang Xiaochen (Southwestern University of Finance and Economics), Chen Jie (Tianjin University), Yin Nanjie (Southwest University of Political Science & Law), Chen Xinglin (New York University), Wang Xinkai (Guest), Mo Wenzhong (Guest), Tony (Qishi), Hong Zhenchen (Qishi), Tian Lili (Southwest University of Political Science & Law), Amelia Ye (Guest), Fiona Zhou (Guest), Chen Yang (Guest), Yang Yu (Guest), Junjie Zeng (Guest), Haoran Jia (Guest), Zhang Guangchen (Guest), He Jie (Guest), Skyler (Guest)
Artist & Vendor Liaison Team
Lin Ruoran (Wuhan University), Wang Xinkai (Wuhan University)
Alumni Association Showcase Team
Zhang Hong (Southwest University of Political Science & Law), Yin Nanjie (Southwest University of Political Science & Law), Tian Lili (Southwest University of Political Science & Law), Jiang Yalan (Beijing International Studies University), Chen Xinglin (New York University)
Transportation Team
Han Xiao (South China University of Technology)
Tug-of-War Team
Li Jialin (Jilin University)
External Relations Team
Wang Shuguang (Xi'an International Studies University), Hou Ping'an (Fort Lee Chinese American Association)
Media Team
Guan Liming (Shanghai International Studies University)
Design Team
Lu Ning (Zhejiang University), Yang Jiteng (Tianjin University), Zhang Binlin (Tongji University), Amanda (Tsinghua University)
Volunteer Uniforms
Hou Yanyan (Dalian University of Technology), Chen Xiaofei (Dalian University of Technology / Xi'an International Studies University)
Stage Banners & Backdrop
Hou Yanyan (Dalian University of Technology), Lu Ning (Zhejiang University), Yang Zhaoyang (Southeast University)
Legal Team
Zhang Hong (Southwest University of Political Science & Law), Zhang Yue (Nankai University)
Performers
Heartfelt Thanks to the Alumni and Friends Who Volunteered to Perform
Zhang Yingchao, Wu Ying, Wang Yao, Zhou Lingxi, Shu Yue, Shen Mingjuan, Emily Lobel, Zeng Li, Xu Kai, Vivien L., Yin Xunzheng, Pi Jieyu, Chao Lecheng, Zheng Bowen, Qiu Zhuoyi, Song Zixiang, Qin Minghao, An Qi, Li Xinchao, Wei Xiao, Huang Yuxiang, Kong Weihan, He Xi, Qin Zheng, Li Fuyuan, Yang Yi, Gu Yiyin, Zhao Jing, Hu Yuqi, Wang Fangwei, Chen Yuxin, Zhang Xinyi, Magdalena Lee, Qiao Jinzhe, Zhang Junli, Zhong Nina, Tan Kui, Xing Lili, Xia Zhuli, Zhang Heng, Weng Haixia, Li Yan, Zhang Hong, Qian Duoduo, Zhang Xiaokan, Zhong Shamu, Sun Chang, Yu Haonan, Zhang Xichuan
Thanks to the Young Models Who Brought Chinese Cultural Heritage, Beautiful Visuals, and a Spirit of Energy and Hope to the Event
Arthur Zheng, Jerry Liu, Jason Cai, Jenny Cai, Maggie Chiu, Alanna Qu, Abigail Yang, Jayden Sun, Rumi Shen, Phoebe Lin, Sally Han, Jude Cui, Marcus Lu
Special thanks as well to professional emcee Wang Zaozao for hosting the children's fashion show.