From April 20 to 26, 2025, a delegation of the Board of Directors of the RUC North America Alumni Association successfully completed its annual visit to Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Atlanta, and Houston.
This marked the second consecutive year that RUC-NAAA organized a regional visit in the form of an official working trip. The visit aimed to further strengthen ties between RUC-NAAA and alumni organizations and individual alumni across North America, promote communication and collaboration among alumni, and support the continued development of the Association.
During the week-long visit, the delegation held meetings with local alumni organizations and engaged in in-depth discussions with alumni on topics including alumni association development, resource integration, regional collaboration, and the development of younger alumni. Alumni in each region expressed their strong affection for their alma mater and their support for the work of RUC-NAAA, while offering constructive suggestions on strengthening regional activities, facilitating information sharing, and expanding career development opportunities.
First Stop: Washington, D.C.
On April 20, the delegation arrived in Washington, D.C., where it held a working meeting with Liu Xiao, President of the Greater Washington RUC Alumni Association, and other key members. The discussion focused on ways for alumni organizations to support one another and share resources. RUC-NAAA also responded to questions from alumni regarding organizational development, alumni services, and the relationship between RUC-NAAA and local alumni associations.
During the meeting, alumni responded enthusiastically to the upcoming Global Alumni Conference, scheduled to take place in Beijing on May 18, and recorded a video sending their best wishes to the conference and to RUC alumni around the world.
On April 21, the delegation was invited to visit the headquarters of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where it was warmly received by RUC alumnus Hu Xingwei. Hu introduced the delegation to the IMF’s three major functions, the key topics of the IMF/World Bank 2025 Spring Meetings, and China’s representation at the IMF. Alumni expressed their sincere pride in the growing contribution and influence of China within the IMF.
RUC-NAAA Board members Dawson Lee, Wu Yafeng, and Liu Xiaona, along with Management Committee member Lu Cuili, participated in the Washington, D.C. visit.
Second Stop: North Carolina
On April 22, the delegation visited North Carolina.
In Raleigh, alumna Xin Xin gave the delegation a detailed introduction to the history, geography, climate, industrial ecosystem, and development prospects of the Research Triangle region.
In High Point, the delegation visited Triad International Studies Academy, a public school project founded by alumni Zhu Chaowei and Li Junlan. The couple’s commitment to promoting greater visibility and impact for the Chinese community in American society resonated strongly with the delegation.
In Charlotte, alumna Tang Zhenjie introduced the delegation to the RUC alumni community in North Carolina and showed the delegation around the city, providing an overview of Charlotte’s urban landscape and development.
RUC-NAAA Board members Dawson Lee, Wu Yafeng, Liu Xiaona, and others participated in the North Carolina visit.
Third Stop: Atlanta
The Atlanta Chapter was the first local chapter established by RUC-NAAA outside its New York headquarters. With a strong alumni network, the Chapter has organized numerous activities over the years, including a symposium in 2018 commemorating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States.
The delegation visited Greenwood Star, an alumni-founded company, and met with alumnus Dawson Lee and Lisa Li to learn about the application of artificial intelligence in investment management, project management, client management, corporate management, and financial management.
The delegation also met with Xu Junjun, President of the Atlanta Chapter, and members of the management team. The delegation recognized the Chapter’s achievements and encouraged the team to continue building on its strengths and further serve as a regional hub for RUC alumni in the southeastern United States.
RUC-NAAA Board members Dawson Lee and Wu Yafeng participated in the Atlanta visit.
Fourth Stop: Houston
From April 25 to 26, Wu Yafeng visited Houston on behalf of the Board of Directors.
As one of the most important cities in the U.S. Southwest, the Houston Chapter has played an important role in strengthening the RUC alumni network in the region. Although established only three years ago, the Chapter has already become a spiritual home and important community for RUC alumni in the U.S. Southwest.
During his time in Houston, Wu Yafeng visited an accounting firm where alumni Gu Ying and Liu Ping serve as partners, gaining insight into their positive impact through their longstanding commitment to the local community. He also visited an industrial valve company founded by alumnus Feng Xiaotian, where he learned about the impact of China-U.S. relations and the trade war on the industry. In addition, he was invited to visit Rice University, where he met with alumnus Li Haiyang, a professor at the business school.
On April 26, Wu Yafeng also attended an alumni sharing event organized by the Houston Chapter. Hosted by Chapter President Gu Ying, the event featured alumnus and mountaineer Pi Yuan, who shared his experience of climbing Mount Everest under the theme “No Summit Is Too High.” His dramatic journey and unwavering determination deeply moved the alumni in attendance.
Looking Ahead: Connecting Alumni Across North America
Concluding the 2025 annual visit, Wu Yafeng said that, according to the strategic plan of the RUC-NAAA Board of Directors, the Association intends to visit all major RUC alumni organizations and cities with significant concentrations of RUC alumni across North America during the current term.
Following the successful visits to Western Canada and the U.S. West Coast in 2024, this year’s visit to the southern United States further strengthened the ties between RUC-NAAA and alumni in different regions, while laying a solid foundation for future collaboration.
Wu said that RUC-NAAA will continue to expand its alumni network, diversify its forms of engagement, and enhance the quality of its services, working together with alumni across North America to build a more connected and vibrant RUC alumni community.