On the afternoon of May 31, 2024, the alumni event for the Tsinghua University (THU)-RWTH Aachen University (RWTH) Dual Master's Degree Program was successfully held at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. The event was organized by the Department of Industrial Engineering at Tsinghua University. Around 40 alumni from China and Germany, as well as faculty members gathered in Aachen to reminisce about the program's development journey and discuss a bright future together. The Vice President of THU, Prof. Li Zheng, former President of RWTH, Prof. Burkhard Rauhut and Prof. Henning Wallentowitz, RWTH Rector’s Delegate for Alumni Prof. Bernd Markert, President of THU German Alumni Association, Mr. Guohui Chen, Dean of the Department of Industrial Engineering (IE) of THU, Prof. Jingshan Li and the RWTH Coordinator for China and the THU-RWTH Dual Degree Program, Mr. Peter Hartges, delivered speeches at the event. Attendees also included Prof. Jan Welm Biermann，Prof. Reinhart Poprawe, Prof. Yubao Guo, the Assistant to Dean and Head of International Affairs and International Programs of the Department of IE of THU, Asso. Prof. Liang Ma, Supervisor of International Master's Program in the Department of IE, Ms. Haitao Wang. The event was hosted by Asso. Prof. Liang Ma.

Prof. Burkhard Rauhut and Prof. Henning Wallentowitz began by reviewing the development history of the THU-RWTH Dual Degree Program, including the curriculum, teaching materials, and faculty development. They highlighted the significant impact of the THU-RWTH Dual Degree Program in fostering exchanges and cooperation between the two universities and even between China and Germany.

Prof. Bernd Markert’s speech, emphasized the importance of communication, mutual assistance, and cooperation among alumni for their development. He expressed his hope that the alumni of the Dual Degree Program would play a key role in the alumni associations of both universities.

Speeches from Prof. Burkhard Rauhut, Prof. Henning Wallentowitz and Prof. Bernd Markert

Prof. Li Zheng extended a warm welcome and sincere greetings to the alumni and guests through a video, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and support of each faculty and alumni. He highlighted that this Dual Degree Program, as one in the first batch, has achieved significant success over the past twenty-plus years, enhancing academic and cultural exchanges between China and Germany, and elevating bilateral cooperation to a new height. He also expressed high hopes for future development, emphasizing the need to further strengthen cooperation between the two universities to cultivate students with a global vision, innovative capabilities, and social responsibility, thereby contributing more to both countries.

Speech from Prof. Li Zheng through video

Mr. Guohui Chen, highly praised the fruitful achievements of THU-RWTH Dual Degree Program over the years. On behalf of THU German Alumni Association, he welcomes the alumni of the Dual Degree Program to join the association and stated that Tsinghua German Alumni Association will continue to support the development of alumni in Germany and build a platform for communication and cooperation between the two universities and even between the two countries.

Speech from Mr. Guohui Chen

Prof. Jingshan Li, provided a detailed overview on the department’s history, research directions, faculty, student achievements, teaching reforms, and the development of the Dual Degree Program. He highlighted the department’s significant progress in international education and research collaboration since 2010, and shared the future development goals.

Introduction to Department of Industrial Engineering by Prof. Jingshan Li

Alumni then introduced themselves and shared their study and career progress and experiences. Representatives from the 2006 cohort, Mr. Johnnes Witzel and Mr. Filipp Rosinski, and from the 2022 cohort, Mr. Alexander Niklas, spoke about their time at THU. They reminisced about memorable and beneficial courses as well as their unforgettable campus life. They also shared old photos from their time at THU, evoking fond memories of Tsinghua University and China among the attendees.

Speeches from alumni representitaves, Mr. Johnnes Witzel, Mr. Filipp Rosinski and Mr. Alexander Niklas

Mr. Peter Hartges, delivered an excellent summary of the event. Having dedicated over 20 years to this program, Mr. Hartges has witnessed more than 1100 students successfully participating in this Dual Degree Program at the partner universities. His outstanding contributions have significantly aided the program's growth and development.

Summary by Mr. Peter Hartges

In the end, all the guests, alumni, and teachers engaged in in-depth and open discussions, bringing the event to a joyful and warm conclusion. This was the second alumni event held in Germany since October 2014. It not only served as a retrospective of the longstanding collaboration between Tsinghua University and RWTH Aachen University but also provided a platform for Chinese and German alumni to reconnect, share industry knowledge, and strengthen ties. The event acted as a catalyst for deepening the connections and cooperation between the alumni of both countries and the two universities.

Group photo

Writers: Rui Lu, Haitao Wang

Photographer: Haitao Wang

Reviewers: Liang Ma, Lefei Li