August 26, 2012 – First ZJUAANC Summer BBQ at Lake Wheeler

First Summer BBQ at Lake Wheeler – August 26, 2012

Text by Meng Long / Photos by Jing Chao

On August 26, 2012, the North Carolina Chapter of the North American ZJU Alumni Association (ZJUAANC) held a joyful barbecue at Lake Wheeler Park in Raleigh. On this sunny, pleasant late-summer afternoon, more than sixty alumni, both new and returning, along with family members, gathered by the beautiful, tree-lined shores of Lake Wheeler.

Around 4:00 PM, alumni began arriving at the park on the outskirts of Raleigh. Under the coordination of the organizers, everyone pitched in—lighting fires, setting up tables, grilling, and chatting. The forest air was fresh and dry. Alumni ate, laughed, shared funny stories from daily life, exchanged experiences of studying, living, and working in the United States, and reminisced about their time at ZJU. Children played happily with newly made friends, and even pets drew everyone’s attention. Guests enjoyed the stunning scenery, delicious food, and—most importantly—connected with many new alumni friends.

The event coincided with the start of the 2012–2013 academic year, making it especially convenient for recent ZJU graduates to join the alumni family. One new arrival remarked with delight: “I just arrived in the U.S. and was worried about being completely unfamiliar with everything. It’s so fortunate to have met so many warm senior alumni. The alumni association gives us a warm sense of belonging even here in a foreign country.”

As the sun set and lights came on, everyone left with the joy of reunion. Alumni gatherings always feel like coming home. We hope to see everyone often in the future and thank all the volunteers who worked hard to organize these events!

Under the leadership and support of Zhejiang University, the Hangzhou ZJU Alumni Association, and the North American ZJU Alumni Association, the North Carolina Chapter was established on June 1, 2012—ZJU’s 115th anniversary—at NC State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our mission is to serve ZJU alumni in southeastern U.S. states that have not yet formed their own chapters. Current President is Professor Alex Huang (Huang Qin), Class of 1983 in Semiconductor (now Microelectronics) from the Radio Department, now Distinguished Professor at NC State and Director of the NSF FREEDM Systems Center and ATEC Center. Over 200 alumni across North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, Missouri, and other states have registered. All “Qiushi” students, faculty, and alumni who have not yet found their “organization” are warmly invited to visit zjuaanc.org, email contact@zjuaanc.org, or call +1 (423) 521-1897 to learn more and join this family away from home for free.