On the afternoon of May 13, 2023, the 40th anniversary commemorative event for the graduating classes of 1977 and 1978 from the Law School was successfully held at the Kaiyuan Hall.

Forty years ago, the alumni of the classes of '77 and '78 embarked on their journey to Peking University from all corners of the country during a special era of history. Over the course of 40 years, these alumni, with solid professional foundations, a determined spirit of hard work, and unwavering efforts, have made great strides in various fields, becoming an important vanguard force in China's legal construction. Forty years later, the alumni of these two classes, having experienced the test of time, still possess the spirit of self-improvement and returned to Peking University to reminisce about their past studies, carrying forward the enduring legacy of Peking University's legal professionals.

More than 100 alumni and their family members from the graduating classes of '77 and '78, as well as Professor Guo Li, Dean and Party Secretary of the Law School, Associate Party Secretary Lu Jiangnan, and faculty members Zhu Qichao, Zhang Yuxiang, and Liu Shoufen, as well as Party Secretary Director Dang Shuping and Deputy Director Lu Xinxin of the Alumni Office, attended the event. Alumni representatives Song Jian and Shao Jingchun from the class of '77 and '78 respectively served as the hosts of the event.

Before the official start of the commemorative event, alumni gradually arrived at the Kaiyuan Hall, where teachers from the Alumni Office and student volunteers warmly presented them with exquisite souvenirs for the event. The afternoon sun bathed the Kaiyuan Hall, and classmates gathered together in a harmonious atmosphere, engaging in conversations.

At the beginning of the event, after watching a commemorative video of the Law School, alumni hosts Song Jian and Shao Jingchun took the stage. They first expressed their profound respect to the attending teachers on behalf of the graduates of the classes of '77 and '78, and stated that Peking University Law School is the place where their journey as students began and will always be their home.

Subsequently, Dean Guo Li delivered a welcome speech. On behalf of the entire faculty and students, he welcomed all the alumni back home and introduced them to the recent developments of the Law School. He expressed that the younger generation currently studying at the Law School has great potential, and under the care and support of the alumni, they are growing vigorously. The school is also thriving with the support of the alumni. The graduates of the classes of '77 and '78 have a deep affection for the Law School. They have come a long way to Peking University Law School and have achieved today's accomplishments after a long journey. He sincerely wished all the alumni the best on behalf of the school.

Next, Professor Zhu Qichao recalled the Law School 40 years ago in his speech. He contrasted the difficult environment and lack of teaching materials at that time with the present and praised all the alumni for their remarkable achievements through their solid theoretical foundations, the application of relevant legal theories and methods, and the reference to legislation and judicial practices both ancient and modern, combining the best of the past and the present. He also mentioned that many alumni from the classes of '77 and '78 have already retired, and he hoped that alumni could continue to contribute to the country's legal construction when conditions permit, and also share their life experiences with younger generations in various forms. He emphasized that a good university needs the support of good alumni, and alumni play a crucial role in the development of the university. He hoped that all the alumni could work together to build Peking University Law School into a world-class law school with Chinese characteristics.

In his speech, Professor Zhang Yuxiang congratulated the achievements of the alumni from the classes of '77 and '78 in their careers. He stated that the alumni, in their journey of striving, have used their solid theoretical foundations, applied relevant legal theories and methods, and referred to legislation and judicial practices from both ancient and modern times, combining the best of the past and the present, and have made great contributions to the country and the people in various fields. Finally, Zhang expressed his admiration and appreciation for the diligent attitude of the alumni during their studies and looked forward to meeting everyone again at Peking University.

Professor Liu Shoufen expressed in her speech that, for the alumni of the classes of '77 and '78, her teaching work was more like "reading companionship," growing and learning together with everyone. She mentioned the time when she organized Q&A sessions and taught parts of the criminal law course, recalling her slight nervousness at that time. In order to help everyone learn criminal law knowledge better, she collected relevant materials and prepared for the classes diligently. Liu said that she gained a lot from her studies and teaching at Peking University, and highly appreciated the diligent attitude of the alumni in their pursuit of knowledge and their dedication to the legal profession. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of their journey and wished them continued success in their future endeavors.

After the lecturer's speech, He Shan, the representative of 77 undergraduate alumni, and Wu Gaosheng, the representative of 78 undergraduate alumni, spoke in turn.

He Shan alumni once again expressed their heartfelt thanks to all the teachers who attended the event. He reviewed his study life 40 years ago and the achievements of his peers, and believed that the teachers' careful guidance helped alumni lay a solid professional foundation and let them shine in various fields. He also hoped that more law professionals in Peking University would actively participate in national construction and make contributions to the development of the country.

Wu Gaosheng alumni expressed sincere thanks to the teachers, and said that under the careful cultivation of teachers, 77 and 78 undergraduate alumni are active in various industries, emerging a large number of excellent role models, they are the Alma mater can be proud of the typical. In addition, he hopes that the alumni can do something, do something, do more things, maintain a good state, and meet again in Yanyuan in the future.

At this point, the memorial conference was successfully concluded in a relaxed, harmonious, warm and passionate atmosphere.

After the photo session, the alumni held a "big class meeting" for free exchange. The students and teachers met each other after many years of separation, and the words poured out are full of precious memories and sincere blessings.

77, 78 undergraduate alumni in the long years have always adhered to and inherited the spirit of Peking University law, for the future generation of students to respect and pursue. Peking University Law School sincerely welcomes all the alumni home, and hopes that the alumni will remain as eternal as the moon and rise as the sun in the future. We look forward to your return to our Alma mater and reunion again.