On June 8th, 2025, the atmosphere at Campus 2 – Long Binh, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, became more vibrant than ever with the Alumni Gathering Program “Reunion Day”. This significant event was organised for the first time to celebrate the University’s 35th anniversary, aiming to strengthen solidarity and connection between generations of teachers and students; concurrently, it sought to promote the cooperation and support of alumni from all levels and training systems in the University’s development.
The program was honoured to welcome: Prof. Dr Nguyen Minh Ha – President of the University; Dr Le Nguyen Quoc Khang – Vice President of the University; along with all former lecturers, current lecturers, and alumni from various generations, levels, and training systems of Ho Chi Minh City Open University.
Proud of the Generations of Alumni from Ho Chi Minh City Open University
35 years is a long journey filled with memories, where Ho Chi Minh City Open University has nurtured and witnessed the unceasing efforts and ardent ambitions of all its students across different levels and training systems. From these lecture halls, countless generations of students have matured, affirmed their self-worth, and confidently applied the knowledge they gained to serve the development of society. With hearts full of love and gratitude, dear alumni returned to join hands in building and connecting past generations with future ones, together lighting up the future and passing on the flame of knowledge, empowering cherished dreams.
At the program, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of the University, emphasised that “Reunion Day” is a crucial milestone, opening a new journey to connect generations of alumni and collectively build an increasingly strong Ho Chi Minh City Open University community. The event was not only an occasion to recall youthful memories but also a bridge for lecturers, alumni, partners, and current students to cooperate, spread the spirit of open education, and contribute to the sustainable development of society.
Under the proactive and enthusiastic leadership of the Alumni Club’s Executive Board, numerous networking and exchange activities have been regularly and consistently organised and coordinated. From inspiring talk shows and insightful annual seminars to vibrant academic competitions, and the fourth season of “Gratitude Express” and “Mentoring Journey,” these initiatives have contributed to fostering development and expanding support networks for student startups and businesses. The spirit of sharing is also clearly demonstrated through job placement networking activities, valuable contributions to scholarship funds, and many annual gifts awarded to students overcoming difficulties in their studies. All of these have created a strong, cohesive environment where generations of alumni collaborate and contribute to the University’s training efforts.
Furthermore, the University strives to broaden its alumni networking activities across various training types by organising gatherings in localities with affiliated training programs, and has established alumni clubs for students who studied in Phu Yen, Gia Lai, An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho provinces. Notably, the improvement and promotion of online interaction activities have opened up opportunities for learners and lecturers in remote areas to maintain deep and strong connections with the entire community of students, lecturers, alumni, and former students of the University.
Promoting the Role of Alumni Through Meaningful Activities
With the desire to connect the alumni community with current students, and simultaneously to promote the role of all generations of students towards the University and the wider community, Ho Chi Minh City Open University organised a series of meaningful activities, with the enthusiastic participation of over 200 alumni and former students from various cohorts, including:
Launching the Alumni Scholarship Fund
A significant highlight of the program was the networking session where the “Alumni Scholarship Fund” was officially launched. Operating on principles of voluntariness, transparency, and non-profit, this scholarship fund aims to receive contributions from alumni, former students, organizations, and businesses to support disadvantaged students, provide scholarships for overcoming difficulties, and empower them to continue their studies, spreading the good traditional values cultivated and continued through each generation of learners at Ho Chi Minh City Open University.
At the event, the University honored and thanked individuals and groups who contributed to the fund, notably: the Club of Alumni from the Faculty of Sociology – Social Work – Southeast Asian Studies (68 million VND), the Club of Alumni from the Faculty of Civil Engineering (40 million VND), Mr. Nguyen Tu Mi – General Director of Mi Hong Co., Ltd. (50 million VND), Mr. Pham Xo – Chairman of Binh Duong Import-Export Association (50 million VND), and Mr. Ngo Tri Viet – General Director of Nen Tang Viet Construction Management JSC (5 million VND). Additionally, Mr Ho Van Minh – General Director of Nhat Nguyen Construction JSC, sponsored 50 green trees for the Long Binh campus, and Mr Nguyen Khoa Dang – Co-founder of Quynh Vy Rice Paintings, sponsored a rice painting of the 35th anniversary logo for the University.
– Seminar: “The Role and Activities of Alumni in the Current Period”
Currently, many of the University’s alumni have achieved significant career success, becoming reputable experts, leaders, or entrepreneurs in various fields. Therefore, the seminar served as an opportunity for former students, leaders, and lecturers to share experiences, discuss, and propose effective networking ideas and models, contributing to the University’s development in the context of modern society.
– Exciting activities promoting exchange and connection among students, alumni, former students, and the University’s lecturers, staff, and workers.
As part of the program, the alumni community will collaboratively assemble a rice painting recreating the University’s 35th-anniversary logo. Following this, a friendly football match will take place on the football field within Campus 2, featuring 6 alumni teams representing various Faculties. This aims to create a beneficial playground, a healthy environment for physical activity, and foster solidarity among Ho Chi Minh City Open University alumni themselves, and between alumni and current students and staff studying and working at the University.
A highlight of the series of activities was the environmental protection initiatives, contributing to the creation of a fresh, green space, a place where every return feels like a bond, familiarity, and love. Here, alumni, together with the University’s lecturers and staff, participated in releasing fish into natural ponds and planting 50 new trees within the Long Binh Tan campus. These activities not only enhance the landscape and increase biodiversity but also demonstrate the deep commitment of the University and the OUer community to building a friendly and clean learning environment. This is a small but significant step in the journey towards a “Green University” model, promoting sustainable development and enhancing the spiritual well-being of the entire learning community. Every green sapling planted today is our commitment to nature, to the future, and to the community—a “green imprint” for future generations to cherish and preserve.
Additionally, the University launched a project to build an outdoor sports training area at Campus 2, Long Binh, aiming to create opportunities for students to engage in physical training and socialise. This project calls for support from alumni, demonstrating their sense of responsibility and connection to future generations. The program concluded with a networking party, sing-along activities, and the football award ceremony, leaving a deep impression of a joyous and meaningful reunion day.
“Reunion Day” was not just an opportunity for generations of alumni to relive their youth memories but also a bridge to strengthen solidarity, spread the spirit of open education, and collectively write glorious new chapters for Ho Chi Minh City Open University. The event affirmed the vital role of alumni as a valuable resource, contributing to enhancing the University’s reputation and building a cohesive, sustainable community.
Photos: Khoa La, Xuan Huyen
Article: Khanh Ly