New Year Message | Welcoming the Year of the Horse — United in Connection and Warmth

Dear Alumni and Friends,

As spring returns and all things renew, the Chinese Alumni Association of the Clausthal University of Technology extends its most sincere New Year greetings and best wishes to alumni around the world and to your families on the occasion of the Lunar New Year — the Year of the Horse.

In the year ahead, may you enjoy:

Good health and family happiness;
Professional success and academic progress;
Light in your heart and clarity on your path.

The Year of the Horse symbolizes vitality, aspiration, and forward momentum. May each of you find both the strength to pursue your ambitions and the composure to pause when needed — reaching new horizons while holding fast to inner peace and joy.

I. Looking Back at 2025 — Turning Connection into Action

The year 2025 was both meaningful and memorable. Together with our alma mater and alumni worldwide, we transformed communication, cooperation, and friendship into tangible achievements.

1. Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Clausthal University of Technology

In 2025, Clausthal University of Technology celebrated its 250th anniversary — a historic milestone honoring two and a half centuries of academic tradition and scientific excellence.

A highlight of the celebration was a video message from distinguished alumnus Wan Gang, who reflected on his years of study and shared his hopes for the University’s future. His heartfelt message resonated deeply with the global Clausthal community.

2. Presidential Visit to China — Alumni as a Vital Bridge

In September 2025, University President Sylvia Schattauer led a delegation to China, visiting Chengdu and Shanghai to engage with universities, research institutions, and enterprises.

During the visit, she emphasized that the most solid foundation of cooperation between Clausthal University of Technology and China lies in its alumni, who are active across academia and industry. Their professional expertise, industry networks, and cross-cultural experience continue to transform cooperation from vision into actionable pathways.

3. Establishment of Two Alumni Homes in China

During the presidential visit, two Alumni Homes were officially inaugurated:

• Southwest China Alumni Home (Chengdu)
• Yangtze River Delta Alumni Home (Shanghai)

These venues represent more than physical spaces — they are platforms for community, collaboration, and sustained engagement between Clausthal University of Technology and China.

4. Strengthening Organizational Foundations

Beyond major events, 2025 also saw steady progress in organizational development:

• Sharing updates and news from the University
• Supporting regional alumni networking initiatives
• Updating alumni records and optimizing coordination mechanisms
• Facilitating visits, partnerships, and alumni resource connections

While less visible, these efforts form the essential foundation for the Association’s long-term and stable development.

5. New Year Reception in Hanover — A Vision for Future Cooperation

On January 17, 2026, a New Year Reception was held at the Leibniz Confucius Institute Hannover.

Professor Thomas Hanschke, former President of Clausthal University of Technology and long-standing coordinator of Sino-German university cooperation in Lower Saxony, delivered a keynote address. Drawing on over two decades of engagement in bilateral exchange, he highlighted the importance of mutual respect, trust, and what he described as “cooperation with warmth” — emphasizing that human understanding and goodwill are the foundations of sustainable partnership.

His remarks reaffirmed that despite changing global circumstances, Sino-German academic and research cooperation remains grounded in a strong and resilient foundation — with alumni serving as one of its most reliable bridges.

II. The Power of Alumni — Not Just Presence, but Participation

The true value of an alumni association lies not in the number of messages shared, but in the meaningful connections created.

Whether in laboratories, corporations, government institutions, or universities, every contribution, referral, and initiative strengthens our network. Alumni are our most enduring bond and our warmest bridge.

III. Looking Ahead — Advancing Together in the Year of the Horse

In the coming year, the Association will continue to uphold its mission:
Serving alumni, supporting the alma mater, and strengthening Sino-German connections.

Key priorities include:

• Expanding hybrid (online and offline) alumni engagement activities
• Strengthening the operational mechanisms of Alumni Homes
• Deepening practical cooperation among universities, research institutions, and industry
• Enhancing network coordination, visibility, and mutual support

Closing — United in Warmth, Moving Forward Together

Time becomes meaningful through reunion;
Journeys gain brilliance through companionship.

Dear alumni, every step forward taken by our Association is made possible by your engagement and support.

May we continue to gather under the name of Clausthal and move forward with shared purpose, writing a new chapter together.

We wish you a prosperous and joyful Year of the Horse —
Peace, fulfillment, and success in all your endeavors.

Board of Directors
Chinese Alumni Association of Clausthal University of Technology

February 17, 2026
Chinese New Year