The department of Electrical Engineering celebrated its 50th anniversary Sept. 29 with a grand ceremony in the Tsinghua auditorium. More than 1,000 people attended, including hundreds of alumni, representatives from other universities and colleges, and numerous other distinguished guests.

In honor of the occasion, Vice Premier Wu Bangguo, an alumnus of the department, wrote an inscription which read: "Congratuations on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the department of Electrical Engineering, and best regards to all the comrades concerned. The knowledge I have learned at school has benefited me throughout my life."

President Wang Dazhong offered his congratulations to the department, recalling its progress through the years and recognizing the enormous contribution it has made to Tsinghua and to the nation.

Established in 1952, the department of Electrical Engineering was formerly the department of Radio Electronics. Over the past half century, it has turned out more than 10,000 graduates.

At present, the department has three state key labs and four state key academic areas. In addition, it has scored a number of state-level science and research achievements.

(Liu Aixiang 31/10/2002)