Bridging the Future and the Past with Alumni Days
Be You. Be Connected.
June is always a time to celebrate new beginnings and reconnect across the Wellington College China group. As this year’s graduates prepared to embark on new life adventures, many of our schools opened their doors to alumni, or, as we affectionately call them, ‘Old Wellingtonians.’ Alumni from around the world returned not just to celebrate, but to reconnect, share their experiences, and offer practical advice to current pupils—reminding everyone that the Wellington community extends far beyond the classroom.
Wellington College Tianjin
On 13 June, Wellington College Tianjin hosted alumni who have been blazing trails at universities like Imperial College London, Johns Hopkins University, the London School of Economics and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Through a day of keynote talks, panel discussions and live Q&A sessions, they shared honest reflections on university life, career pathways and the realities of life beyond Wellington.
For current pupils, the event was a chance to ask questions and get practical advice from those who have already navigated the transition from school to university. Alumni spoke candidly about how Wellington’s approach has influenced their academic progress and personal development. The event was a reminder of the value of connection within the Wellington network, in China, the UK and globally.
Wellington College
International Shanghai
At Wellington College International Shanghai, over 40 alumni from the Classes of 2017-2024 returned to campus, joined by the school’s newest graduates, the Class of 2025. The day included tours of the updated campus, time to catch up with former teachers and even a lively dodgeball tournament in the Sports Hall. The Class of 2025 took on previous cohorts and staff in a match that was as much about laughs and teamwork as it was about winning.
“Wellington will always have a special place in my heart. I was in the first graduating class. It’s really good to be back.”
—Nikki Gupta
Class of 2017
While the day was filled with friendly competition and plenty of reminiscing, Alumni Reunion Day—held every year after Speech Day—is about more than nostalgia. It’s an opportunity for Old Wellingtonians to reconnect, exchange advice and expand their professional networks.
Wellington College Hangzhou
Wellington College Hangzhou marked its first-ever Old Wellingtonian Day, with members of the Class of 2024 returning to share their experiences of university life abroad. Through open discussions, alumni gave Sixth Form pupils a realistic picture of what to expect from studying overseas, covering practical topics such as university applications, adapting to new cultures, academic life, social integration and financial planning.
Alumni spoke about the skills and mindset they developed at Wellington—critical thinking, confidence from drama lessons and collaborative skills honed through boarding life—and how these have supported their adjustment to life at universities in the UK and the US. Specific examples highlighted the value of independence, open communication and the ability to build relationships in a new environment.
“Returning to Wellington College Hangzhou a year later truly felt like coming home! The Wellington community, to me, means knowing there’s always a group of people who believe in you, who have witnessed your growth, and seen you at your best. Wherever you go in the future, they are cheering you on. This deep sense of belonging is at the heart of Wellington’s unique atmosphere. ”
—Hanni Huang
Class of 2024
We.Connect
Staying Connected
Events like these are just one part of our growing alumni network. Through We.Connect, our online platform for Wellington College China alumni, Old Wellingtonians can stay in touch, expand their professional networks or offer support to new graduates. The platform integrates with social media, making it easy to connect with others for career advice, mentoring or employment opportunities. Whether you want to catch up with friends, find a mentor or give back to the next generation of pupils, We.Connect is designed to help alumni support one another wherever they are in the world.
Every year, Old Wellingtonians go on to make their mark in a range of fields. Through events and platforms like We.Connect, they remain an active part of the Wellington community—sharing insights, building networks and helping each other along the way.
