Circle Alumni Connection Professor Masso Returns to Campus Visit

On March 19, 2026, Professor Carlege Masso, an esteemed alumnus of the International Education College at Zhejiang University, made a notable return to his alma mater. Originating from Burundi, he was greeted warmly by key figures including Chen Nanfei, the deputy dean of the International Education College, Chen Weiying, and Lu Zhengzhong, the executive vice president of the alumni association. This reunion fostered heartfelt discussions as they reminisced about the past and contemplated future advancements.

Professor Masso has a profound connection to Zhejiang University, having graduated from what was then Zhejiang Agricultural University in 1993 with a bachelor's degree, and later, completing a graduate degree from Zhejiang University in 1999. During a forum, he fondly reflected on his formative experiences at the university while mapping out his professional journey since graduation. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Environment, Health, and Biodiversity program at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), part of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). In this capacity, he heads global engagement initiatives, advocating for science-based policies and encouraging cross-regional collaboration.

Prior to his position at CGIAR, Professor Masso honed his expertise through roles that included natural resource management research at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and conducting postdoctoral research as well as fertilizer efficacy assessments at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. His extensive background in international agricultural research underscores the significant presence of Zhejiang University’s alumni on the global stage.

During the visit, Chen Nanfeng expressed a warm welcome to Professor Masso, highlighting that alumni represent a vital resource and asset for the institution, acting as a crucial link between the university and the wider world. He conveyed hopes that the professor would frequently return to the university, bringing back insights from cutting-edge international research while keeping overseas alumni informed about developments at their alma mater.

Lu Zhengzhong took the opportunity to share an overview of the university’s achievements in recent years, particularly in enhancing institutional strength, promoting international education, and fostering alumni engagement. This exchange of information not only celebrated past successes but also aimed to inspire future collaborations.

The significance of this visit transcended mere nostalgia, strengthening the emotional ties between alumni and their university while laying a foundation for future exchanges and partnerships. The International Education College is committed to maintaining the "Study Abroad at Zhejiang University" brand, leveraging the collective strength of global alumni to facilitate the institution's ambition of becoming a world-class entity.