East China Normal University had its 50th founding anniversary marked October 16, 1951. Jiang Zemin, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President of the People's Republic of China, sent his congratulatory inscription: "Based on Shanghai, oriented toward the whole nation, and do a good job in contributing to the strategy of rejuvenating China through science and technology and education". Huang Ju, member of the CPC Political Bureau and secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee also sent his congratulatory letter to mark the occasion.

Founded on October 16, 1951, East China Normal University has been the earliest among its domestic counterparts launched in China.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of East China Normal University, a series of rich and colorful academic activities were staged on its campus. Among these are included a "Forum of University Presidents" from over 20 world renowned universities and a "Forum of High School Presidents from Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macao" with a representation of over 100 high school presidents from the three cities in China.