The atmosphere at Tsinghua University was charged with anticipation and hope as over 9,000 new graduate students embarked on their academic journey during the 2024 Graduate Student Opening Ceremony and First Lecture. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the students, who will now immerse themselves in the vibrant and dynamic environment of Tsinghua, a place brimming with dreams and aspirations.
The ceremony, blending both in-person and online formats, was a grand occasion attended by students, faculty, and distinguished guests. The event was also live-streamed via the Rain Classroom platform, allowing nearly 1,800 new students from the Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, as well as friends, family, alumni, and supporters of the university, to participate remotely.
Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee Qiu Yong ceremoniously pinned the university badge on the representative of the new students, symbolizing their official induction into the Tsinghua community. This was followed by an inspiring speech from President Li Luming. He encouraged the new students to embrace the challenges ahead with a spirit of innovation and to contribute meaningfully to society, underscoring the critical role they will play in the nation's development.
Qiu Yong, Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee, pins a Tsinghua badge for a new student representative.
Li Luming, President of Tsinghua University, addresses the ceremony.
Professor Shi Songhai, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, speaking on behalf of the faculty, emphasized the importance of independent thinking. "Independent thinking does not mean solving problems in isolation; it requires us to have critical thinking skills, to dare to question, and to reflect," he said. He cautioned the students against the dangers of intellectual complacency, urging them to go beyond existing knowledge and continuously seek new insights.
Professor Shi Songhai, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, delivers a speech.
Student representatives also shared their thoughts. Wei Yifan, Chair of the Graduate Student Union, and Luo Kairong, a doctoral student from the Department of Computer Science and Technology, spoke on behalf of current and incoming students, expressing their excitement and determination to make the most of the opportunities at Tsinghua.
Wei Yifan, Chair of the Graduate Student Union, delivers a speech.
Luo Kairong, a freshman representative and a doctoral student from the Department of Computer Science and Technology, delivers a speech.
Following the ceremony, President Li Luming delivered the First Lecture for the new graduate students. His lecture highlighted the importance of embracing responsibility, fostering innovation, and committing to the pursuit of excellence—core values that define the Tsinghua spirit.
The Opening Ceremony and First Lecture set the tone for what promises to be a transformative journey for the 2024 cohort. As these new students step into the vibrant community of Tsinghua University, they are encouraged to take on challenges, think critically, and contribute to the broader mission of national and global progress.
With this new beginning, the Tsinghua community looks forward to witnessing the bright and ambitious minds of the students make their mark on the world.
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Writer: Gillian Tang
Photographers: Li Pai, Sun Bo, Cao Wenpeng, Huo Yuandong, Yang Yuhan, Li Zhi
Designer: Fang Si
Reviewers: Chen Ken, Lin Yuan
