On the morning of September 2nd, the 2024 Freshman Opening Ceremony of SUES was held at the East Sports Field of the Songjiang Campus. A total of 7,154 new students gathered to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.
The ceremony was attended by Li Jiang, Secretary of the CPC SUES Committee, President Yu Tao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC SUES Committee Shi Jianyong, Vice President Zhu Xiaoqing, Deputy Secretary of the CPC SUES Committee Meng Xing, along with other SUES leaders. Special guests included alumni representative Wang Ruiqiang, Chairman of Shandong Jiayuan Testing Technology Co., Ltd., faculty representatives, and all freshmen of the 2024 class. Vice President Zhu Xiaoqing presided over the ceremony.
The opening ceremony commenced with the solemn playing of the national anthem.
In his address, Secretary of the CPC SUES Committee Li Jiang, together with the freshman representatives, encouraged students to set sail toward their dreams and explore broader horizons. As the ceremony coincided with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Li Jiang urged the students to stay true to their ideals, rise to the call of the times, and navigate boldly toward the future, writing a youthful chapter of responsibility in the march toward China's modernization.
President Yu Tao offered words of inspiration to the 2024 freshmen, stating that SUES has always maintained its distinctive model of industry-academia integration, excellence-driven spirit, and mission of cultivating virtuous and talented individuals. He encouraged the new students to learn the art of making choices, mastering knowledge, and navigating life, so they could become shining stars within the SUES community.
Vice President Zhu Xiaoqing, in her role as host, encouraged the students to strive forward with determination and compose brilliant chapters with the strength of youth.
Alumni representative Wang Ruiqiang, a graduate of the class of 1995 and now chairman of Shandong Jiayuan Testing Technology, shared his educational and entrepreneurial journey. He urged the new students to study diligently, explore bravely, innovate boldly, and remain grateful as they contribute to SUES’ future legacy.
Speaking on behalf of the faculty, Professor Li Jun, Dean of School of Materials Science and Engineering, shared four guiding principles: learning, planning, health, and discipline, drawing from his personal experience to inspire the students to love their studies and make the most of their youth.
Zhou Yuxuan, Chair of the Graduate Student Union from School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, represented the current students. He shared his reflections on the knowledge, ambition, and compassion he gained at SUES and encouraged the new students to accelerate their growth and contribute to the university.
New student representative Xu Yixin, an undergraduate majoring in Finance from the School of Management Studies, expressed her excitement and anticipation for university life. She called on her fellow freshmen to be diligent, think critically, and serve others.
The opening ceremony seamlessly blended technology with arts and sports, showcasing SUES’ youthful energy and enterprising spirit. Highlights included innovative engineering elements such as autonomous vehicles, robotic combat vehicles, and drones, alongside vibrant cultural performances like futsal, choral medleys, and dance routines.