Tsinghua University held an opening ceremony on August 23 to welcome its incoming graduates. More than 9,000 students embarked on a new journey at Tsinghua in 2024.
Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee Qiu Yong, Tsinghua University President Li Luming, and other leaders of the University attended the ceremony. Tsinghua Vice President Jiang Peixue presided over the ceremony. Li Luming delivered the first class to the new graduate students.
The opening ceremony
New Tsinghua Xuetang sub-venue
Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School sub-venue
Qiu Yong (right), pins a Tsinghua badge for a new student representative.
At the opening ceremony, a special segment featured the presentation of Tsinghua University badges to new students. Qiu Yong pinned a Tsinghua badge for a graduate student representative.
Li Luming addresses the ceremony.
Li Luming extended a warm welcome to the incoming graduate students on behalf of the University. In his speech titled “Shouldering the Mission and Advancing the Path of Innovation,” he emphasized that innovation is the central theme of graduate studies and life. He pointed out that innovation has always been a crucial force driving social progress. He further noted that self-discipline leads to excellence, and innovation shapes the future. Therefore, Tsinghua students should align their efforts with the country's top priorities. Moreover, he stressed that innovation is the strongest embodiment of resilience in the new era. On the path of innovation, they must forge ahead with determination and courage.
He stated that the relentless pursuit of expanding the boundaries of knowledge and advancing civilization keeps the momentum of innovation alive. He expressed his hope that the students will carry forward Tsinghua's traditions of patriotism, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. He urged them to aim at the forefront of international academia to develop innovative ideas and focus on national strategic needs to seek innovative propositions.
Furthermore, he stressed that focusing on interdisciplinary integration and maintaining collaboration will broaden the path of innovation. He added that Tsinghua promotes the fusion of Eastern and Western perspectives, the linkage of historical and contemporary knowledge, and the merging of sciences and humanities. These efforts provide platforms for interdisciplinary exchange and international collaboration. By exploring widely, learning from diverse sources, and embracing a global perspective, he hopes students will broaden their horizons and enhance their innovative capabilities through inclusiveness and mutual learning.
He emphasized that adhering to ethical standards and upholding academic integrity will ensure steady and sustainable progress on the path of innovation. He expressed the hope that students will strictly follow academic regulations, continue the tradition of academic excellence, and let actions speak louder than words, making their steps in innovation more confident and solid.
In addition, he urged students to cultivate a strong academic mindset, hone their skills, and uphold integrity. He encouraged them to excel in innovation, contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Shi Songhai delivers a speech.
Shi Songhai, dean of the School of Life Sciences at Tsinghua, delivered a speech on behalf of all the faculty members. He encouraged students to think independently throughout their academic journey, stay confident and focused, shoulder social responsibilities, and strengthen their commitment to society. He wished they would become who they aspired to be.
Wei Yifan delivers a speech.
Wei Yifan, president of the Tsinghua Graduate Student Union, shared insights from his own experience at Tsinghua. He urged his fellow students to stay humble yet determined, face challenges with focus, make decisions with confidence, and remain committed to their goals. In doing so, he encouraged them to create a meaningful and impactful life story.
Luo Kairong delivers a speech.
Luo Kairong, a doctoral student from the Department of Computer Science and Technology, spoke as a student representative. He shared his excitement about joining Tsinghua and staying committed to upholding the responsibilities that come with being a Tsinghua student. He vowed to make the most of his time here, pushing himself and his peers to achieve their best as part of the new generation of Tsinghua students.
The first class for graduates in the new term
Li Luming delivers the first class to the incoming graduates.
After the opening ceremony, Li Luming delivered the first class to the new students. He noted that in a world experiencing unprecedented changes, students should contemplate how to make greater contributions to addressing global challenges such as climate change and the emerging wave of technological revolution.
As China enters a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has called for comprehensive reforms in education, science, technology, and talent development. Tsinghua University must meet these higher standards by deepening reforms and contributing to a strong educational system through talent, research, and innovation. In this new era, Tsinghua must uphold its responsibilities and lead the high-quality development of a world-class university with Chinese characteristics.
Li Luming explored Tsinghua's history and traditions from three perspectives: the university's development journey, its culture and heritage, and the choices of Tsinghua students. He emphasized that “Self-Discipline and Social Commitment” has been the guiding principle for Tsinghua students for over a century. The University has always prioritized fostering virtue through education. Throughout its history, Tsinghua has remained committed to nation-building, scientific research, global leadership, and responsibility. Generations of Tsinghua teachers and students have embodied this spirit, integrating their personal growth with the nation’s development and humanity’s progress.
He outlined three essential expectations for the students as they begin their new journey: First, they should commit to their studies with diligence, integrity, and ethical standards. Second, they should cultivate a strong academic mindset by understanding the balance between learning and research, embracing uncertainty, and pursuing meaningful work. Third, they should integrate their personal goals with the nation's development, aim high, persevere in long-term efforts, and boldly explore uncharted territories in this transformative era.
Li Luming urged students to take on the responsibilities of their generation and make meaningful contributions toward achieving the second centenary goal, realizing the Chinese Dream, and advancing human civilization.
Tsinghua University held the opening ceremony in a hybrid online and offline format. Besides the main venue at the University Gymnasium, other venues like New Tsinghua Xuetang and Mong Man Wai Concert Hall were set up across campus. The event was also live-streamed on the "Rain Classroom" platform.
Nearly 1,800 new graduate students from the Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School attended the ceremony online, along with the new students' families, faculty, alumni, and friends from various sectors who support the University's development.
Editors: Gillian, Li Han
