On September 15th, all freshmen listened to their “first class” delivered by Academician Qian Xuhong, President of ECNU, themed “marching forward regardless of hardship to embrace the infinite opportunities of the future”.
ECNU President Qian Xuhong
In response to the requirements of pandemic prevention and control, this year's opening ceremony was broadcast both on-site and online. With the physical venue set in the gymnasium of Putuo Campus, video branch venues were also set up in all faculties, school departments and colleges of the two campuses.
11, 053 ECNUers from home and abroad were ushered into a new chapter of life as the ceremony started.
Qian Xuhong stressed that in the process of talent cultivation, the definitions of “future society”, “future university” and “future talents” must be clarified to show the way forward. To be specific, the “future society” is constructed on the basis of enhanced creativity and envisioning happiness, the “future university” refers to the organic integration of science, engineering and art, and the “future talents” are three-in-one elites combining the roles of scientists, engineers and artists.
Qian Xuhong put forward suggestions for the freshmen, “Instead of following the tide, be the mainstay; in the face of utilitarianism, think of the big picture; amidst disturbance from outside, be brave enough to resist it. Qian encouraged freshmen to break through the “cocoon room” effect, liberate their spirit and explore potential by learning from multi-disciplinary knowledge and thinking modes.
Qian also suggested students make full use of their time on campus to develop personal philosophies that think beyond “gain and loss”. What's more, the students should not pay excessive attention to personal comfort; instead, they should refuse rigidity of mind, resist pessimistic attitudes, and forge ahead while learning from others and working collectively.
Qian Xuhong put forward suggestions for the freshmen, “Instead of following the tide, be the mainstay; in the face of utilitarianism, think of the big picture; amidst disturbance from outside, be brave enough to resist it. Qian encouraged freshmen to break through the “cocoon room” effect, liberate their spirit and explore potential by learning from multi-disciplinary knowledge and thinking modes.
Qian also suggested students make full use of their time on campus to develop personal philosophies that think beyond “gain and loss”. What's more, the students should not pay excessive attention to personal comfort; instead, they should refuse rigidity of mind, resist pessimistic attitudes, and forge ahead while learning from others and working collectively.
“You are endowed by the times with abroad mind and strong determination, and you should shoulder national expectations and historical missions,” Qian Xuhong urged. “I hope you will be a new generation of citizens who can fulfill your obligations. You should not only chase personal happiness, but deliver brightness and warmth to the people around you.
“You are endowed by the times with abroad mind and strong determination, and you should shoulder national expectations and historical missions,” Qian Xuhong urged. “I hope you will be a new generation of citizens who can fulfill your obligations. You should not only chase personal happiness, but deliver brightness and warmth to the people around you.
The university leaders pinned these badges on the freshmen representatives as the mark of their official matriculation into ECNU. Teachers from different departments also congratulated the new students on taking the first step on the next stage of their life.
The opening ceremony also featured the university anniversary volunteer swearing-in session, when volunteers accepted their letters of appointment to serve with dedication during the 70th anniversary celebration of ECNU. 700 volunteers will undertake volunteer service in terms of alumni liaison, reception, conference affairs and guidance, expressing their love for the alma mater.
The ceremony was successfully concluded with the beautiful singing by 70 freshmen representatives of university song.
Source: ECNU Publicity Office
Copy editor: Philip Nash
Editor: Li Mengjie
