On the afternoon of September 28, the opening ceremony for the 2024 undergraduate students and their new student orientation was successfully held in the 1002 Academic Lecture Hall at the School of Software Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST).
The ceremony was attended by Party Secretary Wang Shixian, Dean Professor Bai Xiang, Deputy Party Secretary Xu Jie, faculty members and class advisors Chen Changqing, Cao Hua, Chen Wei, Graduate Work Group Leader Hou Junhong, Youth League Committee Secretary Tian Chunyu, Undergraduate Academic Administrator Liu Xiaojing, student representatives, and all the new 2024 undergraduate students. The ceremony was hosted by Hou Junhong, Graduate Work Group Leader.
The ceremony began with everyone standing for the national anthem. The solemn notes of the anthem marked the official commencement of the opening ceremony.
Dean Professor Bai Xiang delivered the welcoming speech on behalf of the School. Sharing his personal experience of studying at HUST, he pointed out that in university, students should focus on cutting-edge technologies in the industry, enhance their comprehensive skills, and actively participate in student organizations and club activities while concentrating on their academic studies. He encouraged the new students to embrace trial and error, develop their abilities through practice, and urged them to discover and fulfill their potential during their time at university. He expressed his hope that they would become excellent software professionals who could contribute to the development of science and technology in China. His enthusiastic speech received a warm round of applause from the students.
Chen Wei, the class advisor for Software Engineering Class 2403, spoke on behalf of the faculty. He highlighted the differences between university and high school, emphasizing that university offers much more freedom. He encouraged students to motivate themselves, explore their interests, and find their direction during the four years of exploration and practice. He also encouraged them to embrace failure, work hard to improve, and make the most of their time in university, achieving great results during their academic journey.
Zhang Xiaokai, a student from the 2021 undergraduate cohort, spoke as a representative of current students. He shared his experiences and observations as an upperclassman, advising the freshmen to break away from high school thinking, embrace the freedom of university life, make thoughtful choices, and cherish the opportunity to study at HUST.
Zhang Liehan, a freshman from Software Engineering Class 2402, spoke as a representative of the new students. She shared her excitement about realizing her dream of studying at HUST and expressed her gratitude for the care and support provided by the faculty and staff. She encouraged her fellow students to learn from outstanding alumni, embrace the university's academic spirit, and embody the School's motto of "Virtue and Knowledge, Truth and Innovation" in their academic journey and future contributions to society.
Party Secretary Wang Shixian delivered a new student orientation lecture titled "Stand Firm and Forge Ahead, Strive to Become Excellent Software Talents in the New Era." He addressed three key themes: the current development of science and technology and software engineering, the goals of the School in the new era, and how students can strive to become excellent software talents. Wang shared insights from national, institutional, and individual perspectives, highlighting the challenges and vast opportunities in the software field. He encouraged students to make full use of the resources available at the School during their four years at university to enhance and challenge themselves. He urged students to become software engineers and scientists who could solve critical national issues and contribute to scientific advancements. He also emphasized the importance of setting clear goals early on, making the right decisions, and being friends with time, wishing them success in their academic journey at HUST, aspiring to contribute to the country, achieve their dreams, and fulfill their potential.
The opening ceremony and new student orientation concluded successfully. With a new starting point and a new journey ahead, it is hoped that the 2024 cohort of students will embrace their responsibilities, move forward with determination, and become outstanding software professionals in the new era, capable of contributing to the rejuvenation of the nation!
