ZJU welcomes 2024 incoming graduate students

On the afternoon of September 8, Zhejiang University held a grand opening ceremony to welcome over 10,000 new graduate students, marking the beginning of their academic journeys at Qiushi Yard. With hearts full of ambition, the students were eager to carve out new “key frames” in their lives, driven by dreams and determination.

In his keynote address, President DU Jiangfeng greeted the new cohort with warmth and optimism. He stressed that the world has entered an era where innovation defines success, and a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation is in full swing. He encouraged students to take full advantage of the university’s vast array of resources and cultivate their innovative potential to transition seamlessly from undergraduates to postgraduates, and ultimately, to future scholars standing at the forefront of change.

DU also urged students to master scientific paradigms, stay attuned to the pulse of global academic frontiers, and align their research with national and societal needs. His message was one of empowerment, as he challenged students to seize their youth, engage boldly in self-innovation, and push beyond personal limits. He also called on them to step up as key players and trailblazers in tackling major projects, embodying the spirit of leadership.  

Du expressed his hope that students could sum up their accomplishments in a single sentence upon graduation. His words invited the incoming class to write their own chapter of brilliance—one that would contribute to both the university’s legacy and the ever-evolving narrative of our time.

Academician WU Hanming from the College of Integrated Circuits, took the stage on behalf of the faculty, offering a profound reflection on his life experience. With “extraordinary” as his guiding word, he urged students to break conventional boundaries—fostering extraordinary thinking through interdisciplinary study and dynamic, cross-field dialogues. He encouraged them to blaze new trails of innovation with boldness and hands-on experience, and to sustain this journey with unshakable perseverance and resilience.  

LI Zirui, a doctoral candidate from the College of Energy Engineering, addressed the convocation on behalf of students. He distilled his message into three guiding principles: embrace a shift in mindset o become true drivers of innovation, take on the responsibilities of the era by delving deeply into research, and hone the ability to accumulate knowledge and maintain intellectual autonomy.

As the university flag was passed from hand to hand, new names were etched into the spirit of Qiushi, joining a lineage of illustrious alumni. The alma mater of the university echoed across the campus, its stirring melody reminding all of the solemn mission—serving the nation and advancing the progress of humanity.