A new journey begins by the South Lake; a new chapter unfolds beneath the Twin Pagodas. On the morning of September 15, the university's opening ceremony for the Class of 2025 was held at the South Lake Central Sports Ground. In attendance were university leaders present on campus: Xu Yeqin, Liu Yi, Han Yesheng, Li Hongyan, Song Fajun, Qin Rui, Fang Debin, and Bao Lina; Standing Committee member of the University Party Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department, Cai Qiong; heads of relevant university departments and various schools, as well as faculty representatives; distinguished alumna Ma Cong (Class of 1996, Biochemistry); representatives of high school principals and head teachers; representatives of new students' parents; and 8,573 new undergraduate, preparatory, master's, and doctoral students. The ceremony was presided over by Li Hongyan, Standing Committee member of the University Party Committee and Vice President.

Scene at the Ceremony. Picture Source:CPCStudent Affairs Department

Scene at the Ceremony. Picture Source: CPC Publicity Department

The ceremony commenced with a chorus of "Ode to the Motherland," followed by all teachers and students standing solemnly to sing the national anthem. University Party Secretary Xu Yaqin, Deputy Party Secretary and President Liu Yi, and other leaders presented the university badges to new student representatives. All new students then solemnly pinned the badges to their chests. This badge not only symbolizes their new identity as members of the SCMU community but also carries the spirit of the university motto, "Be Dedicated in Belief and Diligent in Learning, Be Natural and Generous," representing the inheritance of mission and responsibility.

Liu Yi Speaks. Picture Source:CPC Publicity Department

Liu Yi delivered a speech titled "Answer the Questions of Youth, Live Up to the Trust of the Era." On behalf of all faculty and students, he extended a warm welcome to the Class of 2025. He reviewed the university's red gene, which can be traced back to the Yan'an Institute for Nationalities, and its 74-year educational journey, emphasizing that the university has always adhered to its founding mission of "fostering virtue and cultivating talents for the Party and the country." He expressed his hope that students would: Wield the pen of faith to write about the greater self dedicated to the nation. Plow with the hoe of diligence to deeply cultivate the fertile soil of their majors. Harness the blade of innovation to pioneer new frontiers of the future. Pull the oars of unity to journey together towards the stars and the sea. He urged everyone to respond to confusion with conviction, meet expectations through diligent learning, shape the future with innovation, and illuminate one another through unity. Finally, Liu Yi earnestly advised the new students, "May you set sail from the shores of South Lake, love our China, courageously shoulder your mission, live up to this prosperous age, and be worthy of your youth."

Zhou Xuemei Speaks.Picture Source:CPC Publicity Department

Faculty representative Professor Zhou Xuemei from the School of Life Sciences shared her teaching and research experience. Centering her message around three key phrases – "the pursuit of truth," "the courage to innovate," and "bravely undertaking mission" – she advised students to cherish their time, persistently explore true knowledge with rational thinking and a critical spirit, and actively engage in scientific research and practice. She encouraged them to integrate personal ideals into the powerful currents of the era and the nation's development, continuing to write a splendid chapter of their youth in the fertile soil of the university.

Ma Cong Speaks.Picture Source:CPC Publicity Department

Alumnus Ma Cong, a professor and doctoral supervisor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, shared his academic and research experiences. He encouraged freshmen to cultivate the ability to think independently and become explorers of truth, broaden their interdisciplinary perspectives and become pioneers of innovation, and bravely challenge the unknown without fear of failure. He advised them to navigate life with independent thinking, create the future with interdisciplinary vision, and push beyond their limits with a spirit of daring to trial and error.

Xiong Yongheng Speaks.Picture Source:CPC Publicity Department

Current student representative Xiong Yongheng, a 2023 doctoral candidate from the School of the Chinese National Community, shared insights from his studies and life. He called on new students to cherish South-Central Minzu University as a community, dedicate themselves to jointly building the Chinese National Community, and work hand in hand to construct a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. He urged them to continuously strengthen the sense of the Chinese national community.

Fang Fei Speaks.Picture Source:CPC Publicity Department

Fang Fei, a graduate student majoring in Optical Engineering (Class of 2025) from the College of Electronics and Information Engineering (School of Robotics), expressed her commitment to delving deeply into her specialized field and serving national development through technological innovation. She hopes her fellow students will strive to contribute to the forging of an indestructible sense of the Chinese national community with their youthful energy and dedicated selves.

Sun Wenhao Speaks.Picture Source:CPC Publicity Department

Sun Wenhao, an undergraduate student in the Economics program (Class of 2025) from the School of Economics, shared his anticipation for university life. He stated his intention to nurture a profound sense of national identity, pursue learning with dedication, cultivate personal integrity, and strive to grow into a new-generation individual capable of shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation.

Scene at the Ceremony. Picture Source: CPC Publicity Department

At the conclusion of the ceremony, all teachers and students joined together in singing the South-Central Minzu University Anthem. The stirring and melodic music, carrying the dreams and commitments of the new members of the university community, gathered into a powerful force driving them forward on this new journey.

Warm-up Session. Picture Source: CPC Publicity Department

Before the official commencement of the ceremony, a lively warm-up session featured a series of wonderful performances. These included songs like "I Love You, China" and "My Future is Not a Dream," a Morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) solo "White Horse," and a group dance "Splendid China," all presented in succession.