With the twin towers reflected in the clear waters of Nanhu Lake, the rising autumn sun heralds a new beginning. On the morning of September 1, SCMU held its 2026 opening ceremony for new students at the Nanhu Central Sports Field.University leaders Xu Yeqin, Liu Yi, Li Hongyan, Qin Rui, Fang Debin, Ma Yutang, and Bao Lina attended the ceremony, along with Zhang Yaobin, a schoolfellow from grade 1989 who majored in Chemistry. Also in attendance were the heads of SCMU's functional departments, directly affiliated units, and schools; representatives of secondary school principals and head teachers from various regions; and representatives of new students' parents.A total of 8,596 new preparatory, undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students embarked on a new academic journey with enthusiasm and youthful aspirations. The ceremony was presided over by Li Hongyan, Member of the Standing Committee of the University Party Committee and Vice President.

The Ceremony in ProgressPhoto by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

All faculty members and students stood solemnly and sang the national anthem. The ceremony officially commenced to the stirring strains of the anthem.

Singing the National Anthem. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

University leaders, including Xu Yeqin, Secretary of the University Party Committee, and Liu Yi, Deputy Secretary of the University Party Committee and President, pinned university badges on representatives of the new students. All new students then solemnly pinned their badges to their chests, marking the proud moment when they officially became members of SCMU.

Pinning on University Badges. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

Liu Yi delivered a speech titled "Commit to Knowledge, Shoulder the Mission; Grow in Harmony, Advance as One". On behalf of the university, he extended a warm welcome to all new students, reviewed SCMU's rich educational heritage, and outlined SCMU's latest development achievements.Comparing young students to thriving young shoots growing in the university's fertile soil, he expressed his hopes that they would lay a solid foundation through the pursuit of knowledge and hands-on practice, grow together in harmony and broaden their horizons through integration and openness, and move toward a brighter future by charting their life course through ideals and a sense of responsibility, consciously integrating their personal aspirations into the great cause of national rejuvenation.Liu also urged all new students to set their course, develop their abilities, and forge ahead in strengthening the sense of community for the Chinese nation and contributing to Chinese modernization. He encouraged them to become a new generation capable of shouldering the responsibility of national rejuvenation and to let their youth shine brilliantly on the fertile ground beside Nanhu Lake, living up to their times, their country, and their families.

Liu Yi Delivers a Speech. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

Alumni representative Zhang Yaobin, a second-level professor at Dalian University of Technology and a specially appointed professor under the National Major Talent Program, shared three qualities he had gained from his alma mater: a solid academic foundation, an inclusive campus culture, and the courage to take on challenges.He encouraged all new students to focus on the present, broaden their horizons, and face difficulties head-on; to build on a solid foundation, embrace openness and tolerance, pursue diligence, and welcome challenges; and to find their direction where the times need them most and realize their value where the country needs them most.

Zhang Yaobin Speaks at the Ceremony. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

Faculty representative Xu Zhaoming of the School of Marxism encouraged students to embrace the community and become SCMU students who care deeply about their country and strive together in solidarity; pursue truth and knowledge and become adept learners and practitioners who think independently; and shoulder great responsibilities and become students who have ideals, dare to take responsibility, are willing to endure hardships, and are committed to hard work.

Xu Zhaoming Speaks at the Ceremony. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

Current student representative Liu Yi, a doctoral student at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, encouraged the new students to remain self-motivated and disciplined in their studies, make steady progress with perseverance, strive to improve their academic and professional abilities, keep their responsibilities to the country firmly in mind, and integrate their personal aspirations into the cause of ethnic unity and progress and the broader development of the times.

Liu Yi Speaks at the Ceremony. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

New student representative Duan Mingxu, a master's student at the School (Institute) of Chinese National Community Studies, called on all new students to make reading a priority on their path to personal growth, enrich themselves through learning, embrace the wider world with youthful passion, and serve the country with solid knowledge and an enterprising spirit.

Duan Mingxu Speaks at the Ceremony. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

New student representative He Hongjing, an undergraduate student at the School of Computer Science, shared her expectations and aspirations for university life. She said that she would deepen her professional knowledge through diligent study, thoughtful inquiry, and a down-to-earth attitude, while showcasing the vitality of youth with optimism and enthusiasm, and writing her own chapter of youthful endeavor in this new era.

He Hongjing Speaks at the Ceremony. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

At the end of the ceremony, faculty members and students sang the university anthem together. As its melodious tune echoed across the campus, it inspired the new students to remain true to their original aspirations, persevere in their efforts, pursue their dreams on the fertile ground of SCMU, and grow toward the light.

Highlights of the Ceremony. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

Before the opening ceremony, faculty members and students from the School of Music and Dance presented a series of performances. "Jing Zi Duo Cai" combined rap and pop music to showcase Jingchu culture through Beijing-style singing. The classic Yunnan folk songs "Xiao He Tang Shui" and "Mi Du Shan Ge" featured lively, melodious tunes that conveyed the vitality and optimism of Yunnan. The original campus song "Chun Yang Nan Hu" used pomegranate seeds as its central image to express the vision of young people from all ethnic groups coming together to pursue their dreams and share their youth. It also conveyed a deep commitment to strengthening the sense of community for the Chinese nation. Faculty members and students then joined in singing "Ode to the Motherland", creating a lively atmosphere.

Pre-ceremony Performances. Photo by the Propaganda Department of the University Party Committee

Editor-in-charge: Lei Changsheng Reviewed by: He Zhan Uploaded by: Liu Hong Release Date: September 1, 2026