"Would these students please come on stage?" On the evening of September 23, as the university's 2026 Intake Gala, titled "Harmonious SCMU Hello SCMU", drew to a close, Liu Yi, Deputy Secretary of the University Party Committee and President, walked onto the stage, picked up the microphone, and began a special "roll call".

The new students in the audience grew a little nervous and whispered among themselves, "Is there some special segment?" As the melody ofHappy Birthday to Yourang out, a heartwarming moment unfolded. Twelve new students whose birthdays coincided with the gala night stepped onto the stage and received their first birthday wishes as university students at SCMU. "This is my first birthday away from home, and I never expected so many people to celebrate with me," said Yin Xinyi, a 2026 intake student majoring in Software Engineering at the School of Computer Science, with excitement.

Liu Yi Presents Birthday Gifts to Students Celebrating Their Birthdays and Poses for a Photo with Them. Photo by Xin Xianqi

At this moment, lights and smiling faces added radiance to each other across Nanhu Playground. University leaders Liu Yi and Li Hongyan, counselors from each school, and over 8,000 new students witnessed this "welcome gift" together.

The year 2026 marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March, and the 75th anniversary of the university's founding, with the Mid-Autumn Festival drawing near. Centered on the theme "Welcome Gifts for New Family Members", the gala integrated new student orientation, cultural heritage, aesthetic education, and ethnic unity and progress education, offering a vivid first lesson for newly enrolled students.

The Warm and Lively Scene. Photo by Li Hancheng

"Students, which performance do you most want to watch?" Unlike traditional galas, this gala did not release a program lineup in advance. The performance order of its three sections was decided by the cheers and applause of the new students. From the hosting lineup and performances to interactive sessions and stage design, the gala highlighted new student participation throughout.

The eight hosts included faculty, senior students, and newly arrived students. Counselors took the stage together for the performanceSCMU-ing. The Tianle Choir invited nine new students as lead vocalists to perform youthful melodies alongside senior choir members. The university Rope-Skipping Team "took on new apprentices" on the spot, guiding new students to attempt advanced moves. Students from different schools participated in stage performances featuring their disciplinary strengths. Through interaction and co-creation, new students created their first youthful memories at SCMU.

A Splendid Array of Performances of the Gala. Photo by Li Hancheng

From birthday blessings to a cultural encounter; from the invitation "Please come on stage" to a group of young people setting out together. "Welcome Gifts for New Family Members" is more than just the gala theme; it is the first campus memory the university has given to the 2026 intake.

According to the university, it will continue to hold a series of activities, including the youth song festival "China, With Me" and the university history dramaThe Great Masters. These activities are designed to guide new students to firm up their ideals and convictions, cultivate a strong sense of family and country, pave the way with their youth, and let their ideals shine.

Editor-in-charge: Liu Qiong Reviewed by: Lei Changsheng Uploaded by: Liu Hong Release Date: September 24, 2026