The XCU opening ceremony for the class of 2024 took place at the sports grounds of Anning Campus and Qionghai Campus respectively on September 2nd, welcoming a total of 6,198 new students who were embarking on a brand-new academic journey.

　　In attendance were key figures from XCU including Zhu Zhanyuan, Secretary of the Party Committee; Bai Jie, Deputy Party Secretary and President; Yao Yuncheng, Deputy Party Secretary and Party Discipline Secretary; Chen Xiaohu, Deputy Party Secretary; Qumu Wuge and Zhang Wei, members of the Party Standing Committee and vice presidents; Shen Liangjie, member of the Party Standing Committee, head of the Publicity Dep. and the United Front Dep.; as well as other leaders from functional departments and secondary schools. Yuan Ying, member of the Party Standing Committee and vice president of XCU, presided over the ceremony.

     As March of the Volunteers played against the backdrop of an early autumn sunrise, attendees stood in solemn respect to witness the ascent of the Five-starred Red Flag—a symbol that invigorates their spirits.

On the sports ground, with the XCU school song chanting about our campus nestled by Lushan mountain and Qionghai Lake, a new chapter had turned on their educational journey. The class of 2024 were showcasing their energetic youth and lofty ambition.

　　Bai Jie extended a warm welcome and sincere congratulations on behalf of all faculty and staff to the incoming class. She offered three pieces of advice to these new students:
     Firstly, cultivating unwavering conviction in their ideals. Students should aspire to uphold lofty communist values by steadfastly following the Party’s guidance and promoting their patriotism. They are encouraged to develop into individuals who possess noble ideals, take responsibility willingly, withstand hardships, and strive diligently towards personal growth. By inheriting XCU spirits of being kind, sensible, truthful, and practical, they are going to forge a solid foundation for their future development. 
     Secondly, fighting hard for your dreams. Following the moral examples of the distinguished alumni and prominent teachers such as professor Li Shutian, academicians Ke Zhao and Wei Shoukun, professor Li Peihua, professor Li Chenzuo and their research teams, students should fight hard with national interests at heart while aligning personal aspirations with the dream of the great rejuvenation of Chinese nation.
     Thirdly, focusing on self-cultivation through continuous learning practices that enhance both physical health and intellectual capacity. Students should aim to master professional knowledge while developing independent thinking skills alongside innovative capabilities—all in an environment conducive to holistic development. On the fertile soil of Xichang University, students sow hope and harvest success, enlightening the youthful chapter of rising and shining for the mission of Chinese-style modernization.

　　(speech by alumni representative Gan Yu, “flood relief hero” in Luding earthquake)

　　Gan Yu, a distinguished alumnus representative, shared with the freshmen his harrowing 17-day escape following his courageous decision to open the flood valve atop the dam in 2022. This profound experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for the value of life. He imparted three key messages to the students: first, “gratitude”—a recognition of our times to cherish the present while fostering a sense of dedication and social responsibility; gratitude towards parents for their support and devotion; and gratitude towards teachers for their commitment and guidance. Second, “hard work”—to invest diligent effort over these four years of ambitious youth; third, “love”—to embrace one’s chosen profession with passion and persistence to achieve excellence.

　　(Speech by teacher representative Cai Guangze)

　　On behalf of XCU teachers, Prof. Cai Guangze told the newcomers about the development of the university in sync with that of the country witnessed by himself. At the same time, he shared his scientific research experience over the past forty years. He hoped that students can inherit and carry forward the spirit of relocating to the west part of China, brave into the unknown fields and promote the common progress of individuals and the university. With love for knowledge and responsibility for society, students should actively participate in various academic activities and practices, reach out to people around them with the knowledge learned in university. In pursuing their dreams and fulfilling their missions, they should keep challenging and surpassing themselves, showcasing their vibrant youth along way forward!

　　(Speech by Student Representative Li Jiahua)

　　In a speech delivered by student representative Li Jiahua, three key insights on personal growth were shared with teachers and fellow students: First, it is essential to establish a strong foundation through academic study. College students should set clear academic goals and plans, diligently pursue knowledge, and master practical skills. Second, driven by passion and dream, college students should stop being phubbers and homebodies but engage themselves into the nature and the society. Thirdly, college students should keep the university’s motto of “in pursuit of virtue, knowledge, truth and goodness” and President Xi Jinping’s requirements in mind, contribute their time and energy to the development of our nation, and strive to become the main force of the new quality productivity.

　　(Speeches by Two Freshmen Representatives)

　　The university emblem embodies the 85-year history of Xichang University, symbolizing a hope that XCU students will grow into individuals who are moral, knowledgeable, truthful and kind. May each day in XCU be filled with fruitful experiences and personal growth; may the dreams of our students take flight from here!

　　All freshmen joined together to sing the song of Ode to the Motherland, expressing their wishes for greater prosperity and strength of our great motherland!

　　21 students among the class of 2024 celebrated their birthdays today. On this special occasion, XCU has prepared a sweet surprise and extended heartfelt birthday wishes to them. May every day at XCU be brimming with sunshine and laughter, paving the way for a bright future!

　　
By student reporter Liao Rui, News Center, Party’s Publicity Dep. of XCU
Photo By Huang Han, student reporters Song Yao, Xiao Kuntao, Yang Lu,
Party’s Publicity Dep. of XCU