The opening ceremony for the 2023 undergraduates of Shandong University is held at the university's central campus on Sept 21. [Photo/view.sdu.edu.cn]

The opening ceremony for the 2023 undergraduates of Shandong University (SDU) was held at the Central Campus on the evening of Sept 21.

Guo Xinli, Secretary of the CPC Shandong University Committee, and Li Shucai, President of the university, attended the ceremony.

President Li delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. He said that the fate of the youth has always been closely linked with the times and college students are shouldering the mission of advancing Chinese modernization to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

He hopes that students will enjoy their time at Shandong University, chase their dreams, and develop themselves under the university's mission of "cultivating talent for the world and working towards national prosperity and strength".

Li Shucai, president of Shandong University, delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. [Photo/view.sdu.edu.cn]

He stressed the importance of digital platforms and self-learning, emphasizing the need to foster interdisciplinary skills, critical thinking, and innovative and entrepreneurship capabilities. Li described these attributes as the driving forces behind the voyage of youth.

He advised students to undergo rigorous intellectual, political, and professional training, to develop enduring stamina and fortitude and form a character primed for success.

Li encouraged students to be forward-looking, have an international perspective, cultivate confidence to stand on the frontlines, and serve as pioneers, trailblazers, and contributors in the journey towards national rejuvenation.

Li Huajun, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Ocean University of China, delivered a speech on behalf of alumni. He said that the four-year undergraduate experience is particularly valuable to the growth of students.

He emphasized the importance of setting the right foundations for life, being dedicated to the new era, and having a global perspective to become a go-getter.

Guo Xinli, Secretary of the CPC Shandong University Committee, pins the school badge for a freshman. [Photo/view.sdu.edu.cn]

Freshmen deliver short speeches at the opening ceremony. [Photo/view.sdu.edu.cn]

Freshmen sing the Shandong University anthem together. [Photo/view.sdu.edu.cn]