The opening ceremony for the 2023 graduate students of Shandong University takes place on Sept 22. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]

The opening ceremony for the 2023 graduate students of Shandong University was held at the Central Campus on the evening of Sept 22.

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

Li delivered a speech encouraging college students to strive for excellence and support the development of high-level science and technology, as well as the modernization of Chinese civilization.

Through four illustrative stories, he highlighted the significance of serving the nation's major needs, identifying precise research and academic directions, promoting interdisciplinary integration, and persevering over the long haul.

Li hopes students will carry on the fine tradition of Shandong University, make advancements in their fields, bravely scale new heights, and strive to support China's self-reliance and strength in science and technology at higher levels, as well as the construction of the nation's modern civilization.

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

Li urged students to produce meaningful academic achievements beneficial for the country and its people, apply their research to the interests of the people, and make significant strides in innovation-driven development.

In his speech, he also stressed the importance of defining their primary research directions. According to Li, college students should utilize interdisciplinary thinking and tools, courageously break through academic boundaries, combine theory with practice, continuously broaden their international horizons, persistently enhance their interdisciplinary and integrative innovation capabilities, and strive to become pioneers of the times.

Guo Xinli, Secretary of the CPC Shandong University Committee, pins the school badges for a 2023 graduate student on Sept 22. [Photo/view.sdu.edu.cn]

Professor Cheng Xiuzhen from the School of Computer Science and Technology – representing the university's outstanding teachers – advised students in her speech to keep up with the times, learn and utilize information technology effectively, align this with their professional fields, identify future development directions, and produce innovative, distinct and pioneering research outcomes.

Chen Yuqing, a freshman and 2023 doctoral candidate of the Second Clinical College, shared her study experiences and personal opinions about scientific research in her speech.

At the end of the ceremony, attendees sang the Shandong University anthem, drawing the proceedings to a close.

Freshmen wear their school badges at the ceremony. The school badge symbolizes the heritage of the spirit of the university. [Photo/view.sdu.edu.cn]

Students attend the opening ceremony for 2023 graduate students at Shandong University. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]

A concert to welcome graduate students is held at the opening ceremony for 2023 graduate students at Shandong University. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]