The welcome ceremony for 2024 undergraduate students of Shandong University was held at the university's central campus in Jinan, Shandong province on Sept 20.

The event was attended by over 10,000 undergraduate students, along with university officials, experts, and faculty representatives.

Ren Youqun, Party Secretary of Shandong University, delivered the first lesson for freshmen at the opening ceremony. He introduced the university's history and inspiring stories it has borne witness to, highlighting its achievements. He encouraged students to be patriotic, take on high responsibilities, pursue excellence, and lead in innovation.

In his speech, Li Shucai, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of Shandong University, encouraged new students to enhance six key abilities: learning, creativity, critical thinking, resilience, communication, and leadership. He also emphasized that the university would cultivate a rich environment for students' growth.

Wang Yupeng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an alumnus of Shandong University, emphasized the importance of the university's spirit in knowledge pursuit and scientific exploration. He urged students to embody the qualities of truth-seeking, inclusiveness, humility, teamwork, and courage to become responsible leaders in national rejuvenation.

Jiao Nianzhi, director of the Institute of Marine Science and Technology at Shandong University, shared a video message encouraging new students to embrace innovation and cultivate resilience. Niu Wanyi, a student representative and undergraduate from the Shandong University College of International Education, shared her reflections on life at Shandong University. She encouraged younger students to pursue lofty ambitions, embody the university's spirit, cherish their time here, and strive to become idealistic, responsible, hardworking, and resilient youth of the new era.

Ren Youqun (left), Party Secretary of Shandong University, shakes hands with a student of the class of 2024 at the welcome ceremony on Sept 20. [Photo/Shandong University]

Li Shucai (left), president of Shandong University, pins the school badge for a freshman at the opening ceremony on Sept 20. [Photo/Shandong University]

Students wave flags to celebrate the welcome ceremony for 2024 undergraduate students on Sept 20. [Photo/Shandong University]

A gala is held at the opening ceremony for 2024 undergraduate students on Sept 20. [Photo/Shandong University]

A view of the opening ceremony for 2024 undergraduate students on Sept 20. [Photo/Shandong University]