On the evening of September 5th, Yang Canming, ZUEL President and Deputy Secretary of ZUEL Party Committee, delivered the “First Lesson” to class 2024 at the Dayun Stadium on Shouyi Campus. With the theme of “Embracing Responsibility for Chinese Modernization with Youthful Ambition”, the lecture was simultaneously broadcast live in the Gymnasium of the Arts and Sports Center on Nanhu Campus. Over 5,000 new students gathered together for the lesson. Vice President Xu Diyu presided over the event. This marks the tenth consecutive year for President Yang to deliver the “First Lesson” to new students.
President Yang Canming guided the freshmen with three chapters: “A University Rooted in History: Revolutionary Legacy,” “A First-Class University: Cultivating Talents through Integration,” and “Good Youth of the New Era: Bearing in Mind the Entrustment.” These chapters showcased the magnificent history and vibrant campus culture of ZUEL, and offered a series of invaluable suggestions to help students thrive at ZUEL.
“The 76-year history of our university can be condensed into one sentence: founded by the Party, built for the Party, grown for the country, and developed for the people. This represents our university’s advanced ‘red’ tradition and the fundamental essence of our heritage,” said President Yang Canming. He first introduced the university’s “glorious history spanning seven decades” to the freshmen from three perspectives: “historical evolution,” “campus relocation,” and “renowned teachers and alumni.” Despite numerous separations, reorganizations, and changes in name and location over more than seven decades, ZUEL’s deeply rooted red spirit has been passed down from generation to generation, growing ever brighter and more radiant.
Over the years, many outstanding scholars have walked side by side with ZUEL, among them there are both academic giants and renowned alumni elites who have made remarkable achievements in all walks of life. These predecessors jointly adhere to the essence of the university motto of “extensive knowledge, rational thought, moral integrity, and social commitment”, and unswervingly move towards every corner of social needs. President Yang encouraged the freshmen to remain true to original aspiration, and stay firm to their belief after graduation in the future.
Over more than 70 years’ steady and fast development, ZUEL has been adhering to the mission of “cultivate talents for the Party and the state”, and has achieved fruitful results in many aspects. In the second part of his speech, President Yang introduced the university’s educational achievements from seven aspects: educational objectives, talent cultivation, discipline construction, faculty members, scientific research and social service, exchange program, and campus culture. His speech revealed to the freshmen the bright future of the university’s continuous pursuit of excellence, its commitment to cultivating high-quality talents, strengthening the construction of specialized disciplines, broadening international horizons, and creating a rich and diverse campus culture.
In line with the theme “Embracing Responsibility for Chinese Modernization with Youthful Ambition,” President Yang centered his remarks around four key words: “aspiration,” “diligent learning,” “self-discipline,” and “self-cultivation.” He encouraged students to make personal plans, master their professional knowledge, and excel in self-improvement, striving to develop into “well-rounded talents.” He urged them to showcase their youthful contributions, display their vibrant spirit, and dedicate their efforts to advancing the great cause of national rejuvenation and the building of a strong country. In doing so, they will write a youthful chapter in embracing responsibility for Chinese modernization.
President Yang’s humorous speech received waves of applause and cheers, resonating deeply with the students. Zhong Zhifang, a freshman from the School of Journalism and Cultural Communication, Class of 2024, said that President Yang’s vivid and humorous recounting of the school’s history helped the freshmen understand the institution better, quickly bridging the gap between them. The suggestions and guidance he offered to the new students felt sincere and warm. Li Jinchun, a freshman from the School of Law, Class of 2024, said, “This lesson taught me to think more critically and plan better for my future university life. President Yang’s speech also made me realize the importance of both physical fitness and mastering professional knowledge.”
Writer: Chen Zhixuan
Photographer: Chen Bingbin, Xia Fan, Qu Kailin, Yang Xiaoai