On September 11th, the Welcome Ceremony for the 2024 students of the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJE) was held at the Haining International Campus of Zhejiang University. A total of 148 undergraduate students, 50 master's students, and 30 doctoral students arrived from all corners of the country. They carried earnest expectations and sincere aspirations, embarked on a new journey at ZJE.
Professor Mike Shipston, Dean of the College of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Professor Li Hanying, Dean of the International Campus, Professor Ke Yuehai, Dean of ZJE and Vice Dean of the School of Medicine, and Professor Sue Welburn, Executive Dean of ZJE, delivered welcome speeches. Also in attendance were Qu Lijuan, Executive Deputy Secretary of the Communist Party Committee and Vice Dean of International Campus, Wu Jian, Vice Dean of International Campus, Qu Haidong, Vice Dean of International Campus, as well as leaders from ZJE and various departments and colleges of the campus. Representatives from ZJE and the University of Edinburgh faculty also participated in the ceremony.
The ceremony began with the standing and singing of the Zhejiang University anthem by all present.
Professor Li Hanying extended a warm welcome to all the new students. He first introduced the construction history and mission of the International Campus, urging students to make full use of the resources and platforms available to make friends, enrich their university experiences, enhance their international perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills, grow amidst changes, and become global citizens of the new era. He also encouraged them to actively improve themselves and contribute positively to society with their knowledge and skills. Finally, he wished the students courage in their endeavors and the best of themselves.
Professor Mike Shipston expressed that ZJE, a powerful collaboration between two world-class institutions, Zhejiang University and the University of Edinburgh, integrates the best of Eastern and Western education. With faculty from both universities teaching together, students will embark on an exciting journey exploring modern biomedical sciences, laying a solid foundation for their careers. He also urged students to be proactive, take responsibility for themselves, and enjoy their university journey.
Professor Ke Yuehai emphasized the uniqueness and excellence of ZJE, serving as a bridge connecting biology and medicine, the UK and China, history and the future. He encouraged students to become part of ZJE's present and future as future scholars, authors, professors, or doctors. He also exhorted them to uphold dignity, integrity, and humanitarianism, adhering to the principles of "seeking truth and being innovative" and "compassionate medicine with a kind heart."
Professor Sue Welburn noted that ZJE offers the best resources of two world-leading universities, providing a genuine international experience that blends the essence of both Chinese and British education systems. She hoped that students would seize the moment, move forward bravely, live with integrity, and become honest, kind, and compassionate individuals.
Hu Haoyuan, a representative of undergraduate freshmen majoring in Biomedical Sciences, spoke of the excitement and growth that every step into university brings. He called on all freshmen to maintain their love for knowledge, pursue truth relentlessly, and write a splendid chapter as new-age ZJEers.
Fu Rao, a doctoral student representative, shared her story of being drawn to biology and pursuing it as her profession. She wished all freshmen a fulfilling academic journey that lives up to their initial hopes and aspirations.
With the joint efforts of all teachers and students, the crystal ball for the sailing ceremony was illuminated, symbolizing the beginning of a new learning journey for the students on the fertile soil of ZJE. We sincerely wish every student to find their passions in this new journey, becoming better versions of themselves.
Student representatives Fang Haolie and Xu Yuqiao solemnly pledged to work towards improving human health and conducting research beneficial to society. Their resolute oaths echoed with passion, marking the official start of their fresh, energetic, and colorful journey.
Amidst warm applause, the talented 2024 ZJEers presented a splendid performance. Enthusiastic dances, heart-stirring musical instrument performances, and lingering choral singing pushed the atmosphere of the welcome ceremony to a climax.
Autumn marks a new beginning. May the 2024 freshmen bravely explore the unknown, embrace limitless possibilities, and paint a splendid chapter of their own at ZJE.
