On September 10th, coinciding with the 39th Teacher’s Day, Renmin University of China (RUC) held the 2023-2024 undergraduate opening ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Zhang Donggang, Chair of the University Council; attended by Lin Shangli, President of RUC, and all university leaders on campus. 

Also in attendance were distinguished guests including General Liu Jian, Professor Cheng Qiqian of the School of Business, who is also the daughter of former RUC president Cheng Fangwu, Professor Feng Huiling of the School of Information Resource Management, and representative of the scholarship donor, Mr. Li Qingyou, Chairman of Zhongtai Huawei International Investment Co., Ltd. Representatives of faculty from various schools and departments also attended the ceremony.

The opening ceremony began with everyone standing for the national anthem. Subsequently, the students of RUC performed a recitation of the original school history scene We Came from Yan’an. 

Zhang Donggang first warmly welcomed the new undergraduate students on behalf of the university. He stated that RUC will become a spiritual home accompanying the students throughout their lives, and he hopes that the students will quickly grow into talents who can undertake the heavy responsibilities of national construction and rejuvenation.

In his speech, Lin Shangli expressed hopes for the new undergraduate students. He stated that RUC is a university that originates from the people, rooted in the people, integrates with the people, for the people, and serves the people. The present of RUC is forged by the hard work of generation after generation of its people, and the future of RUC relies on the continuous struggle and sustainable inheritance of each new generation that joins the RUC family.

Lin Shangli stated that he welcomes the new students of 2023, and thanks everyone for choosing RUC. He remarked that a new future for RUC should be created together.

General Liu Jian stated that students are living in a great era where opportunities and challenges, motivation and pressure coexist. He hopes that students will work hard, achieve their goals, and make contributions to the great cause of national rejuvenation!

At the important moment of welcoming the new students of 2023, the university will set up the “Qingyou Scholarship” to provide support for the university and all students.

Representing the scholarship donor, Mr. Li Qingyou, Chairman of Zhongtai Huawei International Investment Co., Ltd., said that this is the social responsibility that he should bear as an entrepreneur. He hopes that students will hold on to their beliefs in their current studies and future work, to realize a meaningful life.

Representing the teachers, Professor Feng Huiling stated that an active and rich life can fill up time for new students. RUC provides a broad space for students’ quest for knowledge, and she hopes that students will explore the infinite possibilities of life in university.

Representing the undergraduate new students, Yang Zhiwei, a 2023 undergraduate from the Chongshi College and the School of Finance, expressed his hope that all students would cherish their time and devote themselves to the construction of the new era.

On September 2nd of this year, RUC newly established Mingde College, Mingli College, Xinmin College, Chongshi College, Qiushi College, and Yuanjian College, forming a new college system covering six major academic areas and all undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.

The ceremony concluded with everyone singing the RUC school song. Best wishes to all students for a happy start to their life in RUC.