Tianjin University President Jin Donghan welcomed the Class of 2027 and encouraged them to make the most of their college experience by reading numerous books, acquiring a wealth of knowledge, exploring the forefronts of science and technology, and actively implementing their ideas.
“Three words come to mind when I recall the bustling move-in days of the past,” said Jin Donghan, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering，at the university Convocation marking the official entry of the new TJUers held on Sept.8. "The first word is ‘stride’. Let’s cheer up for your diligence and hard work that ensure your striding into the first modern university in China and hence establish an inseparable bond with her. The second word is ‘accompany’. Your parents and relatives have traveled long distances to see you off to the university. And the last word is ‘welcome’. All the teachers, students from other classes and other members of TJU community roll up sleeves to help you make the Big Move as a welcoming gesture.”
Jin urged first-year students to think seriously about the person they want to become through higher education.“Why did you choose to come to Tianjin University to study?” He named a few TJU alumni’s life choices. Wang Meiying, ’50, studied about Aerospace Engineering because she witnessed the devastating scenes during the "July 7th Incident" when Japanese bombers mercilessly attacked our homeland while our people had no means to fight back. This experience motivated her to dedicate herself to the aviation industry and the defense of the country. Li Xinggang, ’91, the chief designer of the "Bird's Nest" project and the lead architect for the main venues of the Beijing Winter Olympics chose to become an architect as he relentlessly pursues the answer to preventing buildings from collapsing as a survivor of the Tangshan Earthquake. “Now it’s your turn to think about your motivation to study in college.”
“I hope you will study diligently, pursue knowledge with rigor, and understand the principles conveyed in books.” Jin Donghan noted that rigorous teaching, meticulous scholarship and hands-on spirit constitute part of the nature of TJU education. He expected the students to benefit from the life and study here at Tianjin University and transform to a better self.
In closing, Jin Donghan asked students to synthesize what they have learned in college with the needs of the real world and be brave enough to answer the calls from communities beyond the campus. “If you have ideas in your mind, take immediate action. One day, you will definitely become what you aspire to be.”
“Dear Class of 2027, you were born in an era of prosperity. You are both dream chasers and dream fulfillers in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the realization of the Chinese Dream. The grandeur of your dreams will determine the beauty of China's future. And dreams begin with the understanding that reading brings happiness. I believe that during your time at Tianjin University, you will undoubtedly experience the joy of studying and find happiness in the pursuit of knowledge.”
By Eva Yin
