Guizhou University officially welcomed its newest members on September 1, hosting the 2025 freshman convocation and military training launch across two venues—the West Campus and South Campus stadiums. The university's top leadership turned out in full force, including Yang Wei, Secretary of the CPC Guizhou University Committee, President Song Bao'an, Tang Benwen, Zhang Dalin, Chen Xiangsheng, Wu Pan, Zhi Qijun, Wang Xu, Chen Yanbo, and Pan Yu. Also in attendance: Professor Jin Zhichao, a national-level distinguished scholar from the State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, department heads, deans, military training command staff, drill instructors from the Guizhou Armed Police Mobile Unit, advisors, and the entire freshman class. Peng Jie, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Guizhou University Committee, presided over the proceedings.

The ceremony began with a moving recitation by faculty and students: "Carrying the Torch, Building Our Nation." Afterwards, a formal flag-raising ceremony was held with all attendees rising to their feet and singing the anthem.

The freshmen marked their formal entry into scholarly life with a shuxiu ritual—a nod to classical Chinese academic tradition. They adjusted their robes and caps, bowed deeply to honor their teachers, and received ceremonial pens.

During the "Emblem of Purpose" ceremony, university leaders presented each freshman representative with the official Guizhou University badge—a gesture marking their formal induction into the university community.

Professor Jin Zhichao delivered an impassioned charge to the incoming class: stay true to the mission, live by the university's motto, grow in every dimension, make the most of these formative years—and ultimately, play your part in China's great renewal.

Six first-years took the podium to represent their peers: Chen Yihan (Food Science, Liquor and Food Engineering College), Gan Zaixuan (Surveying and Mapping, Mining College), Zhang Quan (Resource Utilization and Plant Protection, Fine Chemical R&D Center), Song Suiyi (Forestry, Yangming College), Yang Tongqian (Public Administration, Public Administration College), and Ai Wa (Public Finance, Economics College). They spoke of looking ahead with purpose, locking in their resolve, and stepping forward together—ready to meet the moment and whatever challenges their generation will face.

President Song Bao'an, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, opened his address with a walk through Guizhou University's 123-year story. Founded in 1902 on the motto "Virtue, Excellence, Learning, Action," the university has cracked the national top 90 for comprehensive strength—no small feat for an institution that has produced over 560,000 alumni, including 15 of China's most distinguished scientists. The faculty now counts 91 national-level scholars, with students racking up wins across major competitions.

Song laid out three expectations for the newcomers:

First, be whole-heartedly committed. Study with focus, move with purpose, and anchor your personal growth to China's larger trajectory.

Second, be top of the game and exceptional. Excellence lives in the details—hold every piece of work to a higher standard.

Third, be ambitious and forward-looking. Think outside the box. Question what you don't know. Challenge what others accept as finished.

Lastly, he encouraged students to bear in mind a simple formula: curiosity to explore, willpower to endure, integrity to answer for.  

The convocation wrapped with the university anthem ringing across campus.

At the military training mobilization, Vice President Chen Xiangsheng, who doubles as training division commander, read aloud the official notice establishing the 2025 training command.

In the flag-passing ceremony that followed, Yang Wei presented the division flags to Vice President Zhang Dalin, who received them as commanding officer.

Zhang stressed the importance of the two-week military training, seen as Guizhou University's signature welcome—mandatory for all newcomers at this defense-education flagship institution. He urged freshmen to model themselves after their drill instructors, recalibrate their habits, and train smart. Departments, he added, must lock in safety protocols and execute their pieces of the operation without fail.

Freshmen Xu Xinfu (Materials Science) and Wang Jianzhi (Business Administration)   pledged to be well-disciplined. They will hold themselves to soldier-grade standards, embrace the grind, and come out the other side with discipline forged through sweat.

The assembly closed in the PLA anthem, sending the Class of 2025 off to their first university test.

Editor: Yin Zixi

Chief Editor: Li Xufeng

Senior Editor: Ding Long

Translator: Li Xiaorong