Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) hosted opening ceremonies on Sept 8 and 9 for 2026 undergraduate and graduate students at Optics Valley Stadium. University leaders Liu Bo, You Zheng, Liu Yafeng, Zhang Yao, Gao Liang, Zhang Yonghui, and Wen Jinyu attended the ceremonies, with Vice President Feng Dan hosting the events.

During the ceremonies, students and faculty watched the university’s promotional video, which highlights over 70 years of HUST's achievements and perseverance.

Liu Bo, Chair of the University Committee, presented commemorative university badges to representatives of the new students, symbolizing their formal commitment to upholding the university's motto: Virtue Erudition Truth Innovation. This act also marked their acceptance of the responsibilities and mission of being a part of the HUST community.

Faculty representatives, current students, and new students delivered speeches, sharing their insights on academia and hopes for the future.

Zhai Tianyou, a faculty representative for the undergraduate ceremony and Dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, encouraged new students to pursue knowledge with practicality, grow together through collaboration, and seek truth with discernment, honing their skills through steady accumulation of knowledge.

Qiu Tong, a student from the School of Basic Medicine enrolled in 2023, shared her learning experiences, and encouraged her peers to be students of vision, passion, determination, and depth during their academic journey at HUST.

Wu Yongling, a new student representative from the School of Future Technology, called upon his fellow freshmen to align their personal aspirations with the grand vision of national development.

Liao Xiaofei, a faculty representative for graduate studies and Dean of the School of Computer Science and Technology, urged graduate students to stay committed to long-term exploration, prioritize interdisciplinary collaboration, and strive for innovative breakthroughs.

Yan Yifan, a current graduate student enrolled in 2024 at the School of Education, shared his personal story and urged graduate freshmen to build skills through practice and take on responsibilities.

Chen Ruiyuan, a new graduate student representative from the School of Energy and Power Engineering, urged his fellow students to build a solid foundation of knowledge, take on great missions with diligence, and sharpen their skills through exploration.

President You Zheng shared his aspirations for the new students. Addressing undergraduates, he encouraged them to orient themselves within the broader socio-historical context, pursue excellence with steadfast learning, engage in scientific research and industrial practices, and become creators of value.

Speaking to the graduate students, he emphasized the importance of self-reliance and strengthening the country’s technological capabilities in the era of a new technological revolution. He inspired them to embrace a sense of national responsibility, focus on addressing major strategic needs, innovate boldly, and balance knowledge with action, while cultivating a well-rounded character to sustain future endeavors.

The ceremonies concluded with all students and faculty members singing the University song of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, with representatives from university administrative bodies, academic departments, and faculty also in attendance.

Source: Public Relations Office and News Center, HUST