The Convocation 2024 was held in the Auditorium on the International Campus, Zhejiang University on September 9, 2024. All 2024 freshmen commenced their new journey together.
Prof. John Coleman, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost of UIUC, Prof. Li Hanying, Dean of International Campus, Zhejiang University, delivered welcome speeches. Prof. Zhong Rongrong, Vice Dean of the College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Prof. Zhao Peng, Vice Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Prof. Duan Yuanfeng, Vice Dean of the College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, and representatives of relevant colleges in Zhejiang University, Prof. Wu Jian, Vice Dean of International Campus, Zhejiang University, Prof. Qu Haidong, Vice Dean of International Campus, Zhejiang University, as well as heads in the relevant departments of the Campus attended the Convocation. Prof. Philippe Geubelle, Executive Associate Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering of UIUC spoke. Prof. Jonathan Makela, Associate Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering of UIUC attended. Prof. Lee Der-Horng, Dean of ZJUI, spoke, Prof. Jin Jianming, Executive Dean of ZJUI, Prof. Ma Hao, Vice Dean of ZJUI, Prof. Wang Hongwei, Vice Dean of ZJUI, attended the Convocation. Representatives of ZJUI faculty members and students’ parents attended the Convocation.
▲ Prof. John Coleman, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost of UIUC, made a welcome speech
John Coleman stated that ZJUI is truly a pure partnership, it brings together two of the best universities in the world both with an equal and strong commitment to excellence in engineering education, and the partnership with Zhejiang University is however truly unique. The profound historical heritage, significant global impact, and shared ideals for excellent education of both universities provide a solid foundation and driving force for ZJUI to fully leverage its international, cross disciplinary, and innovative characteristics in global higher education. He said that ZJUI's newest freshman are pioneering a unique program model that combines excellence in civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering, along with a comprehensive education in other key areas, and this unique style of education is also designed to encourage collaboration across disciplines.
▲ Prof. Li Hanying, Dean of International Campus, Zhejiang University, delivered welcome speeches
First, Prof. Li Hanying extended a warm welcome to all the first-year students, and expressed gratitude and greetings to our partners at UIUC and to parents. He expressed that the International Campus is pioneering International Collaborative Education Model, blending the best practices of East and West to offer world-class learning and teaching experiences, with the aim to cultivate individuals with innovative minds and a global vision. He encouraged students to grasp the essence through deep learning and hands-on investigation, cross disciplinary boundaries through integration and collaboration, advance with purpose, to chase ideals, not just accolades.
▲ Prof. Philippe Geubelle, Executive Associate Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering of UIUC spoke
Prof. Philippe Geubelle gave a wonderful speech to all the new students at ZJUI. He warmly welcomed the students to join UIUC, a diverse family based on innovation and progress, and provided a detailed introduction to the faculty, curriculum, and well-known alumni of the Grainger College of Engineering, UIUC. He encouraged the students to inherit the innovative genes of the Grainger College of Engineering, UIUC, and contribute their youth to promoting engineering technology progress and innovation, and addressing common challenges of humanity.
▲ Prof. Lee Der-Horng, Dean of ZJUI, spoke
Prof. Lee Der-Horng first expressed his great anticipation for the extraordinary journey that all new students are about to embark on. He hoped that students fully utilize the tools, the knowledge, and the environment provided by ZJUI, which is necessary to construct a foundation that will support ambitions; cultivate the ability to continue moving forward with determination and hope, even when the path is difficult; lean on peers, seek guidance from professors, and draw strength from faith and values. Finally, he encouraged all freshmen to build, grow, persevere, collaborate, lead in the new journey, to become outstanding leaders and scholars who embrace diversity, pursue excellence, and lead the future.
▲ Qian Yixuan, a representative of freshmen, made a speech
▲ Ren Junjie, a representative of graduate students, made a speech
▲ Parent representative Lu Li, made a speech
Qian Yixuan, a representative of freshmen, stated that he will uphold the motto of "seeking truth, pursuing innovation" of Zhejiang University, and make meaningful contributions to social progress, and changing the world through inspiring struggle and bold exploration. Ren Junjie, a representative of graduate students, obtained a bachelor's degree from ZJUI and chose to continue his studies at ZJUI with a passion for interdisciplinary research. He stated that he will break with conventions, and create opportunities for himself and others, leading to achievements that will leave a lasting impact. Parent representative Lu Li urged all new students to be true to who you are and don’t be afraid to express your unique personality and perspectives, and actively connect with like-minded friends and faculty in the long journey full of unknowns and challenges. He hoped that students can embrace university life and grow into innovative engineering elites and international leaders as soon as possible.
▲ Students' Performance
▲ Thanks to Parents
The performances prepared by the freshmen were quite exciting, creating a lively atmosphere on site. The session expressing thanks to parents for wearing badges for parents’ representatives was full of warmth, deeply moving the entire audience.
▲ Introduction of the faculty members in the fall semester of 2024
After the introduction of the faculty members in the fall semester of 2024, the Convocation also came to its end. Filled with harvest and hope, the students' journey of seeking for truth began.
▲ Information meeting between the UIUC delegation and all freshmen
After the Convocation, there was an information meeting between the UIUC delegation and all freshmen, who actively asked questions and had in-depth discussions with the UIUC delegation on issues such as professional development, interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking training. The event ended after the warm interaction between the delegation and students. The UIUC delegation hoped that ZJUI students would be brave enough to take on heavy responsibilities and strive to be the first and encouraged ZJUI students to broaden their horizons, maintain an open mindset, and develop diverse academic perspectives and ways of thinking.
