The opening ceremony of ZJUI Class of 2021 was held on the International Campus on the afternoon of September 16. The bright orange T-shirts filled the auditorium with vigor and youthful spirit. The freshmen solemnly signed their names on the signature wall, full of pride in joining the ZJUI community. Before the ceremony, amid the seniors’ applause and smiles of faculty, staff and family, the freshmen walked in a procession into the auditorium.

In the lingering sound of the melodious The Nocturne of the Fishing Boat played with the Chinese zither, Executive Vice Dean Prof. He Lianzhen delivered an address on behalf of the International Campus. Prof. He’s address inspired all those who were present. Under her guidance, the audience recalled the past and looked into the future, and made the commitment to act locally while thinking globally. The students were determined to put into practice ZJU’s motto, “Seeking Truth and Pursuing Innovation”, and to contribute to the wellbeing for all.

The versatile freshmen staged a fantastic performance during the ceremony. Western music was played on the violin, Chinese music on Pipa, and patriotic songs on the saxophone; the performance of a music band ignited the passion of the youth; and the acappella caused a sensation among the audience. The singing of Brightest Star in the Night Sky was echoed by waved flashlight in the audience. Each student was like a bright star and is bound to leave their marks at ZJUI.

The most touching scene is that the family were invited onto the stage, and the freshmen put on badges for them. They could hardly hold back their tears of joy. Looking at their grown-up children, they were proud, moved and reluctant to leave. The most exciting moment came when the freshmen wrote down their new-semester resolutions and ambitions on a banner.

Then, the faculty members who will lecture in the upcoming semester, UIUC delegation members and teaching assistants stepped on to the stage for a Q & A session. The freshmen all look forward to the upcoming university life.

Finally, ZJUI Dean Prof. Li Erping provided the first lecture for the freshmen, and expressed his expectations for them in the following 4 years, and hoped that they would keep learning to make ZJUI a better place.

The grand yet lively opening ceremony ended amid prolonged applause. All the people, faculty, staff, students and family were ready take the journey ahead and embrace a brilliant tomorrow!