On September 5, 2024, the School of Materials Science and Engineering (PKU) held its 2024 opening ceremony at the Xin’ao Engineering Building.
Before the ceremony began, freshmen Cao Yunshu and Lv Guanhong performed a duet of “Ruyuan,” which is a famous Chinese song by Wang Fei, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Afterward, faculty and students watched a welcoming video that highlighted memorable moments since the students’ arrival at the university. The ceremony officially commenced with the stirring notes of the national anthem.
The opening ceremony scene
Li Ming presided over the ceremony.
In her speech, undergraduate representative He Muqi from the Class of 2024 shared her motivations for choosing materials science as her major. She expressed that materials science is a field that bridges theory and reality, with a strong connection to national needs. She is confident that immersing herself in this field can turn her knowledge into a force that drives national technological advancement. PhD representative Zhao Tongyang, also from the Class of 2024, used an example from“The Three-Body Problem”, the mass production of the nanomaterial "Flying Blade", to illustrate the potential of materials science in transforming frontier research into practical engineering applications. He encouraged his fellow graduate students to explore the essence of science and seek knowledge that advances society. Zhang Lisheng, a Frontier Engineering PhD program representative, shared his insights on becoming an outstanding doctoral student at PKU. He emphasized that the Frontier engineeringprogram embodied the application and realization of new ideas and expressed his excitement about collaborating with his peers to create a bright future.
Freshmen representatives deleivered their speech.
During the award ceremony, Professors Guo Shaojun and Zhou Huanping from the School of Materials Science and Engineering presented the 2024 Peking University President’s Scholarship to the recipients. Among them, four were freshmen from the Class of 2024. This honor not only recognizes and encourages their previous academic achievements but also celebrates the spirit of knowledge exploration, inspiring all new students in materials science to press forward with perseverance and courage.
Recipients of the 2024 Peking University President’s Scholarship
In his speech, Wang Daway, a PhD student from the Class of 2021, reflected on his four-year journey, recalling the initial uncertainty he felt upon arriving at Peking University and how he gradually transformed into a confident and determined individual. He wished all students success in shaping themselves into resilient and exceptional individuals.
Wang Dawei delivered his speech.
On behalf of the faculty, Researcher Zhao Xiaoxu gave a speech. He congratulated the new students on joining the Peking University School of Materials Science and Engineering and highlighted that every step of their journey in materials science holds boundless potential. He encouraged the students to maintain a positive attitude in pursuing their research dreams, work hard, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and strive to become “hexagonal warriors”—well-rounded individuals who build solid foundations and pursue meaningful goals with determination.
Researcher Zhao Xiaoxu gave his speech.
Zou Ruqiang presented appointment letters to the new head teachers: Li Ming, Dou Jinhu, Zhao Xiaoxu, and Wang Yonggang (who is the head teacher for the academic PhD students from the Class of 2022). Additionally, an appointment letter was awarded to Li Jize, the advisor for the 2024 graduate students.
Li Ming, Dou Jinhu, Zhao Xiaoxu, Wang Yonggang, and Li Jize accepted their appointment letters.
Afterward, the freshmen collectively pinned the school emblem on their chests. From this moment on, the identity of “PKU Materials Science students” will be deeply engraved in their hearts, becoming an enduring beacon guiding their future journeys.
Students wore the school emblem.
Zou Ruqiang delivered the “First Lesson” to all freshmen of the Class of 2024, titled “Inheriting Peking University’s Legacy of the Materials and Leading the Wave of Technological Innovation.” He systematically introduced the history and fundamental aspects of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, highlighting the cutting-edge achievements across various fields of materials science. He encouraged the students to embrace a sense of duty towards their country and the world, stand at the forefront of their era, embark on their youthful journeys, and create their brilliant futures.
Zhou Ruqiang delivered the “First Lesson” to the new students.
The ceremony concluded with everyone singing the song “Yanyuan Qing.” A new journey has officially begun, and we look forward to seeing the Class of 2024 freshmen set lofty goals while remaining grounded. May they illuminate their paths with the light of knowledge, tackle the challenges of the times through innovation, and demonstrate the power and vigor of youth in this new era and on their new journeys.
Group photo
