On September 21, Jiangsu Open University (Jiangsu City Vocational College) held its opening ceremony for the new batch of students at the Yingtian Campus. The event was attended by school and departmental leaders, teacher representatives, and over 20,000 open education students from 73 cities and counties across Jiangsu, as well as 1,695 higher vocational students from various regions of China. Representatives from county-level open universities joined the ceremony online. The ceremony was hosted by the university party committee’s Deputy Secretary, Niu Yutao.
President Ding Rongyu delivered the opening speech, titled “Battling with ‘Changes’”, to inspire new students at the start of their academic journey. He emphasized that the world is in a transformative era where AI technology leads humanity into a new, intelligent age, and both individuals and institutions must seize the unprecedented opportunities and challenges ahead. JSOU, aligned with national strategies, is committed to advancing the construction of a high-level digital and intelligent innovation university. Also, President Ding encouraged students to adapt to and lead change with a strong mindset. Using the four principles of Learn, Think, Practice, and Reflect, he urged students to build solid foundations, embrace self-reflection, actively engage in practical work, and strive for personal and professional growth. At the end, he emphasized that learning should be connected to the needs of the country, society, and people, and wish students could shape their future with their idealism.
Professor Huang Li, Dean of the School of Information Technology, represented the faculty, urging students to maintain an innovative spirit, open mind, and focus on integration and wisdom to excel in the digital world.
Alumni from around the world, including Dr. Hou Tiantian from Changchun University of Technology, Dr. Cheng Mingyang from Honam University in South Korea, and Dr. Sun Yiru from the University of Nottingham in the UK, sent heartfelt video messages, encouraging the new students to persist in their studies, remain committed to their goals, and use the power and faith gained from their alma mater to achieve success.
The student representatives shared inspirational stories, with Shi Rongyuan, a 2022 Environmental Management and Assessment student, discussing the importance of lifelong learning and innovation.
New student representative Wu Mingxi, majoring Advertisement Art Design, shared her plans for college life; Yang Xuewen, a former firefighter, shared his journey of continuing education and self-improvement, inspiring fellow students with his commitment to excellence.
The ceremony concluded with a flag-raising ceremony and an uplifting rendition of the school anthem. With a new starting point, new challenges, and high expectations, students are ready to sharpen their minds, improve their political understanding, and strengthen their professional abilities, all leading to the goal of well-rounded individuals to take on the new challenges of constructing a modern and prosperous China.