September 30^th, Nankai University’s 40^th “University Leadership’s Open Day” and “2020 Representatives of Freshmen Meeting with the University’s Leadership” were held. In the Service Building at Balitai Campus, twenty representatives of the freshmen class sat with President Xuetao Cao and Vice Chancellor Kexin Yang, and talked about their feelings towards Nankai in the beginning of the term.

For half a month, these representatives of the freshmen class have experienced examinations, military training, college activities, joining in clubs and organizations, class elections and so on. From different places of China, in the meeting, they all expressed their gratitude to the University and talked about their dreams of the future.

“After coming to Nankai, I am so happy that I have adapted to the new environment and made new friends with the help of teachers and classmates.” Xiyuan Yang, a freshman of the program of Economics, told her story of growth. Shuo Wang, class monitor of the Boling Class of the College of History, had the same feeling, “I am so grateful that I can study at Nankai. These days, through military training and elections, my spirit is stronger.”

Shengyu Liu was admitted to the Computer program through the National Special Plan. In the meeting, he said, “I really appreciate that the University gave us, students from regions stricken by poverty, a chance to study here. I applied for ‘Green Channel’ and the job of student assistant. I will study hard and give back to the university.”

“From our military training instructor of the Flag Guard, I truly felt the power of faith.” Chenyu Kang from the Special Class of the College of Artificial Intelligence shared. “With their guidance, now I am a probationary member of the Flag Guard and I hope that I am able to show my power of youth here one day.”

Dong Shan, a graduate from Wuhan Middle School, is a southern girl who loves Physics and sports. For her lifelong dream of studying physics, she left her hometown to pursue her ambitions at Nankai through the Strengthening Foundation Plan. “When I heard President Xuetao Cao say ‘Wuhan is a city of heroes’ in the opening ceremony, I felt very proud.”

Chufan Li, from the Boling Class of the College of Chemistry, said “Gongneng” spirit (dedication to public interests, acquisition of all-round capability) and love for the motherland should be adhered to when confronting the new challenges of university life. He pointed out, “Studying is not only for my own future, but is also for the development and the rise of China.”

In the meeting, representatives of the freshmen class shared their opinions, actively giving their advice and suggestions regarding topics such as student cultivation in the new century of the University, education and teaching, governance system of modern universities, IT construction, publicity of enrolment, mental health of college students, standard management of logistics and so on.

“Your words are pertinent, which show the depth and width of your thinking. I am so happy to see the first generation of the new century of Nankai has such energy and love for the motherland and I am also elevated to witness your entrance to an important phase of your life.” Xuetao Cao said delightedly.

During the first 100 years of Nankai University education, a spirit of not giving up has been passed on. From the first President Mr. Boling Zhang’s “Three Questions of Patriotism” to the “Gongneng” educational ideal adhered to for a long time, Xuetao Cao introduced Nankai’s glorious tradition of patriotism. He encouraged everyone to gain power from the legendary history of the Southwest Associated University, cultivate the characteristics of self-perseverance and fearlessness of difficulties, love the motherland and alma mater and pass on the “Gongneng” gene of Nankai.

“The University will also introduce more famous scholars to give lectures, open up the educational layout, improve the level of internationalization, and provide diverse opportunities for cultural and academic exchanges. More and more academic conferences will also be held to enrich your study and growth, ensuring you feel the cultural influence and academic radiation of masters.”

At the end of the meeting, Xuetao Cao told the freshmen, “I hope you can stay longer at Nankai during your study to create more opportunities to further research, lay the foundation for future growth and become the leaders of all fields and industries.”

(Reported by Jingqiu Hao, Photos by Qiqi Zong, Translated by Yuchen Shi, Edited by STEFAN SARAH DANIELLE and JianjingYun)