The 2020 Grand Opening Ceremony for the School of Humanities Incoming Freshmen

On 13 September 2020, the opening ceremony for the School of Humanities 2020 freshmen was grandly held on Minhang campus, and broadcast live on online platforms. Ms. Qi Hong, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Humanities, Prof. Wang Ning, Dean of the School of Humanities, faculty members, and this year’s incoming freshmen attended the ceremony. 

Prof. Wang Ning Gave a Speech

Prof. Wang Ning first delivered his warm welcome to the freshmen class, a class with diverse backgrounds. He addressed that we ought to review three questions before choosing to study humanities: what humanities is; how to evaluate humanities; what functions humanities has in our current world. To answer the first question, he explained that one cannot expect to achieve instant results while learning humanities, but among all the disciplines in a university, humanities is an integral part. He then mentioned that we should focus on the long-lasting effects humanities has on society since the evaluation of humanities lies in its contribution to the existing scholarship. He further pointed out that humanities not only creates the humane atmosphere but also provides advanced thinking and value to society. Prof. Wang encouraged students to hold true to themselves in the age of rapid change, be innovative while inheriting tradition, and successfully integrate the spirit of science and human nature.

Then, the faculty representatives and student representatives respectively made their speeches to the incoming freshmen class.

Ms. Qi Hong Delivered a Speech 

Ms. Qi Hong delivered a speech to the freshmen class. She congratulated all the freshmen on their successful admission to SJTU. Then, she introduced the history of the School of Humanities and asked the students to hold onto their dreams and strive to make more achievements during their study at SJTU.  

The opening ceremony of the School of Humanities 2020 freshmen ended with SJTU’s alma mater.

Prof. Wang Gave a Lecture

Later, the School of Humanities 2020 incoming freshmen class watched the opening ceremony held by the university online. Prof. Wang then gave a lecture entitled “‘Global Humanities’ and Chinese Scholars’ Contribution”, and encouraged students who are the potential scholars in humanities in China to speak on China’s issues and vocalize their thoughts on universal issues which concern the world and mankind.