On the evening of September 22, 2025, the 2025 Freshman Opening Ceremony of the College of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University was held with great enthusiasm. The ceremony was attended by Chen Ping, Member of the University Party Committee and Vice President; Tong Yunyun, Executive Dean of the College; Jin Hui, Deputy Secretary of the College Party Committee (acting Secretary); Huang Yangfei and Wang Qiannan, Vice Deans; Huo Zheyun, Chief Engineer of the Structural Design Research Institute of the Engineering Design Group of Zhejiang University of Technology and Quality Director of the Engineering Testing General Institute, as well as alumni from the Class of 2007; department heads; the College’s administrative directors; all counselors; class advisors and assistant class advisors; and the entire cohort of 2025 freshmen. The ceremony was jointly hosted by You Yongjie, Deputy Secretary of the College Party Committee, and Yu Xincen, a student representative from Urban and Rural Planning (Class of 232).

The ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem, setting a solemn and inspiring tone.

During the event, Chen Ping and other leaders presented the university emblem to freshman representatives. A total of 507 new students from across the country representing 13 ethnic groups, along with 70 international undergraduate and postgraduate students from around the world, gathered together to embark on a new journey of pursuing dreams at the College.

In her address, Chen Ping remarked that students come from all corners of the world, and every step taken at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University will sow seeds of growth in the fertile soil of time. In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping the boundaries of information, she encouraged students to maintain an open mind receptive to diverse cultures and to uphold a broad and inclusive vision as they navigate the waves of explosive knowledge. She shared fourteen words of encouragement with the freshmen: “Study well and make daily progress; live well and find joy every day.” She urged them to deepen their professional knowledge, stay curious and resilient, and in the process of making choices, find the paths that best suit their passions. She reminded them to take care of their health, avoid unhealthy eating and late nights, and to take time to relax in nature—the sky will not fall. With the ship of practice and the oars of innovation, they should courageously forge ahead and flourish in the vibrant campus environment.

Tong Yunyun, on behalf of the faculty and staff, extended a warm welcome to the new students. She emphasized that entering the architectural profession means joining a silent yet noble industry—one that does not seek the spotlight but supports the heights of cities, and does not make noise but fulfills the people’s aspirations for stable homes. From the engineering marvels of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge to the soaring Tibet–China Railway, and from the visionary Xiong’an New Area to the steadfast structures of the South China Sea islands, every measure of steel and concrete embodies the wisdom, sweat, and loyalty of Chinese engineers. She encouraged students to use the world as their canvas, to write with sincerity, to innovate boldly, and to cultivate craftsmanship and perseverance.

Huo Zheyun, representing the alumni of the Civil Engineering program (Class of 2007), shared his words of encouragement with the freshmen. He advised them to stay confident, find their direction, and pursue what they love; to set goals boldly, commit firmly to action, and work steadily toward their dreams.

Teacher Chu Yixuan, representing the faculty of the Water Supply and Drainage Science and Engineering program, spoke to the new students, encouraging them to learn to have honest self-dialogue and become people of firm conviction, to grow through the integration of knowledge and practice, and to build a character of discipline and resilience in harmony with time.

Yao Yanxin, a freshman from the Civil Engineering (Sino-French Cooperation) program, delivered the student address on behalf of the Class of 2025. She expressed that over the next four years, they will uphold the courage to face challenges embodied in the spirit of resistance, inherit perseverance in the face of adversity, strive for academic excellence, and stand at the forefront of their generation. She affirmed that on the path of national rejuvenation, they will boldly compete and create new brilliance, allowing the red spirit to shine anew in the journey of the new era.

With the official launch of university life for the Class of 2025, the College wishes all new students the very best as they grow toward the sun and thrive in the wind. May they write their own chapters of hard-earned success on the fertile grounds of the College of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University!