On the evening of September 12, the opening convocation for Grade 2024 students was held at ZUFE. A total of 5,030 undergraduate students, 1,425 master’s students, 37 doctoral students, and 260 international students from various countries gathered to embark on a new journey of dreams and aspirations.
The convocation was attended by members of the ZUFE’s leadership team, namely Li Jinchang, Wei Jiang, Zheng Yali, Sun Xudong, Dong Jincai, Cheng Shuang, and Shentu Li, along with 2010 English major alumnus Ma Yichao, department heads, faculty representatives, Grade 2024 students’ class advisors and counselors, and all the students. The event was hosted by Xu Xiaodong, vice secretary of ZUFE’s CPC Committee. The ceremony commenced with the stirring notes of the national anthem.
As melodious songs played, 18 flag bearers marched forward with steady and powerful steps, holding the university flag high. The university flag embodies the institution’s core spirit and cultural heritage, guiding faculty, students, and alumni in advancing scientific research and contributing to national development. Passing the flag symbolizes the continuation of ZUFE’s “Pragmatism and Innovation (崇实创新)” spirit over the past 50 years, as well as ZUFE's commitment to moral education and talent cultivation under the “New Finance and Economics Strategy”.
Secretary of ZUFE’s CPC Committee, Li Jinchang shared ten messages with the incoming Grade 2024, hoping they will embark on their academic journey at ZUFE with greater strength and confidence, paving the way for their future success. 1) Embrace Gratitude and Show It through Actions. Gratitude is both a virtue and a responsibility. Be thankful for the love and support of parents and friends, the guidance of teachers, and the companionship of peers. A grateful heart brings positive energy to your life. 2) Treat Others with Sincerity and Kindness. Interact with others with goodwill, sincerity, and understanding. You will not only earn the respect and trust of others but also forge lifelong friendships, creating unforgettable memories, and laying the foundation for a fulfilling career. 3) Appreciate Others' Strengths with An Open and Inclusive Mind. As the saying goes, “When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers.” Everyone has own special strengths. The more accomplished a person is, the better they are at seeing and appreciating the talents of others. 4) Appreciate and Celebrate Yourself. Learn to accept your imperfections while recognizing your strengths. Self-appreciation doesn’t mean self-admiration or rigidity—it means valuing what makes you unique and celebrating every step forward. 5) Set Goals and Take Action to Achieve Them. “Without ambition, nothing can be done.” Goals serve as a beacon, illuminating one’s aspirations and providing a driving force to move forward. As long as we establish the right direction and set concrete goals, and then work hard to achieve them, we can surely accomplish great things with small beginnings and achieve great success through practical efforts. 6) Focus on the Present, Not Future Worries. It’s normal to feel uncertain about your major development, career planning, or personal growth. But don’t let anxiety about the unknown weigh you down. Instead of worrying about what hasn’t happened yet, concentrate on doing your best in the present—this is the best way to prepare for the future. 7) Youth is valuable asset. Make the Most of Your Youth - No Excuses, No Regrets. Your university years offer an invaluable environment—knowledgeable teachers, a motivating atmosphere, like-minded friends, and a world of opportunities to explore. Time is precious and fleeting, so don’t slack off. Do your best in everything you take on. 8) Be a Lifelong Learner, Embracing Learning as Lifestyle. In today’s competitive world, learning is essential to staying competitive. Choose what and how you learn based on your interests—whether it’s literature, music, or theater—to satisfy both your curiosity and spirits. Embrace continuous learning, actively seek knowledge, enjoy the process, and commit to lifelong education. 9) Understand, Adapt to, and Shape the World. University is where you step beyond your family’s influence and start forming your own perspectives. Develop your own perspective, perceive, analyze, and judge the world with clarity and objectivity, and grow into a self-reliant individual. Stay true to your beliefs, pursue your dreams, and have the courage to change the world. 10) Stay Fit, Stay Healthy - Body and Mind. A healthy mind and body are the foundation of a fulfilling life. No matter how busy you are, make time for exercise and recreational activities. ZUFE offers a vibrant campus life—get involved, stay active, and enjoy every moment.
Deputy Secretary of ZUFE’s Party Committee, President Wei Jiang delivered a speech titled “University: Cultivating Well-Rounded Individuals.” He shared three reflections centered on questions: “What is a university? What do you learn at university? What does ZUFE do for you?” Wei emphasized that the university deeply understands its mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals. “We gather the finest talents and nurture them.” ZUFE is a place where dreams come true. University education is a process of seeking freedom in life, mastering “useless truths,” and learning to live in harmony with society. New Zufers should begin their independent lives with confidence, embarking on a new journey to take control of their time, life, and decisions.
“As you arrive here, it is important to learn what a university truly is, for only then can you grasp fundamental questions such as why attend university, how to approach university life, and what to do after graduation.” Through exploring the evolution of modern universities, and drawing insights from the University of Bologna. Wei emphasized the university’s roles in academic pursuit, student development, and responding to societal needs. He stated that looking back on the university’s thousand-year evolution reveals its mission and the essence of education. Today’s university is a product of historical accumulation, an aggregation of missions, and an echo of its time. A university embodies knowledge and life, upholds the humanities and philosophy, pursues science and truth, and commits to service and dedication. He argued that a place without philosophy and the humanities cannot truly be called a university; nor can a place that lacks science and truth, fails to meet society’s expectations, or does not nurture the leaders of tomorrow. A university must be rooted in the development of individuals, grounded in the pursuit of truth, and devoted to service. The essence of university education is not about specialization, employment, or utilitarianism. The essence of university education is about returning to the fundamental exploration of what it means to be human instead of specialization, employment, or utilitarianism.
“What is the meaning of receiving a university education? What is the value and significance of entering university?” Wei stressed that the university is the place that empowers you to find the meaning and value of your life. ZUFE’s education is not just about acquiring knowledge, mastering a profession, or developing employability skills. More importantly, it is more about cultivating well-rounded “MAQ-type exemplary ZUFE students” - who embodies complete morality, ability, and quality. He explained that the education of a well-rounded individual is the deepest force behind one’s ability to make life choices. A university is a hall of wisdom that equips individuals with the ability to make informed choices throughout life. A respected and valuable person must possess a fully developed intellect, a resolute will, and a depth of emotion. He encouraged students to attend lectures on humanities, history, and philosophy to foster excellent character and emotional well-being, to engage in courses and practical activities related to digital technology and artificial intelligence to sustain intellectual growth, and to develop physical fitness, refine personal qualities, and cultivate a positive mindset to strengthen willpower.
“University is a place that provides you with meaning and value, equips you with character, and ability, and empowers you with the freedom to pursue happiness.” Wei emphasized that ZUFE is comprehensively implementing the “New Finance and Economics Strategy”, systematically restructuring its education system, and reshaping its cultural environment. It shoulders the mission of cultivating new-era talents and fostering “MAQ-type exemplary ZUFE students” with the distinctive qualities and character of ZUFE. ZUFE will strengthen the cultivation of national and global awareness, digital literacy, humanistic spirit, and a global perspective, while promoting academic integrity and nurturing a spirit of pragmatism. ZUFE advocates the “Three Good Teacher” culture, encouraging the emergence of good teachers “who treat each class as if they were teaching their own family,” good scholars “who see talent development as their most important academic achievement,” and good staff “who provide indispensable support to students and faculty alike.” These individuals play a vital role in students’ growth and success.
Li Jinchang and Wei Jiang, together with representatives of doctor candidates, postgraduates, and undergraduates, as well as international students, launched the new identity as Zufers.
At the climax of the convocation, ZUFE’s leaders adorned the Grade 2024 representatives with ZUFE’s badges, signifying their official entry into the ZUFE community. With unwavering enthusiasm and determination, the Grade 2024 students embark on their exciting journey, striving together under the guidance of the “New Finance and Economics strategy” to create a brilliant future.
Feng Jiao, the teacher representative and academic vice dean of Wenhua School, a talent of the “Zhejiang Provincial University Leader Talent Cultivation Program” and a recognized “Zhejiang ZHIJIANG Young Social Science Scholar” expressed that as a teacher, it is an honor to nurture talents while it is a responsibility to cultivate and empower them. She encouraged students to constantly seek and strive for excellence on their academic journey. Specifically, they should fully utilize various learning resources to enhance their overall abilities and grow into high-level talents. They need to build resilience, face setbacks with courage, and refine their character. Furthermore, they should uphold integrity, maintain self-discipline, and always respect the rule of law, when faced with temptation in daily lives.
Ma Yichao, a 2010 alumnus in English, now serving as deputy captain of the First Duty Squad at Hangzhou Border Inspection Station of Zhejiang Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection General Station, reminisced about his university days and shared his experiences of enlisting in the military after graduation, joining an anti-riot peacekeeping force, and being deployed to West Africa on international peacekeeping missions. With deep emotion, he described ZUFE as a place full of opportunities and challenges, and emphasized that cherishing time is of utmost importance.
Huang Luohe, the representative of a Grade 2024 undergraduate freshmen from the School of Business Administration, expressed her aspiration to align with ZUFE’s “New Finance and Economics Strategy” and embody the qualities of the “MAQ-type exemplary ZUFE students.” She called on students to think independently, dare to question, and embrace innovation. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of putting theory into practice, empowering actions with innovative thinking, and striving to become well-rounded talents who are not only ambitious and capable but also compassionate and resilient.
Li Yu, the Grade 2024 graduate representative in Juris Master (Non-Legal Prior Degree) of Law School, and a retired university soldier, reviewed his military experience. He noted that hard work is the key to overcoming all difficulties. He encouraged students to stay resilient and keep moving forward. They should cherish their time on campus, apply themselves in both academics and practice, and continuously refine their skills to achieve excellence.
Russamee (拉萨米), a Grade 2024 international student from Laos majoring in international economics and trade, expressed her love for China and ZUFE. She hopes to learn professional knowledge and experience Chinese culture during her four years at ZUFE. In the future, she aspires to establish her own trading company and serve as a bridge between Laos and China in business and cultural exchange.
Counselors delivered a heartfelt recitation of the poem Youth (青春的模样). They hoped to be trusted mentors and steadfast companions of students. They also reminded students to express love to their parents, to get used to communal living with sincerity, to take care of themselves, and to look forward to becoming a “better self” each year under the guidance of the “New Finance and Economics Strategy” and growing alongside ZUFE.
As the ceremony came to an end, faculty and student sang the school anthem together, expressing a strong sense of mission and belonging. For ZUFE’s Grade 2024 students, a new chapter has begun. May they embrace their vibrant youth at ZUFE, realize their dreams, and shape their own future.
