On the morning of September 5, HNU held an opening ceremony at its south campus to welcome the new students and officially inaugurate the 2024-2025 academic year.

During the ceremony, President Duan Xianzhong delivered a message to the freshmen, encouraging them to "study diligently, pursue innovation, and aim high".

Leaders attended the ceremony included: HNU leaders Deng Wei, Duan Xianzhong, Cao Shengyuan, Jiang Jianhui, Wang Weibin, Sun Wei, Li Kenli, Tang Zhenming, and Chen Renpeng; Lv Yong, assistant to the president; Xu Helian, member of the standing committee of the CPC HNU Committee and also assistant to the president; Li Jiuxue, member of the standing committee of the CPC HNU Committee; Liu Zeliang, deputy director of the HNU Administrative Affairs Committee.

Some distinguished guests were invited to be present at the ceremony, including: Tao Lijian, liaison working staff on the Party building work of universities under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education and former executive deputy Party secretary of the Central South University; and, Song Jianping, representative of the headmasters of outstanding high schools and Party secretary of the First High School of Changsha.

Sun Wei, deputy Party secretary of HNU, presided over the ceremony.

Every freshman received a book titled A Brief History of Chips as a gift from HNU. President Duan encouraged the freshmen to study hard and strive to make contributions to national development and human progress. He emphasized that this aspiration reflects the enduring spirit that generations of HNUers have pursued throughout the university's history.

Duan Huigao, director of the HNU Office of Scientific R&D and a professor of HNU College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering addressed the freshmen as a teacher representative. He shared his experiences in study and teaching, urging the freshmen to consolidate their theoretical foundations, engage in practical projects, and develop their soft skills. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive reading to enrich their knowledge and prepare themselves for future responsibilities.

Ni Jiazhou from the College of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering addressed the ceremony as a representative of undergraduate students.

Undergraduate student Wang Wenya from the College of Chinese Language and Literature, and graduate student Zhao Zhikun from the College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, delivered speeches as representatives of freshmen.

University leaders presented the school badges to the freshman representatives, symbolizing that they have become "new HNUers".

Representatives of the teachers, class advisors, and guidance counselors, as well as persons in charge of related departments and Party affairs of colleges, and student affairs staff, also attended the ceremony.

At the opening ceremony.

Freshman representatives wear school badges.

President Duan addresses the opening ceremony.

Deputy Secretary Sun Wei chairs the opening ceremony.

Prof. Duan Huigao delivers a speech.

Student representative Ni Jiazhou speaks.

Freshman representative Wang Wenya speaks.

Freshman Zhao Zhikun speaks.

At the opening ceremony.