On September 15, Dalian Maritime University (DMU) held the “DMU IMPRESSION” Opening Ceremony for the Class of 2025 at Xishan Stadium. Attendees included university leaders Xu Minqiang, Shan Hongjun, Luo Zhongshan, Zhao Youtao, Zhao Baogang, Zeng Qingcheng, along with directors of administrative, academic, and support departments. The ceremony was also attended by heads of university-affiliated enterprises, faculty representatives, staff of student affairs, and drill masters. They joined the new undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students in celebrating this occasion.

The ceremony commenced with the powerful rendition of the national anthem, its stirring melody resounding powerfully throughout the stadium.

Xu Minqiang, Party Secretary of Dalian Maritime University, presented the university badge to freshmen representatives Ning Haoyuan, Cheng Xin, Jia Wenxuan, and Hafeez Anwar. At the same time, all members of the Class of 2025 donned their badges. The university badge—a symbol of DMU’s spirit and culture—marked that from this moment on, “DMUer” became their shared identity. From this day forward, DMU’s spirit and culture would be deeply ingrained in their character. The Class of 2025 will uphold the DMU motto—“Gathering knowledge from myriad sources, extending virtue to the boundless seas” and collectively shoulder the responsibilities entrusted by the times.

President Shan Hongjun, on behalf of the university, welcomed the Class of 2025 and shared his reflections under the theme “Cultivating Conviction and Purpose, Pursuing Knowledge with Diligence.” He encouraged students to foster a patriotic heart and embrace the mission of national rejuvenation by drawing strength from DMU’s history, nurturing deep love for the country, carrying forward the university’s proud tradition of “patriotism as the foundation,” and integrating personal aspirations into the great cause of building a stronger nation, thus becoming DMUers with a deep sense of commitment to the greater good. He further urged them to set their sights on the maritime industry and embrace the mission of contributing to its prosperity by seizing opportunities in the shipping industry, honing their skills, and growing from “fellow travelers” to “navigators” who can lead the way, thereby contributing to the development of a world-class transportation and maritime power and becoming DMUers ready to shoulder great responsibilities. Finally, he called on students to cultivate a passion for learning and reverence for virtue by pursuing truth with diligence, sharpening their expertise, and at the same time practicing self-discipline and regarding moral refinement as the cornerstone of scholarship. By doing so, they may achieve a transformation and elevation of their outlook on life and values through extensive learning and steadfast practice, truly becoming DMUers of both integrity and ability.

Meanwhile, he encouraged students to make two lifelong companions on campus: the “library” and the “sports field.” By reading daily, students can expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich their inner world; by taking up or continuing a sport that can accompany them throughout life, they can build a strong body, always stay positive and move forward with vigor. Finally, he urged students to always keep in mind DMU’s motto to uphold the university’s traditions of “Helping each other in adversity; enduring hardships with unparalleled perseverance; navigating the seas with scientific approach and taking patriotism as our deep-rooted foundation,” and carry forward the spirit of DMU— “resolve, rigor, diligence, and innovation.” He also called on students to actively embrace the DMU philosophy of learning: “Having an in-depth quest for the acquisition of truth, fostering moral integrity for the benefit of all, striving hard for the service of homeland and the people and achieving excellence for the development of maritime industry.” In this way, he said, the blossoms of youth will shine ever more brightly in the great cause of building a stronger nation and realizing national rejuvenation.

Vice President Zeng Qingcheng presided over the ceremony.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. At the ceremony, faculty representatives from each school and college presented epaulets to incoming Class of 2025 students hailing from provinces and regions that were major bases of the resistance, encouraging the new generation of DMU students to remember history and brighten their youth with perseverance and dedication.

Dr. Sun Jianping from the School of Maritime Economics and Management delivered a speech on behalf of all faculty members. He encouraged the new students to deeply understand the philosophical wisdom of “harmony between heaven and earth, and unity of all people" embodied in the word "transportation”, and take it as the foundation for their academic pursuit and career development. He advocated inheriting the concept of “first-class knowledge, career and talents” proposed by Mr. Tang Wenzhi, and tempering their moral character through the “three-character” education focusing on personality, academic integrity and physical fitness. He expressed his expectation that the new students would carry forward the academic heritage, move forward with courage and perseverance, and grow into “contemporaries of all eras.”               .

Jiang Nan, a new undergraduate student from the College of Transportation Engineering, spoke on behalf of all new undergraduate students. She expressed her yearning for the ocean and aspiration upon entering Dalian Maritime University. She called on students to remember the spirit of Dalian Maritime University, refine their character, strive for excellence, get ready to embark on a journey towards the stars and the sea, and shoulder the mission of DMU students in the new era.

Zhong Xia from the Information Science and Technology College spoke on behalf of the new postgraduate students. He shared his experience of “being associated with Dalian Maritime University on three occasions” and his profound insight into the close connection between personal growth and national development. He encouraged fellow students to “push forward one pawn a day”, making steady, unwavering progress, and collectively write a future worthy of great responsibilities at DMU, their “academic home port”.

During the ceremony, attendees watched the short video Voice of the Ocean, which consisted of three chapters: “Surging Waves Begin”, “Weaving the Tides”, and “Continuing the Ocean’s Voice”. By telling stories of how new students became connected with DMU and using AI technology to outline their future career visions, the video resonated deeply with the students and evoked a strong response from the students.

Wang Shangze, a new undergraduate student from the Navigation College, led the Class of 2025 in a solemn oath. The ceremony concluded successfully amidst the firm and powerful oath of all students.

This year’s opening ceremony was live-streamed simultaneously on platforms including the Xinhua News Agency app, People’s Daily app, the official video channel of China Transport News, and DMU’s official WeChat video channel, Weibo, Bilibili, Douyin, and Kuaishou. Faculty, alumni, parents, and the general public watched the ceremony online.