Climb Higher, New WKUers!
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September 4, Monday night, Wenzhou-Kean University held the Convocation Ceremony in two sessions for the 2023 cohort of undergraduates and postgraduates. This year’s ceremony was simultaneously broadcast online, and nearly 1100 freshmen, divided into four batches in different venues, watched this event with University leaders and faculty and staff representatives.
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All members of the WKU community, alumni, and friends, especially families, could join the convocation via live broadcast on WKU’s WeChat and YouTube channels. Dr. ZHENG Xiaodong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Committee and Vice Chancellor of WKU, presided over the event.
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The Convocation Ceremony started with the national anthems of the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America.
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Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, President of Kean University
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Dr. Lamont Repollet, President of Kean University, extended a warm welcome to all the incoming cohort of 2023 and encouraged them to live their college life to the fullest, “As students at WKU, you will receive a top-notch education, a rare English immersion experience, and a competitive career advantage. You will also have the opportunity to build lifelong friendships, join clubs, volunteer, intern, conduct research, and more.” Dr. Repollet further quoted the saying “Cougars Climb Higher” to wish all the students a successful climb and a great semester.
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Deans of the five colleges and students
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The ceremony also gave special recognition to the new faculty and staff members, either newly appointed or just returning. On this joyful and momentous occasion, the Deans of the five colleges and students delivered motivational remarks to welcome the newest members of the WKU family and invite them to work hand in hand with fellow students, faculty, and staff in building a bright future.
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The alumna Ms. WANG Lingke
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undergraduate representative Miss LIANG Xiaoqi
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graduate representative Ms. JIA Huayi
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The alumna Ms. WANG Lingke, who graduated from the College of Business and Public Management in 2022, made a witty speech reminiscing on how WKU trains students to be global citizens with international visions and cultivates them to be Chinese cultural transmitters with a sense of belonging to their home country. She was followed by undergraduate representative Miss LIANG Xiaoqi and graduate representative Ms. JIA Huayi, who shared their expectations about their growth and development in the years ahead.
Dr. Cary Anderson, Executive Vice Chancellor of Wenzhou-Kean University
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As the ceremony approached its end, Executive Vice Chancellor Dr. Cary Anderson reiterated WKU’s commitment to assisting with all students’ success. He noted emphatically, “We will provide programs and services worthy of our grand plan to offer a world-class education which is both academically high caliber and capable of transforming the world into a better place for all.”
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A highlight of the convocation ceremony was the dance music of the Yi ethnic group performed by the WKU Chinese Folk Music Team. Accompanied by the WKU anthem sung by the University choir, the first session of the Convocation Ceremony came to a successful close.
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Mr. Frank WANG, Chair of the WKU Board of Directors and Party Secretary of the WKU CPC Committee
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Later on, all the freshmen participated in the second session and listened to the “First Lesson” delivered by Mr. Frank WANG, Chair of the WKU Board of Directors and Party Secretary of the WKU CPC Committee. In the lecture entitled “Embracing Inclusion, Equity and Diversity”, Chairman Wang spoke of his experience of studying to ignite students’ tolerance, self-discipline, and responsibility. He further reminded them to climb higher, embrace the profound love for family and country, and march towards the world.
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After Registration Day on August 19, undergraduate freshmen received a two-week English immersion program to familiarize themselves with the all-English curriculum in advance. In addition, WKU also prepared American-style orientation activities for the newest undergraduates and postgraduates in the WKU community. As planned, the academic year was officially inaugurated on September 4, and all students of WKU will embark on a memorable and inspirational university journey together.
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Writer: Wenwei XIANG
Proofreader: Xiaolu HE
