Jiang Lizhong Delivers the First Lecture for 2026 Cohort Freshmen

On the evening of September 22, Jiang Lizhong, Party Secretary of Hunan University of Science and Technology (HNUST), delivered the first lecture of the new semester at Tract and Field Stadium No. 1 for students of the Class of 2026.

Jiang noted that 2026 marks the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan and the opening year for implementing the guiding principles of the university's Fourth Party Congress. For young university students, he said, this is an era of opportunity and responsibility. Starting from “the university’s past,” he reviewed with the students the university’s 77-year history of educational development. He said that generation after generation, HNUST people have answered the same question: “Whatever the country needs, that is what we strive to do.” He expressed the hope that the freshmen would take over the baton of history and become the next protagonists in the HNUST history.

Focusing on the four perspectives of “well-being, striving, humanities, and innovation,” Jiang introduced the present situation of HNUST. Looking toward the future, he urged students to reflect seriously on two questions: why attend university, and how to make the most of university life. He called on them to uphold the spirit of the school motto "Truth in Action, Renewal in Pursuit", abide by the principles of “standing firm, standing steady, and going far,” study diligently and practice earnestly, also aim high. They should integrate personal ideals into the university’s development and into the development of the Party and the country, and write the most beautiful chapter of youth on the new journey of national rejuvenation.

A drone formation performance was also held on site. Hundreds of drones rose into the night sky, forming images of the university logo, exemplary figures, research achievements, and campus cultural and scenic landmarks. As phone lights flickered in unison, the melody of My Motherland and Me filled the air, and loud and clear singing echoed across the stadium. With that, a new chapter belonging to the 2026 freshmen slowly unfold.

(Translated by YU Junlin and WU Jingyi)