The 2017 new student convocation of the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) was held at SJTU on September 9. This year JI received a big turnout of 74 international students. The special guest was JI alumnus Hai Huang, co-founder and CEO of Asset Pro.
In his opening remarks, Dean Peisen Huang welcomed all the new students and their parents. He gave a brief introduction of JI, highlighting JI’s achievements. Dean Huang expects the new students to become high-quality engineers and encouraged them to preserve their curiosity, find their goals, and strive forward with courage and energy.
Alumnus Hai Huang delivered a keynote speech titled “The Power of Accumulation and Persistence.” As one of the honorees in Forbes 2017 “30 under 30 China” list, he shared his growth experience and work history. He encouraged the new students to “live in the future, give meaning to life and defer gratification” while exploring the great new world on the platform provided by JI.
Then, Professor Xinwan Li announced the winner lists of the John Wu and Jane Sun Endowed Scholarships for Outstanding Students/Excellent Students, JI Scholarships for New Doctoral Students, China/Shanghai Scholarships for Foreign Students, SJTU Scholarships for Foreign Students and JI Scholarships for Foreign Students.
Speaking on behalf of the current students, Yuanjie Tao, President of JI Student Union, presented a full range of JI’s unique features including innovative learning, international environment and rich student activities. He said, “At JI, you will meet a lot of unknowns and daring to face the challenges is a unique characteristic of JI students. There is no youth without struggling, so forge forward and embrace a better world.”
Representing the freshmen, Dafeng Sheng expressed his pride in being admitted to JI: “Students and teachers from around the world gather here, the cultures of the world blend here. With awe and humility, let’s absorb nutrients from JI’s fertile soil to realize our dreams.”
Speaking on behalf of foreign students, Clàudia Jordà from Spain came to Shanghai for the first time and looked forward to this excellent opportunity to experience a foreign culture. She mentioned her hometown custom of “stacking human tower,” a Spanish tradition that embodies “strength, balance, courage and faith.” She wished to share these positive spirits with all the new students.
Representing the new graduate students, Xiaodan Wang, a new doctoral student, shared her two previous years at JI as a master student, thanking JI for providing an innovative platform for international research and global vision. She said that JI is the beginning of a dream and a new launch pad for a bright future. She encouraged all new students to seize the opportunity and embrace the challenges.
Members of JI 2017 Parents’ Association and JI leaders
After the ceremony, an information session was held to help new parents better understand JI, with Dean Huang and key staff answering parents’ questions.
This year JI welcomed a total of 331 undergraduate students and 56 graduate students. There are 74 international students from 21 countries including the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Holland, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Madagascar and Tunisia. The convocation served as their first class to deepen their understanding of JI and help them quickly adapt to JI life.
