WKU welcomes 1,500 new students

Ouhai, Wenzhou: On a Wednesday night with a touch of Fall in the breeze, members of the Wenzhou-Kean community celebrated more than 1,500 of its newest students and the formal start of the academic year at the annual Convocation Ceremony, held on September 4, 2024.

The convocation ceremony was broadcast online, especially for families to share the joy and excitement as the students heralded their new journeys of college. 

Dr. Cary Anderson, the Executive Vice Chancellor at WKU, presided over the event.

Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, president of Kean University, attended the celebration virtually and welcomed the incoming class and 51 new faculty members who joined the WKU community. He noted WKU’s domestic and international recognition. President Xi Jinping recently wrote to Dr. Repollet to commend WKU for being a model of global collaboration and excellence. On this momentous occasion, Dr. Repollet urged freshmen to contribute to the local economic and social development while unlocking their immense potential as they prepare to become leaders and innovators in the global workforce. Quoting the tagline “Cougars Climb Higher,” Dr. Repollet concluded his speech and wished each of the students a successful climb to new academic, personal and professional heights.

Dr. Lamont O. Repollet

WKU’s Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Eric Yang commended the resilience and enthusiasm the undergraduate students have triumphed during the freshmen orientation program and extended his appreciation to graduate students for choosing WKU for their advanced studies. Speaking at the well-attended event, he pinned his hopes on the 2024 cohort of students, “You are not just students of Wenzhou-Kean University; you are the pioneers of tomorrow. Seize every opportunity, embrace every challenge, and most importantly, enjoy this incredible journey of discovery.”

Dr. Eric Yang

Wenzhou-Kean University is committed to undergraduate education while developing quality graduate programs. The deans of five colleges and the Dean of Student Affairs delivered motivational messages and reiterated WKU’s dedication to providing students with a transformative and immersive campus experience, helping them succeed academically and supporting their overall well-being.

As the ceremony culminated, an outstanding alumnus Hou Sixun, graduate of the psychology program from the Class of 2024, reminisced on his stories to encourage the Class of 2028 to stay open to possibilities, bravely follow their inner voice, and cherish every experience in the path. The freshman representative Fu Dongyu appealed to fellow students to venture out and make the most of every opportunity. She was followed by the graduate student representative Xu Yao, who is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and who delivered rousing messages of encouragement.

Later on, all the students participated in the second session which featured the “First Lesson” by Mr. Frank Wang, Chairman of the WKU Board of Directors and Party Secretary of the WKU CPC. In the lecture entitled “Developing a Global Perspective and Fostering Virtue through Education,” Chairman Wang drew from his personal experience of studying to ignite students’ spirit of 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. 

After registration on August 17, undergraduate freshmen completed a two-week orientation program, including the PIEP Intensive English Program alongside physical training. Incoming undergraduate and graduate students commenced their respective academic courses on September 2, 2024.

Editor:

XIANG Wenwei

Abbigail Ajim