On the afternoon of September 5, the 2025 Freshman Orientation Ceremony of the School of Mathematics and Statistics at Wuhan University was grandly held in the Lecture Hall of Lei Jun Science and Technology Building. Attendees included school leadership, department chairs, freshman class advisors, heads of functional offices, and all student counselors. The ceremony was jointly attended by the school's incoming undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students of the 2025 cohort. Li Qin, Secretary of the School Party Committee, presided over the event.
The conference officially commenced with the solemn strains of the national anthem.
Dean Fan Huijun delivered an opening address. Dean Fan extended a warm welcome to all incoming students and expressed his earnest expectations. He emphasized that amid the current era of unprecedented global transformation, the discipline of mathematics holds strategic significance for national development. He encouraged students to chart their life course, solidify their foundational knowledge in mathematics and physics, prioritize physical and mental well-being, actively integrate into the academic community, and fully leverage the School's exceptional faculty and academic resources to achieve holistic development.
Jiang Qishu, a representative of the new graduate students, drew upon her personal research experience to elaborate on mathematics' role as a foundational discipline in supporting scientific and technological self-reliance and cutting-edge innovation. She urged fellow students to solidify their fundamentals, embrace exploration, and closely integrate mathematical research with the nation's developmental needs, thereby shouldering the mission and responsibility of scientific and technological workers in the new era.
Undergraduate freshman representative Li Houze shared his plans and aspirations for future academic pursuits, addressing foundational studies, social engagement, and holistic development. He pledged to dedicate himself to mastering his major, connecting with society, and preparing to become a talent needed by the nation.
Guo Chenhao, a member of the Student Union Executive Committee and representative of current students, shared his growth journey from freshman year to the present. He encouraged younger students to face challenges with passion and conviction, overcome confusion, actively participate in academic and campus cultural activities, and achieve multidimensional self-improvement.
The event concluded with the stirring melody of the university anthem sung by all faculty and students.
Fan Huijun delivered the inaugural lecture to the freshmen. He guided them into the world of mathematics through five dimensions: mathematics and culture, the study of numbers, algebra and geometric topology, mathematics and physics, and the Riemann Hypothesis. Using vivid examples, he revealed the essence and charm of mathematics. Drawing on his own academic journey, he encouraged students to cultivate academic interests and strive to scale the peaks of scientific discovery.
The solemn yet vibrant orientation ceremony conveyed the School's earnest expectations for its new generation of mathematicians while showcasing the spirit of Wuhan University's mathematics community—upholding academic traditions while embracing contemporary demands. A new journey has begun, and all freshmen will thrive within Luojia Mathematics Garden, exploring truth and writing new chapters in the realm of mathematics.
