On the morning of September 23, CUEB held the “First Lesson of the New Semester”, featuring a ceremony for the “Pillar of the Nation” to gain a new ring, in a bid to inherit and carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The event was presided over by CUEB Deputy Party Secretary Ouyang Qin and included a keynote lecture from CUEB Party Secretary Wang Wenju.

With the theme “From ‘Strategizing National Development and Serving the People’ to ‘Caring for the World at Large’: Becoming CUEBers with Great Responsibility”, Wang Wenju delivered the “First Lesson of the New Semester” to all freshmen of the Class of 2025. Starting from the significant historical juncture of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, he emphasized the great significance of remembering history, inheriting the spirit, and having the courage to take on responsibilities by reviewing the nation’s history of resistance against aggression and sharing his profound insights from visiting the Museum of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He noted that 80 years ago, revolutionary martyrs built a “Great Wall of Peace” with their flesh and blood; 80 years later, CUEBers should inherit the original aspiration of “strategizing national development and serving the people and consciously shoulder the mission of national rejuvenation. He urged all students to deeply understand the historical position of the current era, proactively take on “responsibility”, and grow into a new generation of youth who care about the nation and the country, face challenges head-on, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Wang emphasized that responsibility is not only the meaning of life and the mission entrusted to young people by the times, but also the global vision that Chinese youth should possess. Since its founding 69 years ago, CUEB has always upheld the school motto of “advocating morality, valuing competence, strategizing national development, and serving the people” and has nurtured nearly 200,000 outstanding graduates who have made contributions across all walks of life. Among them, nearly 80% of the alumni chose to work in Beijing, becoming a core force in promoting the capital’s economic and social development. He remarked that generations of CUEBers have closely linked their personal endeavors with the country’s needs and have always been at the forefront of serving the nation’s major strategies. These achievements manifest how the faculty and students have practiced the spirit of responsibility through concrete actions. He urged all students to strengthen their ideals and beliefs, integrate their personal aspirations into the overall national development, and to shoulder the responsibilities entrusted by the times.

Wang exhorted the students to firmly hold the belief that “everyone can take on responsibilities” and develop a problem-oriented mindset in their study and daily life. He put forward three expectations for the students: first, lay a solid professional foundation to become a competent CUEBer; second, develop perspectives and critical thinking to become an insightful CUEBer; and third, put knowledge into action with integrity to become a grounded CUEBer.

Leaders present and freshmen of the Class of 2025 jointly watched the short film Carrying Forward the Spirit of the War of Resistance and Standing Firm in Youth with Responsibility , produced by the Student Affairs Department. The film reviewed the freshmen’s journey of embarking on their new academic pursuit since their enrollment, witnessing the “

New Ring Ceremony for the Pillar of the Nation”.

After the event, student representatives of the Class of 2025 visited the School History Museum. They all stated that the arduous entrepreneurship history and dedication of generations of CUEBers had endowed them with the strength to forge ahead. They shall bear in mind the earnest expectations, hone professional skills and strive to grow into a new generation of youth with great capabilities and ambitions, committing strength to advancing the national rejuvenation and Chinese modernization with vigorous endeavors.

Also in attendance at the event were heads of the Student Affairs Department, Graduate Student Affairs Department, and the Youth League Committee, as well as deputy secretaries of the Party organizations of various schools, full-time counselors, and student representatives. The “First Lesson” was also live-streamed simultaneously via the university’s official WeChat Channels, enabling all freshmen of the Class of 2025 to watch and participate.