Yin Dongmei, chair of the University Council, delivered the first lecture entitled “Onward and Upward: An Orientation for 2024 SISU Freshmen” in the auditorium at the Songjiang Campus on September 19, 2024. The lecture was attended by Wang Jing, vice chair of the University Council.

After extending a warm welcome to the new SISUers, Yin shared her reflections on the underlying reasons behind the emergence, expansion, and exponential growth of SISU for over an hour, covering its past, present, and future. In the first section of the lecture, she began with a look into the history of the university, which was founded in 1949, the same year as the People’s Republic of China, and focused on the “SISU spirit” fostered by generations of professors and students through 75 years, a spirit that features pioneership, patriotism, academic excellence, and a commitment to reform and opening-up. “A deep love for our country is an essential quality of the SISUers; excellence-driven innovation keeps SISU at the forefront,” Yin said. She also underscored the close relationship between the students and the school: while the development of SISU reflects the progress of its students, the outstanding alumni in its history represent the achievements of the university.

Based on two dramas that trace SISU’s history, Looking for Jiang Chunfang and A Lifelong Pursuit of Translation, Yin explained how the university underwent a transformation in response to China’s reform and opening-up policy. “Building on its multi-disciplinary resources, SISU has launched the ‘Multilingual+’ Initiative to prepare language professionals competent in global and area studies, with the vision of being acknowledged as a world-class university for global and area studies,” she said.

In the second section, Yin valued the contributions that SISU scholars made to cultural exchanges, as exemplified by the exhibition “On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt” in the Shanghai Museum. Language figures prominently in building a global community of shared future, she said. As these academic efforts integrated linguistic resources with digital technologies, Yin highlighted the challenges and opportunities for foreign language learners in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

Yin then introduced the curriculum system, specialized programs, opportunities for overseas study, and campus life that SISU has to offer. She also encouraged the new students to balance academic work and extracurricular activities by engaging in artistic appreciation, doing regular exercise, participating in volunteer service and social practice, and even exploring entrepreneurial opportunities. By drawing on her interest in sports, Yin explained the role of regular exercise in daily lives and inspired the students to find like-minded friends through sports. “One may run fast, but a team runs farther,” she said.

In the final section, Yin looked to the future of SISU. Bearing in mind the students’ future expectations presented in a short video, she also motivated them to forge ahead with higher ideals, set both short-term and long-term objectives with forward planning, explore the theoretical and practical aspects of language, and adjust to an environment shaped by technological advances.

Yin displayed a timeline to illustrate the close connection between the contemporary young people and the Chinese path to modernization. “The university is a place full of infinite possibilities. We hope that all of you will gaze upward, reach outward, and embrace the future,” she said.

Following the conclusion of the lecture, some SISUers voiced high opinions.

“Professor Yin kindly guides us through the history of SISU, expounds on the degree programs of concern to all of us, and encourages us to balance study and life. I feel a deep love for language and our country. I also realize that we humans and AI can coexist with mutual benefits. The first lecture allows me a comprehensive view of the university life,” said Miao Qinyi.

“Thanks to the first lecture by Professor Yin, I have a deeper understanding of SISU’s past, present, and future. I’m so proud of our outstanding alumni. I’ve also set clear goals for the four years ahead. From now on, I’ll ‘gaze upward, reach outward, and embrace the future’!” Zhou Hanni said.

“The first lecture by Professor Yin gives me a deeper understanding of SISU’s history. SISU is a great school in my heart. In future, I’ll follow Professor Yin’s suggestions to make to-do lists for my studies and join clubs for extracurricular activities,” said Guo Zhuya.

The lecture was hosted by Wang Yilin, director of the Office of Student Affairs, and attended by university officials.