SCUPI

On September 13th, 2024, the 2024 Sichuan University – Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI) matriculation ceremony for the Class of 2028 was held at the Auditorium of our new building at Jiang’an South Campus of Sichuan University.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Leye Yao, Vice President of Sichuan University; relevant leaders from the university’s administrative departments, the leadership of SCUPI; leadership and faculty representatives of SCUPI; student representatives from senior classes, as well as 370 freshmen from the Class of 2028. The ceremony was presided over by the student counselors of the Class of 2028, Ms. Stella Yin and Mr. Jimmy Zheng.

Dr. Minking Chyu, the Dean of SCUPI, extended a warm welcome and sincere congratulations to the Class of 2028. He mentioned that after ten years of development, SCUPI has achieved remarkable success in exploring its model of talent cultivation. Our alumni study and work around the world. Their performance is highly recognized by the society. Dean Chyu emphasized that the university is a place for students to discover themselves, understand who they are, and choose what kind of person they want to become. He encouraged the students to continuously explore themselves, enlighten their wisdom, and proceed firmly and confidently.

Michele V. Manuel, the Dean of the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, welcomed the Class of 2028 through a video message. She extended a warm welcome to all freshmen and expressed deep appreciation to the faculty for their hard work. She said that previous graduates of the school had made extraordinary achievements, and the number of freshmen from the Class of 2028 had also reached a new high, which demonstrated the growing influence of SCUPI. She encouraged the freshmen to enjoy the fun of learning in the next four years, actively participate in scientific research and extracurricular activities, make full use of the college’s resource platform, improve themselves, and pursue excellence.

Dr. Leye Yao, Vice President of Sichuan University, delivered a speech on stage. Dr. Yao said that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the SCUPI. In the past ten years, SCUPI has developed from a forward-looking concept into a vibrant and dynamic academic home. And it always pursues innovative and high-level education and research. Dr. Yao pointed out that students should cherish their time at SCUPI, strive to cultivate innovative thinking and critical spirit and explore and innovate in the future with firm confidence and courage.

Our alumni expressed their best wishes through a video. They said that SCUPI was not only a college but also a warm family. They wished all students to enjoy a good time and be an excellent SCUPIAN.

Then it was a surprise part of the ceremony. Dean Chyu and Dean Li stepped onto the stage to present the Distinguished Contribution Awards to Dr. Jie Wang and Dr. Wei Chen. (Dr. Jie Wang is currently a professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, served as the Chinese Dean of SCUPI from 2014 to 2016, and as the Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Sichuan University from 2017 to April 2024; Dr. Wei Chen is currently the Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of Sichuan University, served as the Associate Dean of Administration at SCUPI from 2017 to 2022.)

Dean Chyu introduced that Dr. Jie Wang and Dr. Wei Chen laid a solid foundation for the development and success of SCUPI. They played a key role in shaping the early educational and administrative systems of the institute. This system continues to serve our students and faculty to this day. Their outstanding contributions have driven SCUPI’s significant growth. Dr. Ye Li added that both leaders were also deeply involved in the construction of our South Campus and made tremendous contributions to the development of SCUPI. He expressed gratitude for their foresight, leadership, and unwavering support for the institute’s future.

Dean Chyu and Dean Li presented trophies to the two guests and took a group photo. After the photo session, Dr. Wang and Dr. Chen each delivered speeches, expressing their deep affection for SCUPI and their hopes for the students. They also expressed that they would fully continue to support the institute’s development in the future.

Penghui Li, a student from the Mechanical Engineering of the Class of 2027, gave a speech as the representative of senior students. From his own experiences, he encouraged the freshmen to maintain good health and a positive mindset to face every challenge with a strong spirit. He also emphasized the importance of balancing study and life, suggesting that achieving one’s life goals requires both diligence and relaxation.

Yiwen Yang, a student from the Industrial Engineering of the Class of 2028, gave a speech as the freshman representative. She noted that university is an important turning point in life. She encouraged the freshmen to learn how to study independently and master effective learning methods. At the same time, she encouraged them to be courageous in communicating, sharing, and collaborating with others, to cherish friendships, and to build positive connections. More importantly, she emphasized the need for social responsibility, encouraging everyone to pay attention to societal issues and use their knowledge and actions to make an impact on the world, becoming talents who contribute to society.

Five freshman representatives from the Class of 2028 solemnly read the SCUPI Honor Code on behalf of all the freshmen, firmly upholding the integrity code of conduct.

At the end of the ceremony, all attendees gathered for a group photo. After this, the 2024 Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute Matriculation Ceremony was successfully held.

Welcome Class of 2028! May you forge ahead and achieve great success at SCUPI!