The HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College of Hainan University (HAITC) hosted an opening ceremony for the 2023 academic year at its Mission Hills campus on Oct 29.

The HAITC hosts an opening ceremony for the 2023 academic year at its Mission Hills campus on Oct 29. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC] 

Key figures of the HAITC and teacher and student representatives speak at the opening ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC] 

Kelly Bricker, director and vice-dean of the HAITC, extended a warm welcome and her heartfelt congratulations to the incoming class on behalf of Arizona State University (ASU). She provided a detailed introduction to ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and shared the educational and lifestyle resources available to HAITCers. 

Bricker encouraged the new students to seize opportunities during their college life, emphasizing the importance of active participation in extracurricular activities alongside academic pursuits for all-round growth. 

In his speech, Walter Huber, a faculty member of the college, welcomed the students and urged them to be brave, release their potential, embrace challenges, overcome failures and pursue their dreams. 

Chen Qian, a master's student in Public Administration, encouraged the new students to set clear goals and pursue personal growth and self-improvement to lead a meaningful life. 

Wang Yijiao, a new student representative, expressed her enthusiasm, curiosity, and courage in university life. She considers college a fresh start and pledged to contribute to the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port. 

He Yingmin, secretary of the CPC HAITC committee, delivered the first lesson to the new students, highlighting the importance of setting goals, shaping their character and inheriting innovation. She called on them to be self-aware, make plans, be inclusive, and dare to push their limits. 

The new students should adapt to and enjoy their university life, seek like-minded partners, develop hobbies and grow into talents with a sense of patriotism and international competence, she added. 

In an online presentation, Dean Wang Lin provided an overview of the college's philosophy, educational orientation, faculty team and academic programs. She highlighted the remarkable achievements made by previous graduates and encouraged the newcomers to inherit the college's traditions, absorb the essence of world civilization, cultivate cultural confidence and maintain an open and inclusive attitude. She also underscored the importance of active learning and career planning. 

Wang said she hopes that students will embody the core values of the HAITC and become talents with international perspectives.

The HAITC sets up exquisite photo spots and decorations to welcome the new students. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC] 

This year's opening ceremony marks the first of its kind since the HAITC’s relocation to its Mission Hills campus. The video broadcast garnered 7,424 viewers, and the photo livestream was viewed 10,729 times.