The Hainan University–Arizona State University International College (HAIC) held an opening ceremony to welcome new students in Haikou, Hainan province, on Sept 3. 

The HAIC holds an opening ceremony to welcome new students in Haikou, Hainan province, on Sept 3. [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC]

Yue Wen, a member of the standing committee of the CPC HNU committee and vice-president of the university, speaks at the opening ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC] 

On behalf of the university, Yue Wen, a member of the standing committee of the CPC HNU committee and vice-president of the university, welcomed the new students and encouraged them to make the most of their time in college, pursue academic excellence, think independently, raise questions boldly and embrace innovation. He also urged students to keep both their country and the wider world in mind, striving to become outstanding talents with a global vision. 

Kelly Bricker, associate dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at ASU, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC] 

Kelly Bricker, associate dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at ASU, delivered an inspiring address, describing the HAIC as a new starting point for students to explore limitless opportunities. She encouraged them to challenge themselves and actively engage in cross-cultural exchange and practice. 

Lena Booth, deputy dean of Thunderbird School of Global Management, addresses the opening ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: HAIC] 

Lena Booth, deputy dean of Thunderbird School of Global Management, expressed her hope that the incoming students will grow into future leaders in the context of globalization. 

Faculty representative Xiao Xiao urged the freshmen to maintain their curiosity and resilience while embracing academic challenges. 

The ceremony also included a student speech session, with a senior student sharing personal experiences of growth at the HAIC and a freshman representative expressing excitement about university life and determination to study hard.

The event concluded with warm applause. More than a welcoming ceremony, it also highlighted the HAIC’s distinctive model of Sino-foreign cooperative education. 

In the days ahead, students will take part in orientation activities jointly designed by the college’s partner institutions. Looking to the future, the HAIC aims to continue leveraging the advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the high-quality educational resources of ASU to provide students with an innovative, cross-disciplinary and internationally oriented learning platform.