Beijing, 16th October 2024 (BISTU)--- President Guo Fu delivered Lecture One themed “Valiance, Innovation, Endeavor, Inclusiveness, Uniqueness” on 16th October for students newly enrolled in 2024. As one of the major events for ideological and political education conducted by senior administrators of the University, the Lecture was chaired by Director Zhang Jingbo of Students Affairs Office, live broadcasted via video links on Shahe Campus and Xiaoying Campus, and joined by directors of relating divisions and offices, counselors of new students, and all 2024 students.

In three sections of the Lecture, Guo Fu discussed the origin, mission and future of universities in today’s world.

Guo Fu explored the origin and development of universities from a historical and global perspective. He explained the role of universities in the period of Old Democratic Revolution, New Democratic Revolution, socialist revolution, social construction and development, reform and opening up, and the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. He reiterated the important implications of the national strategy for strengthening the security of science and technology, developing new emerging technology, encouraging basic research, and achieving self-reliance in high-level science and technology. Guo Fu stressed that universities aimed at cultivating personality and virtue and pursuing academic excellence. Teachers and students should cherish the best of our times while learning the knowledge and pursuing the truth.

Speaking of the mission of universities, Guo Fu reviewed the past 87 years’ history of BISTU and the unremitting exploration of “saving our nation by engaging in industry, dedicating ourselves to the service of the country with industrial development, and building a nation of information technology” by BISTUers of all generations. He explained construction of the New Campus, school-running in areas around Beijing, the meaning of university motto, university badge, university mascot as well as the achievements that BISTU has made in faculty development, academic disciplines, field practice education for innovation, social service, globalized education, and campus culture. He expounded latest achievements of the University in teaching and management, including school-running orientation, objectives, talent cultivation system, educational features, and the Year-Round University. BISTUers have displayed the spirit of selfless dedication in shouldering responsibilities with courage in a number of major events, including celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party, volunteering services for 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the covid-19 pandemic containment, etc. Guo Fu added that the past 87 years witnessed that BISTUers have been pioneering, endeavoring, and dedicating to national development while inheriting, spreading, and practicing the spirit of educators. They have made tremendous contributions to national prosperity, social advancement, and university development.

Regarding the future growth of universities, Guo Fu commented that B.I.S.T.U indicated fine qualities of BISTUers: Brave, Innovation, Strive, Tolerate, and Unique. He shared stories and experiences of outstanding scientists and alumni. Students should in the first place be valiant in facing with difficulties and the unknown future. They are expected to break the comfort zone and make new explorations with resolve. Second, students should be innovative and capable of applying to practice what they have learned in class so that they would make contributions to the people, the nation, and the society. Third, unremitting efforts are required to strengthen capabilities and love and passion are necessary for marching towards a brighter future. Fourth, students should be broad-mined, sincere, and inclusive when getting along with others. They shall agree to disagree and treat each other with mutual respect and inclusiveness so as to prosper respectively and together. And fifth, students should be aware of their uniqueness, weaknesses and strengths based on which they would make proper choices and decisions. They are encouraged to break limits to seek infinite possibilities. Guo Fu stressed that students should be modest, kind, careful, and capable of repaying the kindness they have received. They should cherish the luck and opportunities in life and pass kindness onto others.

Guo Fu told the new students that they are the future of our nation. They will learn knowledge, nurture personality, and build up skills to live up to the expectation of our nation and to shoulder their responsibility in Chinese modernization.

Lecture One also incorporated AI factor, i.e., on-site display of “intelligent meta human of diligence and honor” developed by the University as an intelligent assistant for education. Communication with the intelligent meta human led students to the charm of digital technology, ignited their passion for information technology, and highlighted the distinctive feature of BISTU in information technology.

On interactive session filled with bullet-screen comments, Guo Fu produced responses to questions raised by students on time management and information gap. A lucky-draw was organized following the Q&A session.

Face-to-face interaction was conducted between Guo Fu and students after the Lecture. Students who celebrated their birthdays on the day received birthday package and birthday card signed by President Guo Fu.

Comments from Students:

Wang Han of School of Automation: Lecture One is really impressive. I am deeply touched by the discussion of the President on “hard-cover Moments on WeChat” and “roughcast moments in real life”. What we show in Moments is the highlight carefully selected for others to see. They are like a show window, bringing to the public what we most want others to know about us. Yet roughcast moments in real life are un-decorated, which includes challenges, failures and imperfections. Both are just a part of our life. We show the best of us, yet we learn to accept and embrace what is not perfect about ourselves. The hard-cover part and the roughcast part combine together to form a complete life.

Han Yifei of School of Information and Communication Engineering: I am honored to join Lecture One delivered by President Guo Fu. I love the video clip showed at the beginning of the lecture. President Guo guides us to thinking and discussions on universities. At the moment, I realize that a university is not merely where we learn knowledge. It is where we build up competences, shape our personality, and prepare ourselves for future. What we will be depends on what we are to choose now. As a BISTUer, I will stride forward with confidence towards higher and further objectives.

Liu Zheyuan of Institute of Diligence and Honor: President Guo Fu explored the origin, mission and future of universities on Lecture One. We obtain a deeper understanding of BISTU history, campus culture, our learning plan, and our future objectives. The beautiful campus and perfect facilities have provided sound support with life and learning at BISTU. Various extracurricular activities and course selections allow more room for future development. We would work even harder to become a high-quality professional of digital intelligent technology with cross-disciplinary knowledge, research competence, and innovative awareness.