CH 
On September 14, the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University held its 2025 Opening Ceremony and the First Lesson for new students. Attendees included Liu Aiyi, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of AVIC Aircraft Systems Corporation; Xu Ruizhe, one of the first chief reporters at Liberation Daily; Wang Guangyan, Chief Economist of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the University Press; Cao Jie, Deputy Minister of the University's Party Committee Propaganda Department; Ou Qijin, Director of the University History Museum; Hu Shiqiang, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Liu Fucheng, Dean of the School; Xu Wu, Vice Dean of the School; Li Can, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the School; all 2025 intake new students; and faculty representatives. The event was hosted by Ding Yiyao, a 2025 doctoral student, and Song Shuwen, a 2025 master's student.
The opening ceremony commenced with the solemn national anthem.
Liu Fucheng, on behalf of the school, extended a sincere welcome and warm congratulations to the new students. Using the 80th-anniversary military parade commemorating the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War as a starting point, he encouraged the new students to continuously "seek knowledge," building a solid foundation in aeronautics and astronautics through accumulation; to continuously "seek truth," anchoring the essence of technology with a pragmatic attitude; to continuously "seek innovation," breaking through disciplinary boundaries with a daring spirit; and to continuously "seek change," integrating into the changing times with a proactive stance.
Hu Ruichen, representing the 2025 undergraduate freshmen, shared her story of how she became connected with the aeronautics and astronautics major. She called on her classmates to join her in "carrying this commitment and passion for the major, dedicating themselves to building a strong aerospace nation, and letting youth write a splendid chapter belonging to this generation of aerospace students on the journey to the stars and the sea."。
Choosing aeronautics and astronautics means closely linking personal ideals with national strategy," said Wang Yilin, speaking as a senior doctoral student from the 2023 intake. Sharing his personal experiences in research, competitions, and practice, he offered his insights and reflections to the new students. He wished them to "hold ideals in their hearts, keep their feet on the ground, and write their own brilliant chapters in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics."
Young faculty members Zhang Xue, Wang Feng, and Fan Luming were appointed as class advisors for the 2025 new student cohort. Hu Shiqiang presented them with their letters of appointment.
Fan Luming, speaking as a representative of the new class advisors, shared his thoughts using the keywords "choice" and "growth." He "applauded" the students for choosing the aeronautics and astronautics major and hoped they would "set aside past achievements and halos, and start anew with a mindset of returning to zero."
Xu Wu and Li Can presented awards to part-time master's students who received outstanding scholarships.
Zhang Gongju from the Flight Operations Department of China Eastern Airlines, speaking as a representative of part-time award-winning students, shared his perspective. As a pilot flying the C919, he has witnessed the development path of the C919 aircraft firsthand. He stated that he would uphold SJTU's spirit of "daring to be first" and embrace the ethos of "serving the nation through aeronautics and astronautics," dedicating himself to deep work in the aerospace field and contributing to the nation's development.
During the "First Lesson for New Students" following the opening ceremony, faculty and students reviewed the advanced deeds of senior Gu Songfen, delving into his valuable spirit and fine traditions. Ou Qijin recounted the historical connection between Gu Songfen and the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at SJTU. Xu Ruizhe, citing the J-8 series fighter jets as an example, emphasized that scientific research must carry a sense of national responsibility. Xu Leilei vividly described how Gu Songfen took to the skies three times to resolve technical challenges, calling on everyone to inherit the mission of “forging heavy weapons for the nation.”
Wang Guangyan introduced the editorial background of the new books Building Dreams in the Sky: Gu Songfen and Siyuan · Aerospace, encouraging students to follow the example of outstanding alumni and uphold the belief that “where the nation needs us, that is our direction.” Liu Aiyi, Wang Guangyan, and others jointly unveiled the new books and presented copies to freshmen. In a special lecture, Liu Aiyi shared three phases of Gu Songfen’s life—"going where he did not want to go," "doing what he did not want to do," and "flying when he did not want to fly"—inspiring students to establish correct values and contribute where the motherland needs them most.
The orientation session also included introductions to academic management, Party building policies, and international exchanges. Deeply inspired by Gu Songfen’s deeds, the freshmen expressed their determination to stay grounded, embrace their mission, and dedicate their youth to the cause of aeronautics and astronautics.
Zheng Jun (2025 undergraduate):
After listening to the three teachers tell General Gu's story, I was deeply moved. I'd like to share my feelings using a few simple words.
The first is "persistence." From his youth studies to a lifetime of dedication, General Gu showed me that true passion is persistence over decades. The second is "daring to break through." Independently designing aircraft, from nothing to something, relied on a spirit unafraid of difficulty. This reminds us that learning is not just from books but requires the courage to break through. The third is "responsibility." Solving problems by "taking to the skies three times" meant guarding the mission with his life. This also makes me ponder what responsibility our studies today will entail in the future.
As new students, these stories are like a beam of light illuminating our first steps into university. May we all remember this initial aspiration, keep our feet on the ground, bravely pursue our dreams, and live up to our time.
Yu Qian (2025 master's student):
Just now, listening to the vivid explanations of the teachers, I gained a more three-dimensional understanding of Academician Gu Songfen's spirit and a deeper reflection on our mission.
At the grand military parade a few days ago, 7 J-10 aircraft flew over the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with 14 colored smoke trails beautifully framed with the Temple of Heaven. I was not only depressed by the majesty of the nation's heavy weapons but also deeply moved by the spirit of silent dedication of generations of aviation professionals behind them. Entrusting deep feelings to the blue sky, forging "war eagles" for the country. General Gu devoted his life to the blue sky of the motherland. Under difficult conditions with no precedent and lacking technology, he led the team to develop China's own fighter jet, shouldering the mission of serving the nation through aviation with rigor and innovation.
As we just entering the graduate stage, we must harbor the pure ideals of "youthful ambition," possess the innovative courage of "pioneers," and remember the mission responsibility of "guardians." From classroom learning to experimental exploration, from theoretical accumulation to engineering practice, we will practice the spiritual tradition of Academician Gu Songfen through day-after-day solid efforts, contributing our youth and wisdom to the motherland's aeronautics and astronautics cause.
Hao Yuanyuan (2025 master's student):
Holding this "boarding pass" card and listening to the story of Mr. Gu Songfen, I was particularly touched. Mr. Gu practiced "serving the nation through aviation" throughout his life, from designing China's first jet trainer to safeguarding the security of the motherland's blue sky. Each step he took was firm and solid. This suddenly made me understand that "building dreams in the sky" is never just a slogan; it requires the persistence of a "guardian" and needs our new generation to take up the baton well.
As new members of the SJTU community, we may not immediately replicate General Gu's achievements, but we can inherit his spirit: be more focused in the lab, more rigorous before data, and more courageous in the face of difficulties. Just like the fighter jets he designed streaking across the sky, we should use the brushstrokes of youth to write our generation's answers on the canvas of scientific research.
I hope we will carry this initial aspiration forward, study solidly, and strive to contribute our part to the cause of aeronautics and astronautics.