On August 26, 2024, Professor Guo Wei, Dean of the College of Construction Engineering, delivered the “First Lecture” to the new graduate students of the Class of 2024. All new graduate students attended the event, which was hosted by Ms. Tang Haiyan from the Graduate Office of the College.
This year, the College of Construction Engineering welcomed 84 new master’s students and 47 new doctoral students. Dean Guo Wei first extended a warm welcome to the Class of 2024 and wished everyone success in their academic and personal growth. He began by reflecting on the arduous journey of Jilin University’s development, highlighting its glorious achievements and the determined efforts of Jilin University’s youth to persevere and succeed.
Dean Guo then provided an engaging introduction to the disciplines within the College of Construction Engineering. He spoke about the history of the College, its pioneering founders, faculty, academic development, research platforms, research projects, societal contributions, research achievements, and future research plans. The students gained a comprehensive understanding of the various academic disciplines within the College and experienced the strong research atmosphere and the warm, humanistic environment of the College. They also gained a deeper understanding of the College’s mission, encompassing "reaching for the sky, delving into the earth, exploring the seas, and conquering the poles"—four grand undertakings that symbolize humanity’s quest to understand and challenge the natural world.
Finally, Dean Guo Wei shared his expectations for the new students, stating, "The road to success is not crowded because few persevere." He emphasized that the College’s decades of growth in the northern frontier of the country were made possible by the tireless efforts of generations of Construction Engineering students. Dean Guo encouraged the students to align their research interests with the country’s major strategic needs, and he hoped that throughout their graduate studies, they would always remain self-disciplined, stay true to their original aspirations, and strive to create miracles.
