On the afternoon of 16 September, the San Bernardino Institute of Technology (“the Institute”) at Taizhou University held the opening ceremony and the inaugural “First Lecture in Zhejiang” for its 2026 incoming class in Lecture Hall 328 of the Science and Technology Complex. Marking the institute’s first year of admissions as a joint Sino-foreign educational institution, the inaugural cohort gathered to officially embark on their university journey under an internationally oriented education model. The ceremony was attended by Le Chuanyong, President and Deputy Secretary of the CPC TU Committee, alongside Vice President Li Jianjun, Member of the CPC TU Committee. Also present were the leadership members from the International Exchange and Cooperation Office, the School of Life Sciences, the School of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, and the Institute, as well as representatives of Chinese and international faculty members, distinguished alumni, and the entire incoming class. The event was presided over by Mei Jiao, Secretary of the General Party Branch of the Institute.
The opening ceremony and first university lecture for the freshmen of the San Bernardino Institute of
Technology
The ceremony opened with the national anthem. In his address, Li Jianjun called on the Institute to capitalise on the momentum of Sino-foreign education, stay true to the core mission of student-centred character building, and pool top-tier academic resources from both China and the United States. He urged the new body to draw on the teaching, research, and practical strengths of the two supporting schools at Taizhou University to forge a high-calibre international education platform.
At the same time, Mr Li called on the inaugural cohort to seize the unique opportunities offered by the new institute. He urged them to combine a strong local commitment with a global outlook, master their fields, and pursue their studies with intellectual rigour and resolve. By embracing this international curriculum, he said, students should aim to emerge as skilled, industry-ready graduates with a competitive edge, ready to support the regional health sector and rise to the challenges of their generation.
Addresses delivered by Li Jianjun, Fu Yongqian, and representatives from CSU, San Bernardino
Fu Yongqian, Dean of the Institute, outlined its educational framework and strengths, which draw on the established platforms of the School of Life Sciences and the School of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering. He encouraged the freshmen to make the most of this new international pathway, remain focused and diligent, sharpen their expertise, and challenge their limits as they grow into future professionals. Leadership and faculty representatives from California State University, San Bernardino joined virtually, encouraging the students to draw upon the resources of both campuses to bridge cultures and broaden their global perspective.
Speeches by Chinese and international faculty members, distinguished alumni, and student representatives
from the 2026 incoming class
Representatives of the Chinese and international faculty, distinguished alumni, and the 2026 incoming class took to the stage to share their perspectives on mentorship, peer inspiration, and future aspirations, demonstrating the vibrant and determined spirit of the Institute’s faculty and students.
The opening ceremony drew to a successful close with a spirited rendition of the Taizhou University school song.
President Le Chuanyong delivering an ideological and political lecture
Following the ceremony, Le Chuanyong, President and Deputy Secretary of the CPC TU Committee, delivered an ideological and political lecture entitled “Practising Xi Jinping’s Thought on Party Building and Carrying Forward the Pioneering Spirit in the New Era”. Drawing on current developmental trends, the university’s historical foundation, and his own academic and mentoring experience, Mr Le used vivid case studies to guide the incoming students in grasping core theoretical principles, tracing the heritage of revolutionary traditions, and defining their future goals.
He encouraged the students to build a firm ideological foundation, explore Taizhou’s local historical roots, and appreciate the underlying principles and practical significance of the Dachen Island pioneering spirit. Reflecting on the institute’s role as a Sino-foreign joint initiative, Mr Le called on the students to bridge Chinese and Western learning, embrace the pioneering spirit, and strive to become modern trail-blazers who blend national commitment with a global vision.
The successful event marks the official launch of a high-standard, comprehensive international education programme at the Institute. Looking ahead, the San Bernardino Institute of Technology plans to continue pooling quality educational resources from China and the United States, further refine its distinctive Sino-foreign operational model, and fully integrate the Dachen Island pioneering spirit throughout its curriculum. By remaining dedicated to its fundamental mission of moral character building and student development, the Institute aims to support its inaugural cohort in embarking on their university journey with purpose and dedication, empowering them to meet the challenges and responsibilities of their generation.
