On September 4, 2008, Tsinghua SEM welcomed the diverse body of international MBA students in the lobby of the Shunde hall. Among the students, there were native Chinese students as well as more than 50 who have travelled here from all over the world.  The opening ceremony marked the beginning of the 2-year journey these students will go on together, and the sharing, excitement and passion that was evident that afternoon made this a very memorable experience.

The ceremony began with Tsinghua’s school anthem. The dean of MIT Sloan Alan White took this occasion to send his greetings and remind us that this was but the very start of the glorious future; we should never forget our ultimate purpose of being here. Then, professor Gao Xudong, Academic director of MBA Programs, greeted the new students in person and also shared with us some study tips with us.  He advised us that we should make good use of the two years, take advantage of Tsinghua’s wealth of resources to improve ourselves and learn from fellow classmates and teachers. Mr. Michael FRECHETTE, the representative of the class of 2009 and Ms. Ming Liang, representative of the class of 2010 gave speeches respectively.

China has indeed occupied the centre stage in 2008. The aftershock of the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan is still shaking the hearts of the Chinese people. While the country is busy rebuilding the area, it is time to welcome the world to the opening of the long awaited 29^th Olympic Games.  During our opening ceremony, the Olympic torch was passed from one generation of Tsinghua SEM graduate to the next; symbolizing the national pride we share and pass on. After the torch ceremony, Noah Meyerson, one of the new 2008 international MBA students shared his experience of being a volunteer in the rebuilding efforts in Sichuan. Noah painted the picture he saw in Sichuan, and told us stories about persistent souls who strove to the end. Everyone was deeply moved by Noah’s sharing, and was glad to make a collective donation symbolizing our concern for the afflicted.

Then came the presentation of a short video clip, which featured various students who came from China, U.S.A, Thailand, Italy, Brazil, Greece, Korea, Japan and many other countries. Against various picturesque points in the Tsinghua campus, these new students greeted their fellow classmates in different languages and expressed their excitement and anticipation to the upcoming years. After the video clip, we enjoyed an exhilarating dance and song performance from several of our Chinese, Korean and Thai students. Other performances included a team of 2007 students singing original lyrics to the tune of “Beijing Welcomes You”, an American student singing a Jay Chow’s song in Mandarin.  In the very end, professor Gao and professor Mao opened a bottle champagne in celebration to the start of the 2008 school year. The spirit of Tsinghua’s SEM is like that of the Olympic Games – it will keep on shining forever!