Schwarzman Scholars 2019 and the guests

The Welcoming Ceremony held for incoming Schwarzman Scholars of Tsinghua University on August 29, was attended by a clutch of school authorities and business leaders: Stephen A. Schwarzman, Founding Trustee of Schwarzman Scholars and Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone; Yang Bin, Vice President and Provost of Tsinghua University; Xue Lan, Dean of Schwarzman College; Amy Stursberg, Executive Director of Blackstone; Wang Kaibo, Vice Dean of the Graduate School; and Qian Xiaojun and Melanie Koenderman , two Vice Deans of Schwarzman College. Pan Qingzhong, Executive Vice Dean, hosted the ceremony and delivered a welcome speech.

Xue Lan addressing the Schwarzman Scholars 2019

Dean Xue, on behalf of the faculty, welcomed all the freshmen. He illustrated the diversity and the excellence of the enrolled students by citing three examples: Zeng Zhongyuan from China, Conor O’Meara from Ireland and Norman Mugisha from Rowanda. He also talked about the opportunities and challenges entailed by technological breakthroughs like AI, and the responsibility of Schwarzman students. According to Dean Xue, students at Schwarzman College are trained to lead the future, and are expected to improve their understanding, people skills and professional competence. They need to acquire specialized knowledge and step out of their comfort zone to learn about different cultures in such an internationalized environment. First, they should aim to be academically outstanding, by reading voraciously, thinking deeply and exchanging ideas extensively, which are all necessary attributes of future leaders. Second, they should break the shackles of stereotypes, think out of the box, and take every chance to understand the real China and its society, history and culture. If they spend time getting to know each other and go through a lot together, they will forge close friendship and become part of the big family of Tsinghua. Third, remember to innovate whenever possible. The Schwarzman Scholars program aims at nurturing the next generation of global leaders, and thus needs innovative solutions and concerted efforts of the all students and faculty.

Schwarzman delivering his speech

After welcoming the students, Mr. Schwarzman talked about his long involvement in China and the history of this program. He also commented that global peace and prosperity hinges on where the China-US relations are heading. Students at Schwarzman College have an obligation to ease the tension and seek solutions. He encouraged them to explore their true callings and work hard to realize their dreams. He spoke highly of the graduates of the previous three years, who have helped the school update the curriculum, especially the leadership courses and the thesis requirement. Finally, Mr. Schwarzman shared his expectation for the new comers. They are expected to express themselves bravely, learn from others modestly, adapt to different environments, use and expand the Schwarzman Scholars’ alumni network and help to make this world a better place.

Yang Wen, Schwarzman Scholar 2018, speaking at the ceremony

Yang Wen, Schwarzman Scholar 2018, as the speaking alumni representative, shared his rewarding experience at the school. He found traveling together, learning together, discussing complicated issues and seeking possible solutions together with his fellow Schwarzman Scholars deeply meaningful. His sage advice was to open up to fresh perspectives and new friends and to make the most of the diversified environment that could offer much more than book knowledge. He wished Schwarzman Scholars 2019 all the best and pledged support of the alumni.

Each Schwarzman Scholar solemnly signed their names on the board, vowing to be resilient, disciplined and committed to serving the world as in the ethos of Tsinghua. Mr. Schwarzman, Vice President Yang Bin and Dean Xue Lan shook hands with the students, wishing them a good time at the school.

Ceremony

After the ceremony, Mr. Schwarzman, Vice President Yang Bin and Dean Xue Lan taking a group-photo with the students

Pan Qingzhong hosting the ceremony