On the morning of March 2, the opening ceremony and orientation for the 2024 undergraduate elite class of the School of Metallurgy and Environment at Central South University was successfully held in Room 208 of the Jingui Building. Attendees included Academician Zhao Zhongwei of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, School Party Secretary Cheng Qiongwen, Dean Min Xiaobo, Deputy Party Secretary Zhu Zhongping, Vice Dean Wang Qinmeng, class advisor Sun Fenglong, and all members of the 2024 elite class. The event was presided over by Vice Dean Wang Qinmeng.

During the ceremony, Dean Min Xiaobo emphasized in his speech that the school would provide students with a broad platform for growth and development. He encouraged students to cultivate a mindset, actions, and skills geared toward excellence, master foundational courses thoroughly, and contribute to the future advancement of the metallurgical industry.

Student representative Wang Lirong expressed in her speech that as the new generation of Central South metallurgists, they would take up the mantle of their predecessors, aiming for excellence by fostering rigorous academic attitudes, innovative research spirit, and a global perspective. She pledged to challenge conventions, explore the unknown, and strive to become outstanding talents with international competitiveness. Class advisor Sun Fenglong offered several pieces of advice to the students: study diligently and maintain a drive to excel; cherish time with classmates and foster harmonious relationships; prioritize physical health to support future development; and maintain emotional stability to navigate life's setbacks with equanimity. He promised to support students wholeheartedly and accompany them on their journey of growth.

Academician Zhao Zhongwei of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, also the academic mentor for the elite class, engaged students in discussions about emerging technologies, including topics like Unitree Robotics and DeepSeek AI. He pointed out that the elite class aimed to cultivate young talents with both innovative capabilities and leadership skills. Given the diverse academic backgrounds of the students, he urged them to leverage interdisciplinary resources to spark innovation. He encouraged students to seize opportunities, master professional knowledge, hone practical skills, and shoulder the mission of advancing the metallurgical field and contributing to national economic development.

School Party Secretary Cheng Qiongwen concluded the ceremony by highlighting the school's strong commitment to the elite class, including the implementation of a "dual-mentor system," optimized resource allocation, and enhanced training quality. He encouraged students to delve deeply into their studies, pursue comprehensive development, and embrace the responsibility of "strengthening the nation." He urged them to venture into uncharted research territories, tackle critical "bottleneck" challenges, and become pioneers leading the industry's transformation and upgrade.

During the orientation session, Deputy Party Secretary Zhu Zhongping detailed the school's student support initiatives and addressed questions from the newcomers. He encouraged students to adopt the right learning attitude, make full use of the school's resources, and actively participate in academic discussions and research projects to elevate their professional competencies. Zhang Daxu from the academic office explained the elite class's training plan, while counselor Lei Xiaoke introduced daily class management procedures.

The successful opening ceremony not only provided students with a platform to better understand the school but also allowed them to experience its warmth and care. The establishment and development of the elite class embody high expectations from all sides, carrying the mission of cultivating exceptional talents for the industry. Here, the students will embark on their journey of dreams, using their youth and wisdom to write their own magnificent chapter.

[First Reviewer: He Jiamin, Second Reviewer: Dai Yanyang, Third Reviewer: Wang Qinmeng]