On October 18, the School of Civil Engineering and Architecture held an orientation event for the Class of 2025 Civil Engineering and Smart Construction majors in the Qiusuo Building Auditorium. The event aimed to help freshmen gain a comprehensive understanding of their disciplines' prospects, training systems, and development paths while inspiring enthusiasm and a sense of mission for future studies. Dean Zhu Fangzhi attended and delivered a speech. The event also featured an orientation lecture by Professor Yang Xiaoguang—a Distinguished Professor at Tongji University, Adjunct Professor at Suqian University, Honorary Dean of the School, and Director of the Institute for Future Cities and Intelligent Transportation. The event was hosted by Deputy Party Secretary Ni Chunyan of the School.
In his address, Dean Zhu shared expectations grounded in industry trends and the School’s educational strengths. He urged students to "keep their feet on the ground" by mastering engineering fundamentals while also "looking up at the stars" to embrace intelligent transformation. This dual focus not only defines the disciplines but also serves as a spiritual legacy for every future engineer. He encouraged students to empower themselves with intelligence, dedicate themselves to construction, and pursue their dreams with vigor, advising them to think independently, explore interdisciplinary frontiers, and challenge the unknown. His vision is to nurture a new generation of engineers capable of tackling industry transformation, urbanization challenges, and technological revolutions.
During the orientation lecture, Professor Yang first shared his academic journey to inspire students to strive for excellence in serving the nation. He then delivered a presentation titled "The New Industrial Revolution and Restructuring of Engineering Disciplines," explaining the purpose of university education and the integration of AI, IoT, advanced sensing technologies, and traditional disciplines like civil and transportation engineering. He emphasized that interdisciplinary collaboration is now the central direction of development. With vivid examples, Professor Yang illustrated that future engineers must evolve from mere builders into system designers, data masters, and guardians of cities.
The event also included detailed interpretations of the 2025 talent development plans by the Department Heads of Civil Engineering and Smart Construction, along with a recruitment drive for the 2025 "Iron Army Outstanding Engineers Class."
In attendance were Department Head Liu Jun (Smart Construction), Deputy Department Head Shi Yun (Civil Engineering), academic advisors for the Class of 2025, and all freshmen from both majors.
