On the evening of December 22, Chongben College held its 2024 Annual Review Meeting and 2025 New Year Gala at Studio 2 of the Student Activity Center in the Laoshan Campus. Attending the event were Vice Deans Zhao Dongliang, Chen Qing, and Cao Juan, along with faculty advisors Song Dehai, Xu Lixiao, and Bian Changwei.
Annual Review Meeting
In his opening remarks, Zhao Dongliang expressed gratitude to all performers and staff for their hard work. He briefly reviewed the college’s achievements over the past year and shared his aspirations for the future. Encouraging students to think big, set clear goals, and stay grounded, he urged them to become outstanding marine talents who carry blue dreams in their hearts and shoulder the era’s responsibilities.
Xu Lixiao, speaking as a faculty advisor representative, likened her role to various identities in life, expressing both fortune and responsibility in mentoring Chongben students. She praised their outstanding achievements and untapped potential, urging them to strive for greater progress.
Niu Zixuan, a 2023 alumna, shared insights on transitioning from undergraduate to graduate studies, encouraging students to maintain resilience and passion for research despite challenges. Current student Lu Hehe reflected on her first year at Chongben, vowing to cherish the opportunities and contribute to the college’s growth.
The review meeting also included an awards ceremony for Outstanding Students and Outstanding Student Cadres of the 2023-2024 academic year. Chen Qing, Xu Lixiao, and Bian Changwei presented awards to honorees from the Classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023, while Cao Jia recognized outstanding student leaders.
Gala Performance
The evening kicked off with an energetic dance performance, Whiplash, by the university’s art troupe. Musical acts followed, including a medley by Lu Hehe and Li Yanjie, Sun Yushang’s soulful piano piece Pinky Promise, and Sun Bojun’s heartfelt solo Blue Flame. Wei Zitai’s dramatic storytelling The Legend of Yue Fei transported the audience to historical battlefields.
Interactive games like Guess the Song and Lyric Fill-in sparked lively participation. The second half featured Zhang Yiming and Xing Zhixuan’s acoustic ballad If Possible, while Li Zhenghao’s band Argonaut wowed the crowd with original tracks Annie and Angelene. Liu Yucheng’s piano solo Ocean’s Wish evoked the sea’s vastness.
A showstopper came when four faculty members performed A Friend Like You, accompanied by a slideshow of campus memories. The student council’s creative miniature dance comedy act brought roaring laughter. The gala concluded with a group photo, uniting all attendees in celebration.
Looking Ahead
This event provided a platform for showcasing talent and fostering community spirit. As the new year begins, Chongben College remains committed to nurturing pioneering marine scientists, carrying forward its mission with renewed vigor.
Over 100 participants attended, including administrative staff, current students, alumni, and pre-selected candidates for the Class of 2024.
