On April 14, 2011, the launching ceremony of Tsinghua Xuetang Talents Program took place in front of the Tsinghua Xuetang Building. Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Talents from the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Mr. Daliang Zhang, Director of the Department of Higher Education from the Ministry of Education, Academician Binglin Gu, President of Tsinghua University, Prof. Heping Hu, Party Committee Secretary of Tsinghua University together with Chair Professors, Directors and students of the program joined the event hosted by Vice President Prof. Si Yuan. Prof. Andrew Yao, Chair Professor of Tsinghua Xuetang Computer Science Program and Prof. Amy Wang, Program Director received Letter of Appointment given by Prof. Heping Hu at the ceremony.

Prof. Yao addresses at the launching ceremony.

Tsinghua Xuetang initiated the history of Tsinghua University on April 29, 1911. Tsinghua Xuetang Talents Program was launched in 2009 with an aim to transform the education resources of Tsinghua into the priority for the students’ cultivation. It focuses on six disciplinary areas, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Life Science, Computer Science and Mechanics. These reinvigorated programs will soon move into their newly renovated building of Tsinghua Xuetang.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Prof. Yao extended his thanks to officials from the Chinese government and Tsinghua University and emphasized that the Program is devoted to the cultivation of promising undergraduate students who are to become top talents like students from MIT, Stanford and other prestigious universities. The Program sets up a model for cultivating innovative talents who will contribute to China’s endeavor to become a great power. Prof. Yao also shared his experiences of past few years in developing the Computer Science Program which promotes progressive education and has set out a number of core courses.

President Gu addresses at the launching ceremony.

President Gu mentioned in his speech that Tsinghua Xuetang Talents Program has been a major step in the University’s efforts to cultivate innovative talents and enhance teaching capacity. He also paid tribute to Prof. Yao for his efforts in developing the Computer Science Program. He is confident that with the support of the Chinese government and the efforts of all faculty and students, the Program will witness great development.

Chair Professors of Tsinghua Xuetang Program receive Letter of Appointment.

Directors of Tsinghua Xuetang Program receive Letter of Appointment.

Zhihao Jia, student representative from Yao Class Grade 2009 shared his experiences under the Program. He believes that all students will benefit from the Program which enjoys the best faculty and top multidimensional academic exchange platform.

Zhihao Jia from Yao Class Grade 2009 speaks at the ceremony as student representative.

Group photo at the ceremony