USSH Welcomes Class of 2025 with “Taking Flight” Orientation
On September 25, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH, VNU-HCM) hosted its Orientation Day for the Class of 2025, welcoming more than 4,000 new students under the theme “Taking Flight”. This grand event brought together university leaders, representatives of diplomatic missions, strategic corporate partners, faculty, alumni, and over four thousand freshmen.
A New Milestone for a New Journey
A notable highlight of the Day was the inauguration of the new University Gate at the Hồ Ánh Dương area (Linh Xuân campus). The modern design not only gives the campus a refreshed appearance but also symbolizes a new vision and the aspiration for international reach of one of Vietnam’s leading centers for education and research in the field of social sciences and humanities.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Minh Tâm, Vice President of VNU-HCM, joined USSH leaders for the ribbon-cutting - Photo: INFO PLUS Media Club
At the ribbon-cutting, Vice Rector Dr. Phan Thanh Định noted that besides welcoming talented first-year students, the gate also symbolizes openness in mindset and proactive international integration in training and research, preparing students to become responsible global citizens. It affirms that here, students will be fully equipped with knowledge, skills, and resilience to step confidently into the wider world as responsible global citizens. The work is therefore both a source of pride for USSH and a message to society about innovation.
Vice Rector Dr. Phan Thanh Định on the new Gate at Hồ Ánh Dương campus (Linh Xuân) - Photo: INFO PLUS Media Club
The festive spirit was also felt across campus. Early in the morning, more than four thousand new students enjoyed creative photobooths, check-in spots, Faculty and Club booths, as well as projects like “Green University” and book showcases. This was a valuable opportunity for them to meet new friends, learn more about their majors, and explore the University, while introducing newcomers to USSH’s dynamic academic and extracurricular life and fostering a strong learning spirit from day one.
The lively atmosphere at the booths across the University campus - Photo: INFO PLUS Media Club
The Mission of “Taking Flight” - Passing on the Flame of Knowledge and Responsibility
Alongside the new gate, the ceremony also conveyed spiritual values. The heart of the festival lay in the inspiring address by Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, Rector of USSH, who extended the warmest welcome to the new members and emphasized three core values that define the USSH spirit: Responsibility - Companionship - Sharing.
Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan highlighted the three core values of the University: Responsibility - Companionship - Sharing, in her keynote address - Photo: INFO PLUS Media Club
Responsibility: the first and foremost key to success - responsibility for one’s own learning and growth, responsibility to family, and above all, responsibility to society and the nation through the service of knowledge.
Companionship: a strong commitment that every student will be supported by dedicated faculty, peers, and the University. This is manifested through modern, internationally aligned curricula; broad networks of strategic partners offering internship and employment opportunities; and a liberal, dynamic academic environment.
Sharing: the humanistic value that fosters a connected community where knowledge and experiences are passed on, where students help each other progress. The University’s high employment rate within the first year of graduation stands as clear testimony to this philosophy.
These messages came to life in solemn symbolic actions. The most moving moment was the “Taking Flight” Ceremony - a heartfelt gesture from predecessors to students, an encouragement and commitment of guidance and support so that they may soar high with wings of knowledge and ambition.
The “Wings of Knowledge” ritual marked the beginning of a new journey for the Class of 2025 - Photo: INFO PLUS Media Club
Following this sacred flow of emotions was the Traditional Flag Handover Ritual. Bearing 68 years of pride and legacy, the University flag was ceremoniously presented to six outstanding valedictorians, symbolizing a generational transfer of pride and mission. From here, the next generation continues the mission to preserve and promote the core values “Pride - Continuity - Reaching Far,” writing further glorious pages in the University’s development. Representing the new generation, Valedictorian Nguyễn Hiếu Nhân remarked, “The title is not a destination, but a reminder to strive with humility and perseverance”.
The Traditional Flag Ceremony symbolized the handover of Humanitas spirit to the new students - Photo: INFO PLUS Media Club
“Taking Flight” with USSH, VNU-HCM
This year’s success was also thanks to strong support from diplomatic missions, corporate partners, and cultural contributors. USSH announced sponsorships totaling nearly 1.6 billion VND from partners including the Consulate General of China in Ho Chi Minh City, the Consulate General of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City, the Alumni Association of the 2025 Global Future Strategy Senior Management Program, Vietcombank - Tân Sơn Nhất Branch, LPBank - Ho Chi Minh City Branch, CT Group, BIDV - Gia Định Branch, and Fursys Vietnam Co., Ltd. (which funded a modern classroom).
This support is not only financial; it is also social recognition and trust in USSH’s training quality and student potential. Scholarships will provide timely encouragement for disadvantaged yet determined students and honor outstanding young talents. Facility upgrades - such as a modern classroom sponsored by Fursys Vietnam Co., Ltd. - will directly improve teaching and learning, offering the best student experience. The University respectfully honored and expressed deep gratitude to all partners and sponsors.
The program also featured a special performance by singer Võ Hạ Trâm, to whom Rector Ngô Thị Phương Lan presented a palm-leaf artwork as a token of appreciation. With a strong, heartfelt voice and positive energy, she not only performed meaningful songs but also shared an inspiring story of pursuing her dreams. Her message, be courageous in aspiration, persistent in choice, and steadfast in self-belief, touched thousands of students.
Singer Võ Hạ Trâm offered a special musical performance dedicated to USSH freshmen on “Taking Flight” Day - Photo: INFO PLUS Media Club
The event also honored eight valedictorians across training programs and two graduating valedictorians of the 2021-2025 cohort, recognizing their sustained efforts and academic excellence. This affirms the University’s tradition of scholarship and excellence, inspiring all students that every effort will be duly rewarded.
Eight valedictorians across all training programs - Photo: INFO PLUS Media Club
A New Chapter Begins
The Orientation Festival for the Class of 2025 closed with pride and inspiration, opening a new chapter for over 4,000 students. With the message “Taking Flight”, USSH opens a new chapter for more than 4,000 students as they begin their studies and contribute to the University’s proud Humanitas legacy.
Source: CLB TRUYỀN THÔNG INFO PLUS
Translated by: Như Quỳnh Lý
