On June 21, the 2023 NJU Graduation Ceremony for Postgraduates was held at the Fang Zhaozhou Gymnasium of the Xianlin Campus. Degrees were conferred upon 4,495 master’s students, 448 doctoral students, and 193 alumni from the class of 2020 who were unable to have a graduation ceremony that year. Tan Tieniu, Academician of CAS and Secretary of the CPC NJU Committee, and Tan Zhemin, Academician of CAS and President of NJU, delivered keynote remarks. Yang Zhong, Executive Deputy Secretary of the CPC NJU Committee, announced several awarding decisions of NJU. Wang Zhenlin, a Standing Member of the CPC NJU Committee and Vice President of NJU, presided over the ceremony.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the NJU’s National Flag Escort Team solemnly carried the five-star red flag into the venue.

Tan Tieniu, in his farewell address, expressed heartfelt blessings and high hopes for the graduates. He emphasized that as the torchbearers of the nation’s future, the graduates should contribute themselves to the country’s progress. Tan Tieniu encouraged them to maintain a humble and pragmatic mindset, and remain resilient in the face of challenges. He urged the graduates to pursue continuous self-improvement and seek excellence in every aspect of their lives.

Tan Zhemin extended his congratulations to the graduates and gratitude towards the devoted faculty, staff, and parents who contributed to the graduates’ success. He encouraged the graduates to pursue their personal aspirations while also considering the greater national goals. Tan Zhemin urged the students to be ambitious in their pursuits, reminding them that their determination and hard work can make a significant impact on their lives and the nation’s future.

Yang Zhong proclaimed NJU’s decision on lauding the exceptional graduating students from the class of 2023 and granting the first Qingmiao Awards for 2023.This year, 122 NJU postgraduates received the Qingmiao Award and 661 were recognized as exceptional graduating students.

Faculty representative, Cheng Boqing, a professor from the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, shared wisdom from Confucius by quoting, “Set your aspirations on the Way, hold to virtue, rely on your ren, and relax in the study of the arts.” With this saying, he encourged the students to adopt a global perspective, uphold high ethical values in their pursuits, and foster a sense of integrity and compassion as they embark on their future journeys.

Zeng Wenhui, the student representative and a Ph.D. graduate from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, shared a reflection on her enriching five-year campus life. She highlighted he profound impact of rigorous scientific research and the valuable social practice experiences she gained during her time at the university. Zeng expressed her sincere wishes for a bright future for both the university and her fellow students.

Faculty members from various schools and departments also expressed their best wishes to the graduating students through video messages.

Led by Li Guo, a master’s graduate from the School of Management & Engineering, the graduating students took part in a solemn vow to the university, expressing their dedication and enthusiasm for the future.

Following the vow, Wang Zhenlin officially announced NJU’s degree awarding decision, recognizing the hard work and achievements of the graduating students from both the classes of 2020 and 2023. Diplomas were then presented to each graduate.

The ceremony was attended by Academicians, university leaders, members of degree evaluation committees, division/office heads from various schools and departments, representatives from the class of 2020 and graduates from the class of 2023.

Editor: Guo Ankang