Tsinghua SIGS celebrated its class of 2020 graduate students in a commencement ceremony on June 15. The celebration was joined by over 100 graduates on campus, and 700 others virtually online.

Photo of the commencement ceremony

At 6:30am, a Graduation Run at Shenzhen University Town kicked off the day of celebrations. The run reflects the University’s strong sports traditions, and also represents the Tsinghua community’s determination and willpower.  

Firing of the starting gun

Faculty and students participate in the Graduation Run

At 9am, the graduation ceremony officially began. Presided over by Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua SIGS Committee Wu Xiaofeng, the ceremony started with an address from Executive Dean Gao Hong, followed by speeches from faculty representatives including Professor and Co-Director of the Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI) Precision Medicine and Healthcare Research Center Peter E. Lobie and SIGS Deputy Dean Kang Feiyu, student representatives Xu Tong’20 and Qi Xingxing’20, as well as alumnus Xiao Weibo’06.

Secretary Wu Xiaofeng presided over the ceremony

 "The epidemic has changed the world and the lives of each of us, but I believe that such an experience will also make us stronger," said Executive Dean Gao Hong in her address. She congratulated 970 graduates around the world and shared four wishes for the graduating class: First, to develop a global perspective as well as cross-cultural understanding and empathy. Second, to be resilient, adaptive to changes and embrace uncertainty. Third, to be daring, “borderless”, and willing to explore new fields of knowledge. Fourth, to maintain a high standard of academic and professional integrity.

Sharing a quote from GE aircraft engines expert David Wisler, “the non-technical society is at the mercy of the technical person,” Gao reminded students to make professional judgments and decisions responsibly for the welfare of the public. She also expressed hopes for students to contribute their talents to the sustainable development of the country and the world in their respective positions.

Gao Hong giving her address

Student representative Xu Tong is among the first batch of doctoral students to graduate from TBSI. In his speech, Xu said that he will keep in mind the Tsinghua motto of "Self-Improvement and Social Responsibility", and take each step steadily while contributing to society. He will be working in the field of power infrastructure construction and regional energy transformation in Western China.

Student representative Xu Tong speaking at the ceremony

Student representative Qi Xingxing speaking at the ceremony

Prof. Peter E. Lobie praised graduates for their perseverance and resilience during this unexpected period of time. “My heart swells with pride when I see how we have pulled together during this final semester… From zoom room discussions to virtual poster sessions, you showed us what it means to be intellectually engaged in research, creative endeavors and innovative thinking,” he said. He encouraged students to maintain their passion for their goals and ideals, to create a better future.

“Every student of our graduating class has its story to tell. Your story is powerful, and how it continues to rise above time will determine not just your character, but your destiny.”

Prof. Lobie giving a speech

Prof. Kang Feiyu reminded students that their alma mater will always be a strong support for them in their future endeavors. He urged graduates to engage in lifelong learning, and to make good use of what Tsinghua has provided for them in their careers.

Prof. Kang Feiyu giving a speech

The commencement ceremony also invited alumnus Xiao Weibo to speak to current graduates. Graduated in 2006, Xiao is currently the Secretary of the Communist Youth League of the Neijiang Municipal Committee of Sichuan Province. He encouraged graduates to love their home country, develop a world vision, and strive for their ideals and goals.

Alumnus Xiao Weibo’06 giving his speech

Other highlights of the day: 

Commencement is not an ending, but a celebration of a new beginning.

May our graduating students continue to carry forward the Tsinghua motto of “Self-Improvement and Social Responsibility”, as they open a new chapter in their lives and embrace endless possibilities.

Photos by Ding Chao, Fei

Edited by Karen Lee