On June 26th, RUC Commencement 2023 was successfully held. The event brought together 7,263 graduates of the Class of 2023. 962 students of the Class of 2020-2022 also attended the ceremony.
Representatives from teachers and researchers, administrative staff and logistics group of Renmin University of China were also present.
Live streaming of the commencement ceremony was available at classrooms in the first three floor of Teaching and Learning Building NO.1, Mingde Building for School of Journalism and Communication and RUC Law School so that the friends and relatives of the graduates can share the joys with them and celebrate their accomplishments.
Zhang Donggang, Chair of the University Council; Lin Shangli, President of the university; Liu Wei, former President of the University, Professor Feng Huiling, former Vice President; Professor Wu Xiaoqiu, former Vice President; Professor Yang Ruilong, School of Economics; Professor Yu Jinsong, RUC Law School and Professor Huang Jiashu, School of International Studies attended the ceremony. Members of the school’s leadership were also present, among them were Wu Fulai, Zheng Shuiquan, Du Peng, Wang Yi(male), Wang Yi(female) and Ye Kangtao.
The RUC Commencement ceremony 2023 was unfolded amid waves of beautiful music. Following the melodious music performed by students, President Lin Shangli offered his commencement address in which he stressed the unique experience of the Class of 2023. “During the past few years when you were learning at RUC, China witnessed a series of major events, including the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Beijing Winter Olympic Games, to name but a few. The past few years proved to be a bumpy road dotted with challenges and opportunities”, said Lin. Lin believed that these graduates are lucky to witness all these historical movement. Lin also stressed that the university was very proud of the graduates for their contributions to the development of the university and our country as well.
“As you celebrate one of the most important days in your life, I also feel like to urge you to brace yourselves for the unpredictable challenges and setbacks that crop up everyday”, said Lin. “I believe that our students will certainly devote themselves to the development of the country and the Chinese nation, creating a brilliant future that belongs to yourself”, Lin added. He also wished to see that the graduates demonstrate the uniqueness of the university by shouldering the noble responsibility of the country’s rejuvenation.
The ceremony was moderated by Zhang Donggang. In his speech, he noted that the grand ceremony aimed at providing graduates with the opportunities to celebrate their achievements. In addition, he believed the expectation of RUC on the students can be engraved on their minds after the event.
Professor Yang Ruilong highlighted the importance of direction, courage and resilience in his speech. According to him, a right direction is the prerequisite of success. Besides that, courage and resilience are also indispensable to surmount setbacks and navigate all the difficulties. “At present, you are proud of RUC, going forward, RUC will be proud of you”, concluded Yang.
Next, representatives of students also shared their stories with the participants. Yu Sunteng, an undergraduate from School of Philosophy, recalled his impression of RUC and his joys and sorrows at this beautiful campus. For him, RUC is at first a heaven for knowledge accumulation. We all benefit from the experienced teachers and sufficient resources here. Secondly, the university is a heaven for academic ambition. Distinctive training aimed at the all-round development of students are offered here, making it possible for us to empower ourselves with knowledge. Last but not least, the university is a heaven for us to improve our moral standing.
Hou Yupeng, a post-undergraduate from Gaoling School of Artificial Intelligence, also shared his memories at RUC. Having spent seven years in the campus, Hou has witnessed the rapid development of China and the university. Like most of the graduates of the Class of 2023, Hou is about to leave the campus and take up his new post somewhere in the country, contributing to the development of the country and the world.
Huang Xingzhuang, a PhD student from School of International Studies, as representative of international students, also impressed the participates with her speech. Excerpts from her speech are as follows: A decade or so ago, I was enthralled by the distinctive charm of the Chinese culture. As an innocent and simple girl, I made up my mind to study in China. Six years ago, fortunately, that dream finally came true as I received the admission letter from RUC. Here in RUC, my academic competence was greatly improved. The university has created many valuable opportunities for me to study the fine culture of China and Vietnam. The 6-year study proved to be a memorable journey in my life. Going forward, RUC’s motto “seeking truth from facts” will always be indelible in my mind, reminding me to present the story of China to global audience.
In the end, Ms. Zhang Yanhua, the mother of postgraduate Cao Yu, as representative of parents of 2023 graduates, also addressed the ceremony. Zhang has been devoted to education for 33 years in a primary school tucked away in the deep desert of Gansu province in northwestern China. She started her speech by expressing her excitement in seeing these young students walking into the society. She wished all the graduates to grow into useful talent for the country. Zhang hoped the graduates would always bear in mind the hard work of their parents and their teachers, as well as their friends who shared weal and woe with them.
The presentation of prizes began after the speeches. Representatives of Outstanding graduates were awarded with a certificate of accomplishment. Ten students winning the Wu Yuzhang scholarship received their certificates of accomplishment before representatives of graduates who won the title of Beijing Outstanding Graduate got theirs. During the award ceremony, graduates who will soon devoted to the development of western China also received their certificates from the university as the university’s recognition of their determination to empower the underdevelopment regions of China.
Following that, representatives of graduates presented flowers to 12 teachers and administrative staff from different positions. Some of them are dedicated to impart knowledge to students, some are committed to protecting the safety of students, still some strive to ensure the smooth function of the university.
In the end, the graduates stood up to sing the university anthem with feelings. The ceremony came to a successful end in the midst of joys.
