As summer ushers in a new journey, young spirits set out for boundless horizons. On June 10, the Farewell Ceremony for the 2026 graduating class of the School of International Education was successfully held. Members of the college leadership, heads of various departments, Chinese and foreign student counselors, faculty representatives, as well as relatives and guests of the graduating students gathered together to witness this memorable graduation moment.
The ceremony kicked off with a heartwarming opening video. Vivid scenes recounted the students' daily life and unforgettable moments throughout their school years, freezing youthful memories filled with laughter and toil, and bringing back the unique campus recollections of all graduates.
Dean Duan Yuping delivered a farewell speech. On behalf of the school, he extended sincere congratulations to all Chinese and foreign graduates of the 2026 cohort, and expressed profound respect and heartfelt gratitude to all faculty, staff and families of the graduates. He then put forward three earnest expectations for the graduates. First, be practitioners of civilizational mutual learning. Embrace the inclusive spirit of "cherishing one's own virtues and appreciating those of others". Seek consensus amid differences, enhance understanding through exchanges, promote mutual respect and coexistence among diverse civilizations, and contribute youthful wisdom to building a community with a shared future for mankind. Second, be strivers for the progress of the times. Integrate personal ideals into the tide of the era, link individual endeavors closely with national development and human progress, and dare to take on responsibilities and surmount difficulties. Third, be narrators of China's stories. Act as non-governmental envoys for China-foreign friendship, and share authentic, amiable and respectable stories about China with the world based on your own experiences. Carry forward the spirit of Dalian University of Technology people: striving for the university and the nation with dedication and responsibility.
Professor Zhao Xuefeng from the School of Civil Engineering, representing the graduate supervisors, delivered warm wishes to the graduates. On behalf of all supervisors for international students, he extended hearty congratulations to all international graduates on their successful completion of studies. He spoke highly of their growth and transformation in overcoming cross-cultural challenges and pursuing diligent learning, as well as their gains in professional competence and cultural vision. He encouraged them to stay motivated, delve deep into their fields, act as friendly envoys for cultural exchanges between China and other countries, stay true to their original aspirations, forge ahead courageously and create a brilliant life on the broader stage.
Yang Mingyuan, a master's graduate from Russia, delivered a speech on behalf of all graduates. She shared her journey of growth at Dalian University of Technology, from initial confusion to steady progress. She talked about the confidence and touching moments gained from participating in various cultural activities and practical experiences, and expressed sincere gratitude to her alma mater, teachers and fellow students. She pledged to leverage her professional strengths to promote cultural exchanges between China and Russia, and embrace a promising future with the courage and warmth nurtured by the university.
At the ceremony, Assistant Dean Guo Hanning read out the list of Chinese and foreign graduates of the 2026 cohort.
Setting role models to guide the way and forging ahead with perseverance. All Chinese and foreign graduates of the 2026 class have devoted themselves to study and strived diligently, achieving fruitful accomplishments during their college years. A total of eight students were awarded the title of Outstanding Graduate of 2026. Dean Duan Yuping, Vice Deans Zhang Jidong and Yi Honglian presented honorary certificates to the award recipients respectively.
The ceremony was filled with warmth and affection. Graduate representatives presented a commemorative gift to the school, expressing gratitude for the alma mater's careful cultivation over the years. Marking the 70th anniversary of the university's international student education program, they also sincerely wished the school enduring prosperity and continued brilliance. All graduates joined in singing the graduation song. With gentle melodies, they bid farewell to their youthful days and embarked on brand-new journeys.
As the ceremony drew to a close, all graduates took group photos with college leaders and faculty representatives to preserve these precious youthful memories. May you ride the wind on your new journey! Wishing all Chinese and foreign graduates of the 2026 class a happy graduation and a bright future. May you take your achievements as armor and your sincere aspirations as sails, and set off toward the boundless journey of life.
