HUSTHolds the 2023 Graduation Ceremony and Degree Awarding Ceremony for Students
TranslatedbyFuKaiqi；EditedbyXuDan
On the afternoon of June 20th, the Harbin University of Science and Technology held the 2023 Graduation Ceremony and Degree Awarding Ceremony at the university gymnasium. In attendance were university leaders, members of the 19thSteering Groupfor the Provincial Committee’stheoretical study program, members of the university’s Degree Evaluation Committee, heads of various functional departments, deans, Party Committee Vice Secretaries from different colleges, mentor representatives, all graduation student counselors, and select parent representatives. Together, they witnessed the successful completion of academic studies by the 2023 graduating class, as they embarked on a new chapter in life. At the same time, faculty members and selected graduating students from Rongcheng College watched the live broadcast of the ceremony. The event was presided over by Zhao Shuishan, Deputy Secretary of the University’s Party Committee.
Before the commencement of the graduation ceremony, a flash of songswas performed. Representatives of the faculty and parents conveyed heartfelt blessings through video messages to both the audience and all graduating students present. Additionally, an original music video for the graduation season, titled“Farewell to Harbin University of Science and Technology,”stirred up nostalgia among all graduating students, allowing them to reminisce about the cherished moments spent on the campus.
Amidst the solemn national anthem, the graduation ceremony officially commenced. Vice President Chen Qingguo announced the decisions regarding the conferment of degrees upon undergraduate students. Following this,vice President Du Jun announced the decisions concerning the graduation and degree conferral for postgraduate students. Sun Shuhai, the Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission and the Commissioner for Supervision, read out the decisions to commend the top ten outstanding graduating students and excellent graduates. Vicepresident Zang Yongjun and Lin Yi awarded the title of“Top Ten Outstanding Graduates of Harbin University of Science and Technology 2023”to the deserving recipients.
During the graduation ceremony, the university leaders, members of the Academic Degree Evaluation Committee, and faculty representatives joined in tossing the tassels and taking group photos with representatives of the graduating doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students.
At the graduation ceremony, President Liu Xia delivered an inspiring“FinalLesson”to the students. He began by extending heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to over 8,600 graduates who successfully completed their studies and are embarking on a promising new journey. President Liu also expressed sincere gratitude and deep respect to the diligent parents and teachers who nurtured and guided the students toward their growth and success.
President Liu Xia reminisced about the myriad experiences of the 2023 graduates during their time studying and living at the university, highlighting the remarkable achievements of students across various fields. He remarked that over the years of learning, he had witnessed everyone’s growth and transformation. The students have developed a comprehensive knowledge base, strong practical skills, outstanding innovative thinking, and cultivated well-rounded personalities and positive mindsets that will serve as reliable assets for their future journeys into society and in facing challenges. He expressed hope that the carefully planned campus activities such as the Campus Food Culture Festival, a grand symphony concert, the newly renovated swimming pool offered free of charge to graduates, art festivals, sports events, exclusive vouchers for farewell dumplings, dedicated transport lines for departing graduates, and the graduation gala, will not only serve as parting gifts but also empower and leave indelible imprints in the cherished memories of the graduates’youth as they set sail for their future endeavors.
Heemphasized that within the pages of the graduates’youthful memories, they have personally experienced significant historical moments in the development of the Party and the country in the new era. From the grand celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China to the centenary of the Communist Party of China; from the missions of“Zhu Rong”to explore Mars,“Xihe”to orbit the sun,“Tianhe”navigating the cosmos, to the launch of Shenzhou-16, the students have been witness to numerous crucial historical junctures in the nation's development. They have observed the continuous advancements achieved by the university and felt firsthand the institution’s concerted efforts to improve the learning and living conditions for both faculty and students.
PresidentLiu Xiabid farewell to the students with a few words of advice. First, he urged them to persist in lifelong learning andpass onthe legacy. He stressed the importance of maintaining a humble and studious attitude, stating that only through unwavering dedication to learning and self-improvement could they stride forward confidently and steadily. Encouraging them to carry forward the fine traditions while fostering innovation, Liu emphasized the role of the students as seeds carefully sown by the university, entrusted with the mission of echoing the voice of science and technology, contributing to the nation’s rejuvenation, and enriching the nation’s strength.Secondly, Liu advised the graduates to cultivate a positive mindset and maintain a healthy physique. He hoped they would steer clear of the mundane and possess open-mindedness and broad-heartedness. Liu emphasized the importance of not yielding to power and materialism, but rather becoming trustworthy teammates liked by others. He urged them to commit to lifelong physical exercise, cultivate a healthy body, strengthen their willpower, and reap the rewards of a virtuous cycle on life’s stage.Thirdly, Liu encouraged the graduates to combine their interests with their careers. He urged them to discover their passions and transform them into professions, leaving their unique mark in their respective fields. He advocated for the integration of personal ideals into the cause of the nation and the people, urging them to aspire high, stay grounded, inherit the invaluable spirit of HarbinUniversity of Science and Technology, and endeavor to realize their youthful dreams in the vibrant practice of realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.
Finally, Liu Xia extended his best wishes to the graduates, stating,“The new sails have already been hoisted, setting off with new dreams from HarbinUniversity of Science and Technology!Wewill forever be a strong support and haven for all of you. We eagerly anticipate you becoming shining‘HUST stars’in the magnificent journey of comprehensively constructing a socialist modernized country. In the ongoing relay of hard work and heritage, script a splendid epic of youth that you’ll be proud of!”
During his address, Professor Feng Yu, representing the faculty, shared his personal academic journey and growth experiences with the students. He urged them to aspire to be individuals with lofty ambitionsas they navigate the path of personal development. He encouraged them to be persevering dreamers, akin to those who possess deep valleys in their hearts, and to be kind-hearted and warm individuals, embodying the spirit of diligence and resilience along their journey. Professor Feng Yu also extended his wishes for the students, hoping that they treasure their youth, live up to its essence, and embrace a promising future, where their lives shine brightly.
Liu Yansong, alumnus representativefrom the 1991 class of Industrial Product Design,and Executive Vice President of the Beijing Alumni Association,gave the speech.In his speech,helooked back on the precious moments of studying and living at the alma mater 32 years ago. He cautioned the younger students who are just stepping out of the campus to endure solitude and stay true to their original aspirations. Liu emphasized the importance of avoiding mechanical repetition in their careers and striving for the integration of knowledgewithaction. He highlighted the necessity of upholding principles while fostering innovation, stressing the significance of serving both the nation and society.
Undergraduate student Ma Songyuan from the School of Material Science and Chemical Engineering, Master’s graduate Wang Zuoqi from the School of Marxism, Doctoral graduate Yin Chao from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and international student Rose from the School of Foreign Languages jointly delivered a speech.They unanimously expressed affirmedthat they will stand shoulder to shoulder on the path of inheritance, and stride forward hand in hand in the journey of endeavor.
During the graduation ceremony, a special event titled“Passing onthe HUSTSpirit”was arranged. Six outstanding representatives of graduates from bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, along with their five successive mentors, participated in thepassing on of“Hengxing”(symbolic medallion).Heartfelt blessingswereconveyed to the graduating students through a combination of online and offline interactionsby representatives offive generations of dedicated educators,includingProfessor Li Zhenjia, a lifelong honorary professor at HarbinUniversity of Science and Technology, recipient of special allowances from the State Council, and honored multiple times as a labor model, technological elite, outstanding scientific talent in Heilongjiang Province, currently aged 90; Professor Yu Huili, Heilongjiang Province’s first distinguished teaching teacher, five-time recipient of the Outstanding Teacher and Model Teacher titles in Heilongjiang Province, currently aged 79; Professor Liu Xianli,aLongjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor, a national model teacher, recipient of the National May 1st Labor Medal and special allowances from the State Council; Professor Yue Caixu, recipient of Heilongjiang Province’s Youth May Fourth Medal and Longjiang scholar“Young Scholar”; and Associate Professor Liu Qiang, recipient of the HarbinUniversity of Science and Technology’s Youth May Fourth Medal and Heilongjiang Province’s Outstanding Youth Fund.Guo Jiali, Deputy Secretary of the School Party Committee, delivered a speech and presented the“Hengxing”to the faculty and students. The“Hengxing,”symbolizing the spirit and culture of HarbinUniversity of Science and Technology, was passedonsuccessively by diligent individuals embodying these values. What waspassed onwas not just the spirit but also the responsibility. The“Hengxing”medallion is symbolically dispersed into multiple torches, signifying the 230,000 outstanding alumni of our institution spread across the country, dedicated to the original aspiration and mission of“serving the country through science and technology,”igniting the invaluable spirit of HarbinUniversity of Science and Technologyand passing it on.
At the end of the graduation ceremony, the graduating classcounselorstook the stage to perform the song“Flowers Pave the Path to the Future”for all the graduating students. All the school leaders and teachers stood up, applauding and bidding farewell to the Class of 2023, as they embarked on their new journey in life. (Photography: Geng Hongjie, Sun Xuesong, Yun Chenhao, He Zhaolei)
The graduation ceremony scene
Singing the national anthem
President Liu Xia delivered a speech at the graduation ceremony
Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Guo Jiali, delivered a speech and presented the“Hengxing”awards to the teachers and students
Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Zhao Shuishan, presided over the graduation ceremony
Vice President Chen Qingguo announced the decision regarding the graduation and degree conferral of undergraduate students
