On June 14, Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics (ZUFE) held its 2023 Commencement Ceremony and Degree Awarding Ceremony at the Xiasha Campus.
ZUFE leaders, including Li Jinchang, Zhong Xiaomin, Wang Kuiquan, Sun Xudong, Li Zhanrong, Dong Jincai, and Shentu Li, attended the ceremony. Besides, the heads of each functional department of ZUFE, deans of each school, deputy secretaries in charge of student affairs, representatives of faculties and parents of graduates, counselors of graduation classes, and all graduates of 2023 witnessed this wonderful and unforgettable moment. The ceremony was presided over by Dong Jincai, a member of ZUFE's Party Committee and vice president of ZUFE.
Li Jinchang, secretary of ZUFE's Party Committee, presented graduation souvenirs to the representatives of graduates. The souvenir, a black sandalwood seal inscribed with the name of the graduate, symbolized auspiciousness, peace, and serenity. On the front side of the seal was ZUFE's emblem, while the back side bore the school motto, "Pursuing virtue and academic excellence, and keeping pace with the times". It was hoped that the graduates would forge ahead with determination, holding steadfast to their aspirations and approaching life's challenges with composure, leaving their marks in the era with their unwavering dedication.
Zhong Xiaomin, deputy secretary of ZUFE's Party Committee and president of ZUFE, delivered a speech titled Upholding Fundamental Principles and Breaking New Ground, Advancing Unity and Coordination, and Setting Sail into a New Journey. He commended the graduates for their diligence and practicality, emphasizing their ability to grasp learning techniques, foster scientific thinking, build a strong academic foundation, gain advanced knowledge through academic competitions, hone vital skills in grassroots activities, and develop a well-rounded personality through cultural events. Their accomplishments embodied the spirit of the motto "Pursuing virtue and academic excellence, and keeping pace with the times", and they had witnessed and driven the rapid development of ZUFE.
Zhong Xiaomin encouraged the graduates to uphold fundamental principles in their life paths. He advised them to remain faithful to their ideals, strive to be the new era's great young generation, a generation with ideals, a sense of responsibility, grit, and dedication. As they endeavor to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects, their youth and vitality will bloom in full splendor. He encouraged them to uphold cultural values, maintain cultural confidence and use traditional Chinese culture to strengthen their souls, safeguarding their spiritual homeland against the materialistic world. He also advocated for nurturing noble characters and maintaining personal moral boundaries, urging them to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty, thus consistently reaching new heights in their life journeys.
He expressed the hope that graduates would utilize innovation as their guiding force, keeping pace with the times, unleashing their creative potential, and exploring new opportunities for growth with the spirit of creators and pioneers. Graduates were urged to adopt a problem-driven, interest-fueled approach, breaking boundaries and challenging existing limits to continuously evolve like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, making innovation an eternal hallmark of Zufers.
Zhong Xiaomin further encouraged graduates to value cooperation as they navigated the turbulent waters of life. He hoped that they would embrace cooperation, adapt to team dynamics, and work together toward common goals. Through this approach, they could harness the power of unity, where the sum of their collective efforts would be greater than individual contributions in tackling various obstacles in life.
He concluded by emphasizing no matter where their future paths might lead, regardless of the distance traveled, graduates would forever remain connected to ZUFE, with their alma mater serving as a spiritual haven. Lastly, he wished the graduates a prosperous future brimming with unwavering determination.
Speaking on behalf of the faculty, Chen Wufeng, the director of the Jurisprudence and Administrative Law Department of the School of Law, hoped that graduates would employ their unwavering beliefs, positive attitudes, and a courageous spirit to confront risks and embrace the challenges of the new era. She also encouraged them to retain their enthusiasm, pursue lifelong learning, take on social responsibilities, and become well-rounded, independent-thinking citizens.
Xu Guanhua, an alumnus graduated in 2003 and chairman of Zhejiang Yiheng Investment Management Co., Ltd., shared unique insights into the era of artificial intelligence. Drawing lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, he encouraged graduates to embrace this extraordinary and transformative new era with braveness, whether in seeking employment, furthering their studies, or embarking on entrepreneurial ventures. He also advised them to set their direction, nurture their dreams, and fearlessly embrace the exciting "game" of life.
Zhou Zihan, a representative of the graduates, from Class 2 of Accounting 2019 of the School of Accounting, expressed her commitment to uphold the ZUFE's motto "Pursuing virtue and academic excellence, and keeping pace with the times". She pledged to embody the spirit of ZUFE, which emphasizes "Cultivating virtue, diligent study, benefiting the nation, serving society, valuing practicality, fostering innovation, and fearlessly pioneering". Zhou Zihan conveyed her determination to be a person of integrity and enterprise, someone grounded in reality yet brimming with passion, and an individual unafraid of hardships who would continuously ascend to new heights. She also encouraged fellow graduates to tackle challenges and break through barriers, ensuring they live up to the unique spirit of Zufers.
Ms. Shen Fenjuan, a representative of the graduates' parents and mother of Ding Li, a graduate from Class 2 of Applied Statistic 2019 of the School of Data Sciences, expressed her gratitude for ZUFE's guidance in nurturing students. She hoped that graduates would maintain their initial aspirations, continue their journey with determination, express gratitude, and walk the path of love and responsibility, embracing life’s warmth and moving toward their ideals and goals.
Wang Kuiquan, a member of ZUFE's Party Committee and vice president of ZUFE, read out the list of 2023 provincial outstanding graduates. He hoped that graduates would look up to these outstanding graduates, work hard, and move forward with determination.
Sun Xudong, a member of ZUFE's Party Committee and secretary of Commission for Discipline Inspection, announced the appointment of alumni liaison officers.
ZUFE leaders awarded honorary certificates to the representatives of students who won the honorary title of provincial outstanding graduates, and to the representatives of graduate students who got admitted into famous universities at home and abroad for further education.
At the ceremony, the representatives of graduates reported to their alma mater and presented flowers to their teachers, expressing their deep gratitude. Furthermore, 108 students were appointed as alumni liaison officers of the graduates of 2023.
Besides, the music video for 2023 graduates Hello and Goodbye was premiered. The graduates' heart-touching melodious rendition encapsulated their sentimental farewell to their alma mater. The audience followed the melody and waved their cell phones into a sea of stars. Graduates were encouraged to carry these shining memories of their youth as they set off courageously on their new life journeys.
The degree awarding ceremony followed the graduation ceremony, in which ZUFE leaders and professors awarded degree certificates to the graduates' representatives, turned the tassels, conferred degrees on the graduates one by one, and took photos with them.
The ceremony was live streamed on ZUFE's official WeChat and Weibo accounts, allowing graduates, faculties, students, alumni, and parents who could not come to the site to witness the commencement ceremony and degree awarding ceremony.
(Reporter: Yu Rong)
