With youthful aspirations and dreams soaring high, the 2024 Commencement Ceremony of ZUFE was solemnly held on June 18 at the Xiasha Campus. ZUFE leaders, including Li Jinchang, Wei Jiang, Wang Kuiquan, Sun Xudong, Li Zhanrong, Dong Jincai, and Cheng Shuang, along with the heads of related functional departments of ZUFE, leaders of each school, faculty representatives, all graduates of 2024, and over 400 parent representatives attended the ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Xu Xiaodong, deputy secretary of ZUFE’s Party Committee.
Li Jinchang, secretary of ZUFE’s Party Committee presented personalized graduation keepsakes to graduates representatives. The keepsake, an ebony seal engraved with the graduate’s name, bears ZUFE’s emblem on the front and the motto “Pursuing virtue and academic excellence, and keeping pace with the times” on the back. It symbolizes auspiciousness, peace, and composure, encouraging graduates to embark on a new journey with perseverance and calmness, and to write their own stories of triumph and glory.
Wei Jiang, vice president (leading executive work) of ZUFE and deputy secretary of its Party Committee, delivered a speech entitled “Embracing the Spirit of Pragmatism to Become Well-rounded Individuals”. He reviewed the past four years spent together at ZUFE and encouraged graduates to uphold ZUFE’s spirit of “Cultivating virtue, diligent study, valuing practicality, fostering innovation” as they embark on new journeys.
Wei Jiang emphasized that it is through the spirit of “valuing practicality” that we can forge ahead steadily, keep pace with the times, and pursue excellence. He called on graduates to continuously practice this spirit by cherishing life and freedom, embracing lifelong learning, and maintaining gratitude, making the spirit of ZUFE the most enduring force in their lives. He further elaborated that the spirit of “valuing practicality” is concrete and deeply integrated with academic study and disciplinary missions: For students in Economics-related programs, it means “benefiting the nation, serving society” through integrating personal development into the practice of economic growth and wealth creation. With a strong sense of social responsibility, position yourself as a pioneer in the market economy. For students in management-related programs, it entails understanding human nature and pursuing harmony between individuals and society. For students in law-related programs, it requires adherence to both virtue and law, internalizing the rule of law into belief and action. For students in humanities-related majors, it signifies cherishing dreams, nurturing inner tranquility to influence others. For students in science and engineering-related programs, it reflects respect for natural laws-adapting to, revering, and transforming nature.
In his heartfelt remarks, Wei Jiang reminded graduates that the story of building ZUFE into a high-level university will be written alongside their innovation and dedication, and that ZUFE will always be a harbor to look back on, rely on, and trust.
During the ceremony, ZUFE’s leaders presented honorary certificates to the representatives of students who won the title of Outstanding Graduates of Zhejiang Province, or got admitted into famous universities at home and abroad for further education. Appointment certificates were also conferred to newly appointed alumni liaison members.
Dong Jincai, vice president of ZUFE and a member of its Party Committee, announced the list of 2024 provincial outstanding graduates and 215 undergraduates were awarded the title of “Outstanding Graduates of Zhejiang Province”.
Sun Xudong, a member of ZUFE’s Party Committee and secretary of ZUFE’s Party Commission for Discipline Inspection，announced the appointment of 150 alumni liaison members of 2024.
Professor Jin Chenglu, a faculty representative and vice dean of the School of Finance, likened university life to a “spree of spiritual and intellectual exploration”, encouraging students to cherish their original aspirations when looking back, to remain steadfast as they move forward, and to carry lifelong love and passion—loving what they love, while always remembering to “come home” to ZUFE.
Liao Yingzi, a Grade 2020 undergraduate representative major in Art Management of the School of Arts, shared her stories of striving and excelling at ZUFE. She pledged to write new chapters of shouldering youth responsibility in the journey of Chinese modernization through concrete actions.
Zuo Liguo, a Grade 2021 postgraduate representative major in Economics of Regulation of Zhejiang Research Institute of ZUFE-UCASS, reflected on his growth and experiences at ZUFE and expressed his determination to uphold ZUFE’s spirit in pursuing dreams and contributing to the nation and society.
A representative of the graduates’ parents, the mother of Xiang Surui, Class 2, Grade 2020 undergraduate major in Accounting (Joint-degree Program with Laurentian University, Canada), recounted Xiang’s journey at ZUFE. She hoped that students will reflect and grow through difficulties, and learn to understand and be tolerant, to exercise self-discipline and take responsibility, to be humble and grateful. She encourages them to become individuals with compassion, warmth, and a great love for humanity.
During the ceremony, graduate representatives presented flowers to their teachers and expressed their gratitude to ZUFE for its cultivation. The graduation music video Next Stop (下一站) was also premiered at the ceremony.
The ceremony was broadcast live on ZUFE’s official WeChat and Weibo accounts, allowing absent graduates, teachers, current students, alumni, and parents to witness the graduation ceremony together.
