SJTU SIPA Holds 2025 Graduate Commencement Ceremony and Degree Conferral
2025/4/2 18:33:19
On the afternoon of March 27, the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) hosted the 2025 Graduate Commencement Ceremony and Degree Conferral at the New Building’s Room 319 Auditorium. The event was attended by SIPA Dean Wu Jiannan, Party Secretary Shen Lidan, Deputy Party Secretary Li Zhenquan, Vice Deans Liu Bangcheng, Zhang Lufa, and Wei Yingjie, as well as Deputy Party Secretary Cheng Yin. Faculty representatives, administrative staff, graduates, and their families and friends also joined the celebration. The ceremony was chaired by Vice Dean Huang Qixuan.
A Message of Inspiration and Responsibility
In his address, Dean Wu Jiannan extended heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 graduates, delivering a speech themed "The Road Ahead Is Long, but Looking Back, It Shines." He shared three key reminders for the graduates as they embark on new journeys:
Remember SIPA’s founding mission—To dedicate one’s life to the nation and contribute to the prosperity of future generations. He encouraged graduates to set ambitious goals and use their expertise to solve real-world challenges in their workplaces, cities, and communities.
Embody SIPA’s motto—"Erudition, Virtue, Progress, and Harmony." He urged graduates to cultivate a spirit of diligence, become practitioners of knowledge and action, and navigate value conflicts with both integrity and wisdom.
Cherish their time at SJTU—He encouraged them to carry forward the resilience they developed at university, embracing both smooth and challenging times with determination. He emphasized the importance of taking responsibility and striving for excellence, not only in moments of success but also when overcoming adversity.
Expectations for the Graduates
On behalf of the faculty, Professor Yi Chengzhi congratulated the graduates and outlined four aspirations:
Embrace a global vision—He encouraged students to shoulder the responsibilities of their era with a commitment to public service and societal well-being.
Apply knowledge in practice—He urged graduates to analyze problems innovatively, solve challenges scientifically, and drive real-world change with pragmatic actions.
Foster mutual growth—By maintaining an open and inclusive mindset, he encouraged them to grow alongside their peers, contributing to collective progress.
Pursue excellence—He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement in order to achieve personal and professional success.
Although unable to attend in person, Class of 2022 master’s Program Advisor Zhang Chuanyong shared a heartfelt video message, reflecting on students’ growth and transformation throughout their time at SJTU. He expressed his pride in their achievements and encouraged them to carry the confidence instilled by their education into the wider world.
Voices of the Graduates
Graduating student Zhou Yi delivered a speech titled "Becoming a SIPA Graduate with Conviction." She reflected on her enriching academic journey at SJTU and expressed sincere gratitude to the faculty and institution. She emphasized that the spirit of perseverance defines SIPA, urging her fellow graduates to remain courageous in the face of challenges, to always appreciate their roots, and to respond to the uncertainties of the future with wisdom and bravery.
Deputy Party Secretary Cheng Yin announced the list of graduates recognized as Outstanding Graduates of Shanghai and Outstanding Graduates of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Vice Deans Liu Bangcheng and Zhang Lufa presented awards to the honorees, encouraging all graduates to take inspiration from their peers, uphold their aspirations, and contribute to the nation’s development.
A Ceremony Marking a New Beginning
Accompanied by solemn music, the degree conferral ceremony officially commenced. Wearing their academic regalia, graduates walked onto the stage one by one. Dean Wu Jiannan performed the traditional tassel-turning gesture and offered his congratulations, while Party Secretary Shen Lidan formally presented each graduate with their degree certificate.
Deputy Party Secretary Li Zhenquan announced the newly appointed class representatives and presented them with appointment letters, encouraging them to maintain strong connections with their alma mater and foster alumni relations.
A Lasting Connection to SIPA
Professors Liu Hongsong, Chen Jie, and Guo Junhua presented graduates with farewell gifts—custom-designed academic robes and a Liuliu Night Lamp, SIPA’s symbolic mascot. The school also prepared commemorative Sailing Cards, a token of encouragement for graduates to embark on their future journeys with confidence.
As a gesture of gratitude, graduates Zeng Weiwei and Liu Tianying presented a commemorative wooden plaque inscribed with messages from the Class of 2025. Shaped to form the numbers "2025," the plaque represents the graduates’ collective memories and their deep appreciation for SIPA’s mentorship. The graduating class pledged to carry forward SIPA’s values in their future endeavors and contribute to society with their knowledge and skills.
Words of Encouragement for the Future
Party Secretary Shen Lidan delivered a closing message centered around three key themes:
Setting new aspirations—She encouraged graduates to embrace change with a sense of duty, contributing to China’s development in a time of global transformation.
Charting new paths—She urged them to embrace innovation, shaping the future in fields such as digital governance, international regulations, and public policy.
Embarking on new journeys—She emphasized the importance of perseverance, reminding graduates that true success lies in contributing to the greater good rather than seeking personal gain alone.
She concluded with a heartfelt blessing, likening the graduates to phoenixes soaring into the skies of national rejuvenation and sycamore trees growing into the pillars of society.
In a final tribute, graduates presented bouquets to their professors, expressing their profound gratitude for the guidance and support they received throughout their studies.
