On July 1, the Xingqing Campus Stadium of Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU) was filled with anticipation as the commencement ceremony for the undergraduate Class of 2023 held. The melodious voices of the 3,966 students echoed through the air, as they were to embark on their journey towards a promising future.

Attending the ceremony were Lu Jianjun, secretary of the CPC XJTU Committee; Wang Shuguo, president of XJTU; Hou Xun and An Zhisheng, academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Qiu Aici, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Tao Wenquan, Zhou Weijian, He Yaling, and Guan Xiaohong, academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Wang Shuangming, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Xi Guang, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC XJTU Committee and XJTU vice-president; Ma Bohu, deputy secretary of the CPC XJTU Committee and secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission; Chai Wei and Lyu Yi, members of the Standing Committee of the CPC XJTU Committee and XJTU vice-presidents; Zhang Dinghong, Cheng Jin, and Chen Teng, members of the Standing Committee of the CPC XJTU Committee. Also in attendance were members of the Academic Degrees Evaluation Committee, deans and Party secretaries of all schools, chairpersons of the sub-academic degrees evaluation committees, directors of the academic committees, deputy Party secretaries, and deputy deans, heads of all colleges and departments. Additionally, representatives from more than 30 media organizations at the provincial and municipal levels were present at the ceremony  presided by Hong Jun, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC XJTU Committee and XJTU vice-president.

Lu Jianjun, secretary of the CPC XJTU Committee, delivers a speech during the ceremony on July 1.

During the ceremony, Lu commended the outstanding graduates, graduate cadres, and graduates employed in key grassroots units. He awarded the title "Outstanding Graduate" to 900 undergraduates and the title of "Outstanding Graduate Cadre" to 219 undergraduates. He also recognized 22 graduates who chose to work in the national defense and military industries in China's western regions, and those who were accepted as selected candidates.

"Your dedication to the cause of the Party and the country, and your contribution to human civilization, are the best rewards for your alma mater. We expect you to turn the pledge of 'Please rest assured, we are ready to build a powerful China' into action. We eagerly await your achievements and triumphs," said Lu.

The era calls for responsibility, and striving creates the future. Lu conveyed his wishes to all graduates, urging them to cherish life, uphold kindness, practice self-discipline, maintain gratitude, and firmly hold on to their ideals and beliefs. He encouraged them not to let the era down and to fulfill their responsibilities and missions as XJTU students, making outstanding contributions unique to their generation.

Wang Shuguo, president of XJTU, delivers a speech during the ceremony on July 1.

Wang affectionately addressed the graduates in three points. First, he urged them to have a deep sense of responsibility for their country, to take on the mission of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and to aim  high to create historical achievements for their generation on the new journey. Second, he encouraged them to possess unwavering perseverance, to be diligent and face difficulties head-on, step by step, diligently forging ahead, continuously expanding the breadth and depth of their lives, and living life without regrets through hard work and dedication. Lastly, he emphasized the importance of having a pioneering and innovative spirit, being at the forefront of seizing new opportunities in the new era, grasping the laws of development, leading innovation with courage, continuously enhancing scientific thinking, and unleashing the vitality of innovation and creation.

Hong Jun, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC XJTU Committee and XJTU vice-president, delivers a speech during the ceremony on July 1.

During the ceremony, Hong presented an overview of the accomplishments of the 2023 graduates.

Gui Shengyue, an XJTU alumnus of 1981 who is now the executive director and CEO of Geely Holding Group, shared inspiring stories of fellow alumni from the XJTU Hong Kong Alumni Association.

Representing the faculty, Professor Xu Feng, the dean of the School of Life Science and Technology, recounted his personal journey at XJTU.

Huang Lihong, general manager of the Qingdao Branch of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited and representative of the parents, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the university.

Ren Chenghao from the School of Aerospace Engineering and the Wenzhi College, Zhang Shuyuan from the School of Electrical Engineering and the Nanyang College, Sailike Aizati from the Health Science Center and School of International Education, and Li Caiyong from the School of Physics and the Lizhi College delivered speeches as student representatives.

Graduates sing Ode to the Motherland together during the ceremony on July 1.

The ceremony reached its climax as the graduates recited a solemn oath, pledging their unwavering ideals and beliefs. Concluding the event, the entire assembly came together for a rendition of the university anthem, For the World's Light, a harmonious melody that embodied their dreams, soaring towards the horizon.

The commencement ceremony drew to a close with an inspiring rendition of Ode to the Motherland.