On the morning of July 2, the commencement ceremony for the postgraduate students of 2023 was held at iHarbour of Xi'an Jiaotong University (XJTU). A total of 6,183 students bid farewell to their alma mater, ready to embark on new journeys in their lives.

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; members of the Academic Degrees Evaluation Committee, deans and Party secretaries of all the schools, chairpersons of the sub academic degrees evaluation committees, directors of the academic committees, deputy Party secretaries, and deputy deans and heads of all the colleges and departments. Additionally, representatives from more than 30 media organizations at the provincial and municipal levels attended the graduation ceremony. The ceremony was presided over 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 2.

During the ceremony, Lu announced the decision to commend outstanding graduates, outstanding graduate cadres, and graduates employed in key grassroots units. He awarded the title of "Outstanding Graduate" to 636 students and the title of "Outstanding Graduate Cadre" to 311 students. He also recognized 253 students who chose to work in national defense and military industries in China's western regions, and those who were accepted as selected candidates.

"Your boundless energy and potential are remarkable. Your actions will carry the unwavering patriotism, aspirations for a strong nation, and dedication to serving the country that all XJTU alumni hold dear. No matter where your path leads or what challenges you encounter, your alma mater will always be your unwavering supporter and spiritual harbor," said Lu.

Lu also urged all graduates to cultivate a broad, tolerant, and compassionate character, continually enhance their communication, collaboration, and professionalism, and to remember the guidance of the Party Central Committee. With the vigor of youth and an unwavering spirit of determination, he encouraged them to unleash their potential as pioneers of the new era.

Wang Shuguo, president of XJTU, delivers a speech in the rain during the ceremony on July 2.

In his heartfelt address to the graduates, Wang emphasized three key points. Firstly, he urged them to cherish the opportunities of the new era. With the Fourth Industrial Revolution making a profound impact, the world is undergoing significant development, transformation, and adjustment. Against this backdrop, he called upon the graduates to shoulder the mission of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, to ignite their youthful ideals, and become resolute dream pursuers guided by unwavering beliefs. Secondly, Wang encouraged them to embrace the national mission, becoming trailblazers who forge new paths. He encouraged them to stride forward with the "acceleration" of their youth. Lastly, he advised them to embark on their new journey with practicality, courage, wisdom, and a spirit of scientific and innovative thinking. He urged them to become forward-thinking contributors and pioneers, ceaselessly striving for excellence and creating extraordinary lives through their endeavors.

Hong Jun, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC XJTU Committee and XJTU vice-president, delivers a speech during the ceremony on July 2.

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

Sun Chenhua, an alumnus of XJTU from the class of 1982 and currently serving as the chief scientist of the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, shared his personal experiences in education and work.

Yang Shuming, executive dean of the Joint School of Design and Innovation, professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, and a doctoral supervisor, expressed his expectations and wishes for the graduating students.

Representatives Zhang Shuyuan from the School of Mechanical Engineering, Wang Zhiguo from the School of Aerospace Engineering, Ma Rui from the School of Economics and Finance, and Weixuan from the Health Science Center and School of International Education delivered speeches on behalf of the students.

Graduates sing Ode to the Motherland during the ceremony on July 2.

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 collective rendition of the university anthem, For the World's Light, a harmonious melody that embodies their dreams, soaring towards the horizon.

With the inspiring melody of Ode to the Motherland, the commencement ceremony drew to a close.