Peking University, Jul. 29, 2015: July 14th witnessed the commencement and the degree ceremony of the 2015 undergraduates at the Peking University Gymnasium, where 3035 undergraduates bade farewell to their past 4 years and started a new phase of life.
The ceremony was hosted by Ye Jingyi, vice chairman of Peking University Council. PKU Council Chairman Zhu Shanlu, PKU President Lin Jianhua and other college leaders attended the ceremony. Professor Tong Tanjun from School of Basic Medical Sciences (also CAS member), Professor Wen Lan from School of Mathematical Sciences (also CAS member), Zhao Wenquan, President and CEO of BlueFocus and honorary trustee of PKU, Professor Rao Yi from School of Life Sciences, alumni representatives who graduated 30/50 years ago, scholarship donator representatives and relatives and friends of the graduates were also invited.
A retrospective video marked the beginning of the ceremony, in which many iconic landmarks, activities and other elements pieced up a sparkling memory of the past 4-year time. What followed is a poem “Forever Campus” read by two elder professors and two young graduates. The lines “the soul of Peking University, the soul of China germinate right here, the campus is forever” were repeated with exuberant emotion, recalling a strong sense of mission from everyone’s heart.
One of the sweet moments of the ceremony was the reunion of the old and new graduates. Alumni representatives who have graduated for 30/50 years kept their promise with PKU, came back regardless of their old age, and congratulated the younger generation.
After a commendation of the Outstanding Graduates were the valedictory orations. The first was delivered by Wang Qingcan, 2011 undergraduate from School of Mathematical Sciences. On behalf of the graduates, he focused his speech on the true, the good and the beautiful of PKU, and hoped that every graduate would take the responsibility to build a better nation. From a biological perspective, Professor Rao Yi’s speech entitled “To Be a Man respected by Yourself” argued that everyone’s existence in the world is a miracle, and thus the graduates should always keep the human dignity and overcome the temptations and hardship in society. Later, as the representative of the alumni, Zhao Wenquan, President and CEO of the BlueFocus, talked about the chivalrous spirit in the new era. He offered three suggestions to the graduate: always remember the initial determinations, keep working hard and cherish the friendship.
Wang Qincan
Professor Rao Yi
Alumnus Zhao Wenquan
Lin Jianhua, President of PKU, first congratulated the students for their graduation and wished them a bright future. Afterwards, he shared the life stories of three PKU alumni Fan Jinshi, Zhang Yitang and Lv Zhi through a micro movie made by himself, encouraging the graduates to pursue their dreams, keep their promises and devote themselves to great deeds.
President Lin Jianhua
At the end of the ceremony, all the graduates stood up and sang the anthem of PKU with tearful smile. The 4-year undergraduate life came to an official termination. When the curtain falls, a brighter outlook is certain to appear ahead of it.
Reported by: Jin Panzhu
Edited by: Choisum Kwok
