Congrats on graduation! From Fudan to infinity and beyond...

On June 16, Fudan University commencement ceremonies 2023 for undergraduates and postgraduates were held.

The commencement ceremony 2023for undergraduates

President of Fudan University Jin Li delivered an inspiring speech in which he urged the Class of 2023 to cultivate their intrinsic motivation to strive for greatness. He suggested three ways for students to motivate themselves: to see the development of the country and the needs of the people as one’s own responsibility, to find one’s passion for life and keep up the hard work, and to be keen on pursuing excellence and pushing past one’s limits.

Zhao Dongyuan, academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences and professor of chemistry, shared how he had grown from a confused graduate to an outstanding researcher in chemistry. He encouraged the students to always seek the truth, dare to question established beliefs and be bold in their innovation.

Yu Weifeng, an alumni representative graduated from the School of Law said, Fudan had taught him not only the ability to locate, analyze and solve problems, but also the important lesson that we should never give up on our ambitions and values.

Zhu Chenlang, a representative of the Class of 2023 from the School of International Relations and Public Affairs found that his lifelong passion was in academic research during his time in Fudan. He said, the ambition of every individual should serve for the greater good of the society, and he was glad to contribute to the society through academic research.

Pascal Kwangari, an international student from Zimbabwe and representative of the Class of 2023, thanked Fudan for helping him turn his medical dreams into reality. He stressed that classroom learning on campus and clinical internships at hospital provided him with theoretical knowledge, clinical skills and invaluable experiences. He hoped that one day, he could take what he learned back to save lives back in his home country. 

The commencement ceremony 2023for postgraduates

President Jin Li expressed his hope for postgraduates that no matter what the graduates do in the future, they could contribute their wisdom and strength to the country’s modernization and to the well-being of mankind, that in order to overcome difficulties and challenges, they could keep the good habit of lifelong learning, stick to what they do and be innovative, and that they could go out their comfort zone, cooperate with others and work in a team to succeed.

Sun Xiangchen, dean of the School of Philosophy, shared his thoughts after 30 years of working at Fudan right after he graduated with a master’s degree. He advised the students that the most important thing in life is to find a way to give back to the society. As long as they find pleasure in what they do and keep at it, they will make great achievements one day.

Liu Jintao, a graduate of the Department of Chemistry from the Class of 1987, studied organic chemistry in university and dabbled in materials science, chemical engineering and machinery after entering the workforce. He urged students to engage in lifelong learning, continuously enrich and improve themselves, and thereby driving their personal growth through zero-to-one innovation and interdisciplinary innovation.

Zhu Liyuan, a PhD candidate from the School of Microelectronics, has been engaged in the development of new low-power micro-nano gas sensing chips. In her five years of research, she has not only enhanced her research capability and made achievements, but also become more resilient in the face of setbacks on the way to realizing her ambitions.

Lin Youpei, a PhD candidate from Zhongshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, mentioned that the Fudan spirit of unity, service, and sacrifice and the ideal of serving the community upheld by Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University becam    e the driving force of his continuous efforts despite limited progress in his research in the first four years of his doctoral study. Thanks to his persistence, in the fifth year, his findings were published in a prominent journal in the field of oncology.

Zheng Zhiyuan, a PhD candidate from the School of Mathematical Sciences, was wheeled to the center of the stage. Despite the physical challenges and inconveniences brought about by his upper limb amputation, Zheng Zhiyuan’s passion for knowledge never once diminished. After some 2,000 days and nights of hard work, the university proudly conferred him the doctoral degree. When he held up the graduation certificate, applause and cheers erupted from the audience.

May every Fudan graduate tap their potential to the fullest in their future study or work. From Fudan to infinity and beyond!

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