The East China Normal University Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025 was held on the morning of June 19 on the grand lawn in front of the Minhang Campus Library. The ceremony was co-hosted by Prof. Yu Zhou from the School of Statistics and Chen Yuxiao, an undergraduate of the Class of 2025 from the School of Communication.
This year, ECNU conferred degrees on 9,353 graduates, including 5,512 postgraduates and 3,841 undergraduates. Among the Class of 2025, there was a steady increase in the proportion pursuing further education, along with growing enthusiasm for employment in national priority sectors and regions, such as education, information technology, and finance.
President of ECNU Qian Xuhong delivered a “final lecture” titled “Upheaval Breeds Hope, Hardship Elevates Fortune” to graduates embarking on new life journeys, weaving together the spirit of the times with humanistic philosophy.
When addressing how to become talents in the new era, Qian emphasized proactive adaptation to change and the cultivation of a “π-shaped knowledge-skill framework” spanning science, humanities, arts, engineering, and beyond. This model prioritizes synergy over comprehensive mastery: vertical specialization enabling dual-track breakthroughs, combined with horizontal cross-disciplinary connectivity for accelerated growth. “Followers only correct errors,” he noted, “while pioneers set the standards.”
Urging graduates to avoid the trap of complacency, Qian challenged them to transcend cultural “conflict zones,” venture into scientific “uncharted territories,” and become “beacons of light for humanity.” He stressed that mission acts as a guiding lighthouse, and only by discovering their era’s mission and igniting their inner drive can they avoid feelings of emptiness, to sustain perpetual creative momentum through relentless struggle.
President Qian Xuhong presented academic degree certificates to faculty and department heads, entrusting them to convey the honors and blessings to every graduate.
This year, 1,697 graduates received the Outstanding Graduate Award, including 588 Shanghai Municipal Outstanding Graduates and 1,109 university Outstanding Graduates. University leaders and distinguished guests presented awards to representative recipients.
“The Most Admired Teachers Elected by Students” Award for 2025 was given to ten educators. Mei Bing, Chair of the University Council, presented the awards to the recipients.
At the ceremony, “The Most Beloved Figures among Students”—campus security guards, canteen chefs, clinic doctors, library personnel, counselors, and other service providers—delivered farewell messages to graduates. Graduate representatives presented bouquets to staff who had worked diligently across various campus positions, expressing profound gratitude and respect.
As the alumni representative, Zhang Qingyuan (ECNU School of Geographic Sciences, Class of 1998), CEO of Kingsoft Office and a leading developer of WPS Office software, noted that rapid technological advances, from the PC era to the AI age, demand fundamentally different skill sets at each stage. “Graduation marks not the end of learning, but the beginning of lifelong education”, he emphasized, urging graduates to “make lifelong learning an intrinsic part of their lives”. Regarding artificial intelligence, Zhang observed that AI is reshaping all industries, stating, “Those who harness AI will shape the future.” He encouraged students to embrace transformation with optimism in this era of change.
Prof. Yuan Zhenguo from the Faculty of Education emphasized that the next decade will be “the era of AI Agent explosion”, where every individual will collaborate with multiple intelligent agents in both work and life. He highlighted that while artificial intelligence will replace numerous jobs, it will simultaneously create new forms of employment. “The key lies in whether we can harness technology with a humanistic spirit to adapt to and create new work paradigms,” he stated. Addressing technological anxiety, Yuan asserted: “The more AI advances, the more we must uphold humanistic ideals, guiding AI toward benevolence and ensuring it reflects the brilliance of humanity.”
Zhang Dongyi, a graduate from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, shared his growth journey over four years at ECNU. “As a Chinese literature major, I once believed my world was confined to books and manuscripts. Yet ECNU’s boundless academic environment, through its interdisciplinary curriculum and exchanges with peers from diverse fields in innovation and entrepreneurship projects, has transformed my perspective.” This cross-disciplinary exploration led him to realize: “True growth emerges when our minds shed constraints through intellectual collisions, a metamorphosis that breaks old barriers and births renewed selves.”
Sui Fengrui, a doctoral graduate from the School of Physics and Electronic Science, reflected that her five years at ECNU cultivated not only professional expertise but also a legacy of “serving the nation through scholarship”. She noted, “Though our paths differ, we share the goal of dedicating our youth where the motherland needs us most.”
Ole from Norway, a 2021 undergraduate from the School of International Chinese Studies, shared his story of growing up in China. During a hiking trip, an elderly Anhui woman whom he had not met before, offered to guide him. “Despite the language barrier, our journey transformed strangers into family. From that moment, Chinabecame my second home.” This encounter inspired the Nordic youth to master Chinese and build a bridge between Norway and China.
A cherished graduation tradition is the “Photo with the President”, an eagerly anticipated moment for each graduating class. After the graduation ceremony, President Qian, dressed in graduation robes, took photos with the graduates. The air resonated with the melodic strains of chamber music as students from the School of Music performed pieces including Canon and On Wings of Song, enhancing this touching farewell.
That evening, a graduation party transformed the library’s front lawn into a dazzling youth spectacle where lights and shadows intertwined. Well-prepared performances by faculty and students created a brilliant farewell celebration for the graduates.
In addition to the university-wide graduation ceremony, various faculties, departments, and colleges also hosted their graduation events, featuring diverse and well-planned activities.
ECNU will always be your home. We look forward to seeing the brilliant future that awaits you.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
