The graduation ceremony for East China Normal University’s Class of 2026 took place on the morning of June 16 on the spacious lawn in front of the Minhang Campus Library. The ceremony was co-hosted by Professor Chen Qiqing from the State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, and Wang Letong, an undergraduate graduate of the Class of 2026 from the School of Communication.
Academician Ma Yugang, President of ECNU, delivered a heartfelt commencement address to graduates stepping into brand-new life chapters. He pointed out that against fast global changes and challenges brought by artificial intelligence, every graduate should build a personal inner framework to guide their life journey.
President Ma put forward three core expectations for the cohort:
First, anchor yourselves in humanistic values to define the starting point of life. Stay authentic amid turbulent times and always hold fast to kindness and moral integrity as your core humanity.
Second, anchor yourselves in lifelong learning to broaden the breadth of life. Step beyond your comfort zone to explore uncharted territories, growing into innovative trailblazers who harness technology and keep evolving.
Third, anchor yourselves in dedication to the country and people to deepen the dimension of life. Let your individuality merge into the broader panorama of the times, and align your personal growth with national development needs.
This year, ECNU conferred degrees on 10,544 graduates, including 6,837 postgraduates and 3,707 undergraduates. Among the Class of 2026 graduates, some will pursue further studies to scale new heights in scientific research; some resolve to take up teaching positions to uphold and practice the Spirit of Educators; some will engage in strategic emerging industries to fuel economic and social progress; others will head for remote mountainous regions to advance rural revitalization.
President Ma Yugang presented academic degree certificates to faculty and department heads, entrusting them to convey the honors and blessings to every graduate.
This year, 1,788 graduates received the Outstanding Graduate Award, including 588 Shanghai Municipal Outstanding Graduates and 1,200 university Outstanding Graduates. University leaders and distinguished guests presented awards to representative recipients.
“The Most Admired Teachers Elected by Students” Award for 2026 was given to ten educators. Mei Bing, Chair of the University Council, presented the awards to the recipients.
Campus unsung heroes—campus security officers, cafeteria staff, medical workers, librarians, student counselors and other service team members—shared warm farewell messages at the ceremony. Graduate representatives presented bouquets to these diligent campus workers to express sincere gratitude and respect.
As graduates stand ready to bid farewell to campus and turn the page to a new chapter in life, faculty and mentors offer their sincere best wishes to these young scholars about to embark on their next great journey.
Ye Wenjie, General Manager of Wuhan Land Electronic Co., Ltd. and an alumnus from the Class of 1988 of the School of Computer Science and Technology, shared his journey of striving and insights on life as the alumni representative. Looking back on his past path, Ye acknowledged that his years of study at ECNU laid a solid foundation for his life and career. The pragmatic spirit and humanistic literacy nurtured by ECNU have consistently sustained him in overcoming difficulties and pursuing his dreams.
Drawing on years of ecological research, Professor Xia Jianyang, Dean of the School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, shared this set of life insights with the graduating class: “Life grows richer through diversity, endures through resilience, and becomes far more beautiful through mutual achievement.”.
At this shining moment dedicated to all graduates, three student representatives shared their youthful stories and reflections, embodying the sense of mission and responsibility held by young ECNUers.
Zhou Wenhao, undergraduate representative and a graduate majoring in Physics from the School of Physics, shared his reflections on growth. Value the strength of companionship, and bear in mind that "One may walk fast alone, but a group can go far together", making progress side by side through teamwork and collaboration.
Li Deyuan, postgraduate representative and Master’s graduate in Information and Communication Engineering from the School of Information and Electronic Engineering (School of Integrated Circuits Science and Engineering), will join DJI Innovations after graduation. He said, "The courage to forge ahead means being fearless pioneers who break down barriers and carve new paths for technological breakthroughs via independent innovation.”
Song Lile, international student representative and American undergraduate majoring in Chinese Language and Literature from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, recounted her inseparable bond with ECNU. She said emotionally, "No matter where life takes us, we will always be children of ECNU."
A cherished graduation tradition is the "Photo with the President", an eagerly anticipated moment for each graduating class. After the graduation ceremony, President Ma, dressed in graduation robes, took photos with the graduates. Melodies from string performances by School of Music students filled the air, filling the graduates’ precious graduation memories with unique warmth and joy.
That evening, the library front lawn was transformed into a dazzling venue for the graduation gala, wrapped in interwoven lights and shadows. Elaborately staged performances by faculty and students made it a splendid send-off for all graduating students.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Chase your dreams fearlessly, live up to your youth, and leave shining footprints in every path you take. No matter how far you wander or what new challenges await, ECNU will forever stand as your beloved home, a place you can always return to.
