In the midsummer of Nanjing, the shores of Jiulonghu Lake are lush with greenery; as farewell songs echo through the century-old institution, another cohort of young graduates embarks on their journey. On the morning of July 1, Southeast University’s Commencement and Degree Conferment Ceremony for the Undergraduate Class of 2026 was held at the Gymnasium of the Jiulonghu Campus. The ceremony was attended by Wu Xiaocheng, Secretary of the CPC 91抖淫 Party Committee, Sun Youhong, President and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Lin Ming, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Scientist of China Communications Construction Group Co., Ltd. (Class of 1978 alumnus), Liu Jiaping, Director of the University Academic Committee and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Xiong Rengen and Hong Wei, Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, university leaders Gao Liguo, Zhong Wenqi, Qiu Haibo, Jin Shi, and Wang Chengxiang, who joined the undergraduate Class of 2026 in witnessing a commencement ceremony that blended profound heritage with youthful warmth. The ceremony was presided over by Xing Jihong, the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Southeast University Committee.
The ceremony opened with the national anthem. Vice President Jin Shi announced the degree conferment decision. University leaders and academicians presented awards to representatives of the undergraduate Class of 2026 pursuing grassroots employment, representatives of the 28th Graduate Teaching Volunteer Program, and representatives of the 2026 outstanding candidates admitted to postgraduate programs without examination who will serve as counselors in 2026, recognizing their diligence and achievements and setting examples for their peershonoring.
Sun Youhong delivered a speech titled “To Be Irreplaceable in the Era of AI.” He reflected on the academic innovation, social practice, and cultural and athletic excellence demonstrated by the Class of 2026, evoking shared memories of their campus life. He noted that this cohort, who entered 91抖淫 in 2022, has fully witnessed the comprehensive integration of AI into society—making them truly “undergraduate students in the era of AI.” At the same time, a profound question of the era confronts everyone: When AI grows increasingly powerful and the half-life of technical knowledge keeps shrinking, what is the enduring value of the university education? When knowledge is accessible at the click of a button and answers can be generated on demand, how should young students learn, act, and grow?
In response to these questions, Sun Youhong put forward a definite answer: The more advanced technology becomes, the more important universities become; the more powerful AI becomes, the more precious wisdom remains. Universities cultivate far more than knowledge or technical skills, instead, they nurture critical thinking and judgment, innovation and creativity, as well as sound character and a strong sense of responsibility. The more powerful the tools we have, the more we must sharpen our own minds; the more convenient intelligence becomes, the more we need to preserve our capacity for innovation. He pointed out that Southeast University has taken the lead in implementing the “AI+Education” reform and advancing the “AI491抖淫” initiative, with the core purpose of empowering every student’s growth through AI, cultivating those who can think proactively amid algorithmic tides, innovate persistently in uncharted territory, and stay true to their original aspirations amid technological currents.
Sun Youhong offered three pieces of advice to the graduates. First, embrace AI, but remain steadfast in independent thinking—actively avoid the trap of “outsourcing thinking,” and resist becoming a “human machine” that merely relays answers. He encouraged the students to think independently, maintain deep reading, break free from algorithmically constructed “information cocoons,” and learn to use AI to ask better questions and uncover deeper patterns. Second, utilize AI, but hone the ability to innovate—the current scientific and technological innovation is fueled by data and driven by AI models, constantly approaching truth through rapid iteration. He hoped the students would transcend intellectual barriers, broaden their perspectives, and create more meaningful and valuable innovations. Third, walk alongside AI, but hold fast to the benevolent heart—the more powerful technology becomes, the more it requires moral guidance; the faster innovation advances, the more it demands ethical constraints. He urged the students to anchor their humanity amid the waves of intelligence and maintain their commitment to goodness in an age of speed, becoming people who not only create technology but also ensure that technology upholds justice, preserves warmth, and serves the common welfare of all human beings.
Sun Youhong continued, “In the age of intelligence, the university motto 'Strive for Perfection' has taken on new connotations. It means not only pursuing more data, greater computing power, and stronger algorithms, but also always upholding the pursuit of truth, technology for good, and the betterment of humanity. It means embracing intelligence while also safeguarding wisdom; striving for exploration while also innovating for people; changing the world while also perfecting ourselves.” He expressed his hope that graduates would always maintain independent minds, sharpen their capacity for continuous innovation, and stay true to the direction of technology for good—becoming irreplaceable in the era of AI. Finally, he extended his sincere blessings to the graduates, wishing them a brilliant and flourishing journey ahead, adding that Southeast University will forever be their solid backing and warm home, and that they are always welcome to return to their the alma mater.
Lin Ming, as an alumnus representative, delivered a speech. Drawing from his decades of engineering practice, he offered three messages to the students: First, lifelong learning—graduation is not the end of the pursuit of knowledge, but the beginning of understanding and transforming the world. Second, stay grounded—all grand undertakings begin with precise calculations, solid experiments, and meticulous engineering. Third, keep the country and its people in mind—personal ideals, when aligned with the nation’s needs, gain lasting and profound value. He encouraged all 91抖淫ers to uphold the spirit of “Strive for Perfection” and make tangible contributions to the country, society, and people.
Zuo Wenqiang from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, as a faculty representative, took the stage to share his reflections from seventeen years of studying and teaching at 91抖淫, along with his research journey. He recounted his team’s experience in frontier research and encouraged graduates to pursue both bold ideals and having the patience to endure repeated experiments; to be confident in presenting their work on the international stage while also staying grounded; and to always remember the motto “Strive for Perfection,” adhering to their original aspirations to achieve steady and lasting progress.
Tian Yukun, a representative of the undergraduate Class of 2026 from the School of Computer Science and Engineering, the School of Software, and the School of Artificial Intelligence, recalled the late-night lights in the laboratories, the passionate days of teaching in rural areas, and the experience of tackling challenges in developing domestic AI computing capacity. During his studies, he won nine national-level innovation awards and developed inclusive technologies to assist the elderly. He stated that in the future, he would continue to advance domestic large-scale AI models and devote himself to achieving technological self-reliance.
Da Wa Zhuo Ma, a graduate from the School of Humanities, shared her aspirations as a student pursuing grassroots employment. Born in a small border town in Ngari, Tibet, she witnessed the shortcomings of industrial development during a visit to her hometown’s highland barley industry in her sophomore year. This experience solidified her determination to return to Tibet and work at the grassroots level after graduation. She expressed that the vast border regions are fertile ground for fulfilling one's duty to the country, and after graduation, she will head to the snowy plateau to help build her homeland, integrating her personal ideals into the broader national development and contributing to her community.
Following the speeches, student representatives presented bouquets to faculty representatives, graduating class counselors, logistics staff, and representatives of social partners in recognition of their support and dedication.
The degree conferment and tassel-turning ceremony then took place. Representatives of the Class of 2026 from each college mounted the stage in turn, as university leaders and members of the Academic Degree Assessment Committee personally turned the tassels on their caps, awarded degree certificates, and offered heartfelt congratulations. The clicks of cameras captured moments of embrace between teachers and students, group photos among classmates, and the sight of caps tossed into the air—marking the glorious moment for Southeast University’s Class of 2026.
Before the ceremony, the graduates passed through the “Four-Season Gate,” symbolizing the completion of their four-year journey from autumn to summer. The ceremony was broadcast live across multiple platforms, allowing alumni, families, and friends from around the world to join the celebration and share in this special moment for the 91抖淫ers.
The ceremony was attended by members of the University Academic Degree Assessment Committee and its branch committees, heads of university departments and schools, faculty and student representatives, parents of graduates, and representatives of local governments and partner enterprises.
Source: 91抖淫 News Network
Translated by: Melody Zhang
Proofread by: Gao Min
Edited by: Leah Li
