We’ve graduated! HIE Held the 2024 Commencement and Degree Award Ceremony

Blooming osmanthus and singing cicadas in midsummer mark another year of celebration. On the morning of June 18, our school’s 2024 Commencement and Degree Award Ceremony was held in the gymnasium. Attendees included Huang Xin, Secretary of the CPC HIE Committee; Yi Bing, Vice Secretary of the CPC HIE Committee and President; Qi Luliang, member of the CPC HIE Committee and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission; Zhang Xiaogang, member of the CPC HIE Committee and Vice President; Xiang Qian, Vice Secretary of the CPC HIE Committee; Wei Kexiang and Wu Zhijun, members of the CPC HIE Committee and Vice Presidents; Jiang Pinghai, President of the Guangdong Alumni Association; along with all executive-level officials, mentor representatives, class advisers, counselors, parents, and outstanding alumni representatives. The ceremony was chaired by Zhang Xiaogang.

Dr. Zou Hongxiang from the School of Mechanical Engineering delivered a speech representing the faculty. He shared three insights: Firstly, the present is the best choice; secondly, self-confidence is the best version of oneself; and thirdly, diligence is the best tool for success.

“At this moment, I wish all of you to reach for your own moons, becoming solitary suns, forever walking on paths adorned with blossoms. I also hope that every student from our university, with a pure heart, will achieve growth and success in their respective life journeys, and shine with their own brilliant light!” This heartfelt message was delivered to graduating students by Wu Xinyue, representing the School of Management, Business Administration, Class of 2021.

Alumni representative Liu Liming from Hunan Jiujui Intelligent Environmental Protection Co., Ltd. shared several pieces of advice with the graduates: Firstly, establish clear and firm goals, treating dreams as your steed and beginnings as your destination. Secondly, always maintain trust in yourself, believing in your abilities and potential. Lastly, no matter how great the difficulties and setbacks you encounter, never easily give up.

Tang Changsheng, representing the graduates of the School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, shared his reflections: “In the four years at HIE, we’ve had brilliant researchers excelling in their fields, academic stars who have dominated their studies, confident emerging teachers, and those of us who continue to strive for our dreams. We are all indispensable parts of the magnificent portrait that is the Class of 2020. I hope that the Class of 2024 graduates can carry the advice from counselors and teachers, the blessings from classmates, and the expectations of parents, and write even more brilliant chapters in their new journey of life!”

Following that, Wang Xiaokang, representative of the graduating class of 2024 postgraduates, led the graduates in reciting the graduation oath.

President Yi Bing extended warm congratulations and heartfelt blessings to the graduates in his address titled “Guiding Youth and New Quality Productive Forces Towards Dual Development.” He addressed how students from HIE can leverage their qualities in this promising era and capitalize on opportunities, emphasizing three key points: Firstly, having ideals and striving for higher goals; secondly, daring to shoulder responsibilities and exploring new paths; and thirdly, enhancing capabilities and striving for excellence. President Yi passionately encouraged his students, urging them to “embrace life with an open mind under all circumstances,” fearlessly confront challenges, reach greater heights, explore new horizons, and realize even more ambitious dreams!

During the degree award ceremony, the graduating class of 2024, dressed in neat academic attire, brimming with excitement, received their mortarboards and tassels from all members of the CPC HIE Committee, institute leaders, and deans of each academic college.

Secretary Huang Xin, using the university motto “Making Steady Efforts, Dare to Be the First” as his starting point, conveyed his message to the graduating class of 2024: “Making steady efforts” implies a continuous and steadfast effort, akin to carving or engraving, emphasizing the incremental accumulation towards achieving goals, both in endeavors and personal conduct. It underscores the importance of persistence and resilience in our pursuits. On the other hand, “Dare to Be the First” embodies the spirit of breaking through barriers and advancing boldly. It signifies our innovative drive and leadership potential ingrained within. Upholding these values, HIErs can navigate change, foster innovation, gain competitive advantages, achieve significant milestones, and continually surpass expectations from “1” to “N”. He encourages the graduating class of 2024 to embark on their journey with unwavering ideals and beliefs and create “new glory” through “making steady efforts”; to embrace life’s dreams and courageously shoulder “new responsibilities” through “making steady efforts”; to embrace change and innovation and forge ahead into “new journeys” with the boldness to “dare to be the first”.

At the end of the ceremony, teachers and students sang the university anthem together, marking the successful conclusion of the graduation ceremony.

May all graduates bravely embark on their journey to embrace the era of great changes, to achieve a better self, and to fulfill the beautiful Chinese Dream! With vast skies above and boundless seas beyond, never fear solitude; across thousands of miles of travel, remember, you have old friends at HIE. On the journey of life, may you uphold the spirit of HIE’s motto “Making Steady Efforts, Dare to Be the First” in the pursuit of your dreams and aspirations, and live out your best selves. May you continue to shine brightly in our motherland, and contribute to the lasting glory of HIE for your generation!

(Reviewed by Wang Jiayi, Gong Qian)