On June 18, the 2026 commencement ceremony for Xidian University was held at the university gymnasium. With their alma mater’s heartfelt advice and boundless hopes for the future in their hearts, the graduates were about to bid farewell to campus and embark on a new journey in life.
A warm-up video played on a loop on the big screen, with familiar campus scenes, frame by frame, evoking cherished memories for the graduates.
“Code has shaped who I am, and the teachers’ original aspirations have given me warmth…” The university’s exclusive AI counselor appeared on the big screen as a “mystery guest,” using words that blended technological sophistication with heartfelt warmth to call on the entire audience to express their deep affection for their alma mater through song.
Vice President Wang Quan announced the decision to confer degrees on the Graduate students of 2026, and Vice President Zhang Jincheng announced the decision on commendations and awards. Subsequently, university leaders and representatives of the faculty presented certificates to graduate representatives.
In his speech, Chen Xueli—a faculty representative, professor at the School of Life Science and Technology, and recipient of a national-level talent award—reflected with deep emotion on her journey from an inexperienced student to an educator at the lectern, speaking in her dual capacity as both an “alumna” who studied at Xidian University and a mentor who has taught there for 23 years. He wished the graduates every success in writing a glorious chapter of youth as Xidian University alumni of the new era on the vast path ahead.
Hao Zhenkun, a member of the Class of 2026 in the School of Electronic Engineering, delivered a speech as a representative of the undergraduate students. Using the theme of “confidence,” he passionately shared the spiritual wealth his alma mater had bestowed upon him during his four years of study. He stated that all graduates would carry this sense of confidence with them as they chart their life’s course amid the tides of the times and contribute the energy of their youth to the nation’s development.
Yu Tianwei, a master’s student from the School of Physics, delivered a speech as a representative of the graduate students. Reflecting on his academic journey, he shared his experiences participating in research projects and practical research initiatives that integrated industry and education, and expressed a deep sense of mission to align his personal aspirations with the tide of the times and serve the nation’s critical needs. He sincerely thanked the university for enlightening his mind and nurturing his spirit, and the faculty members for their support. He stated that all graduating students would uphold the spirit of the university’s motto in the future.
President Gao Xinbo delivered a graduation address titled “Balancing Four Key Relationships to Navigate Life’s Long Journey,” serving as the students’ “final lesson” before graduation. He encouraged everyone to keep in mind the heartfelt exhortation to “set lofty aspirations to serve the nation and strengthen the country, and become steadfast, responsible strivers.” As the graduates prepared to depart, Gao Xinbo offered four pieces of advice on how to find their life’s direction amid changing times: First, uphold moral integrity, prioritize going far over going fast, and cultivate patience and resilience through self-reflection, building a solid foundation for future success; second, cherish your spiritual home, pursue mutual achievement rather than mutual exploitation, and ensure the spirit of Xidian University endures through your connection with your alma mater; Third, maintain a positive outlook, focusing more on the bright side and less on the dark side, and in your interactions with society, spread warmth and illuminate the path ahead; fourth, embrace a sense of national responsibility, giving more and seeking less in return, and in harmony with the nation, integrate the “individual” into the “greater good,” demonstrating Xidian’s sense of responsibility as you tackle challenges head-on.
As the familiar melody of the university anthem rang out, the entire audience of faculty and students sang in unison. Amid the rousing chorus, another cohort of Xidian students—carrying forward the revolutionary legacy and courageously shouldering the mission of our times—formally bid farewell to their alma mater, bearing its expectations and the heavy responsibilities of the era, and strode confidently toward the vast world ahead.
