At the foot of Cuiying Mountain in June, lush greenery abounds and farewell songs gently fill the air. On the afternoon of June 11, the 2026 Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences was held in Qinling Hall A108. The school's party and administrative leadership, faculty representatives, parents' representatives, and all 2026 undergraduate graduates gathered together to witness this solemn moment of youth setting sail, encouraging the graduates to carry forward the spirit of the school and "set off once again" into the vast land of their motherland.
A Prelude of Song: Treasuring Exclusive Memories at the Foot of Cuiying Mountain
"As we plunge into the sea of people, each with our own storms and sunshine." At the beginning of the ceremony, a warm flash mob chorus of the song "Ru Hai" (Into the Sea) was performed. The clear melody quickly ignited the atmosphere and evolved into a full-house singalong, marking the opening of this youthful celebration. Then, as light and shadow shifted, a commemorative video capturing four years of cherished youth and teacher-student relationships slowly unfolded on the big screen. From intense study sessions in the library to carefree running on the sports field; from late-night deliberations in seminar rooms to the dusty trails of field investigations–every familiar scene formed a chain of growth from youthful naivety to mature composure. These shining moments have become the most precious treasures in the luggage of the graduates as they embark on their future journeys.
Passing the Torch: The Long March Spirit Illuminates the Path Ahead
Over the four years of growth, the guidance and support of mentors have been indispensable. At the ceremony, Dean Li Yu delivered a speech on behalf of the school. He intertwined the glorious history of the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March with the profound heritage of the school's 80th anniversary, encouraging graduates to cherish faith as the Red Army soldiers did, and to stay grounded as the school's predecessors had done. He offered a heartfelt message to the graduates: "The most beautiful scenery is often found in the hardest-to-reach places. No matter where you go, carry the Lanzhou University spirit—'Strive for self-improvement, stand out from the crowd'—to every corner of the world."
Zhang Jun, homeroom teacher of the Class of 2022 (Physical Geography and Resource Environment program), delivered a speech as a faculty representative. With three key words—"truth-seeking", "emotional intelligence", and "lifelong learning"—he offered the graduating students their "final lesson" before stepping into society. "I do not expect you to astonish the world overnight, but I urge you to stay true to your heart", he said. He reminded the students to maintain a pursuit of genuine knowledge and a sensitivity to emotions when facing the uncertainties of the future. His warm and powerful words drew prolonged and enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Graduate Representative: Shouldering Responsibility and Writing the School's Answer on the Land of the Motherland
"Geography has taught us not only knowledge, but also the courage to bend down low and the power to integrate knowing with doing." Yan Bijiao, a graduate representative majoring in Human Geography and Urban-Rural Planning, looked back affectionately on her four-year journey of "taking root". From recording climate change beside the snowline of the Qilian Mountains to following in the footsteps of sand-control pioneers amid the shifting sands of the Tengger Desert, students of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences have measured the land of Longyuan with their feet and written their theses on the soil of western China.
"Teaching and teaching, for seeking truth." At the ceremony, the school honored outstanding graduates. From recipients of the "Truth-seeking Scholarship" to representatives of the "Lanzhou University Outstanding Graduates", and to the newly appointed alumni liaisons who will carry forward the bonds of friendship, behind each honor lies four years of refined character shaped by the school—and the enduring legacy of "Once a Zihuan student, forever a Zihuan member."
"Youth of the Northwest, delay no more..." To the solemn and resounding strains of the Lanzhou University Anthem, the graduation ceremony came to a successful close.
Partings are inevitable, but it is time to regroup and set off anew. Saying goodbye to Cuiying Mountain is not reaching an end, but rather embarking on a fresh start—rooted in what they have learned and ready to embrace the times. May all 2026 graduates of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences carry forward the spirit of "embracing all rivers and standing out from the crowd", with the passion and strength accumulated over four years. May their steps be firm, their future vast, and may they meet again at higher ground!
