As warm early-summer breezes filled the air and farewell songs echoed across the campus, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Lanzhou University solemnly held its Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 Graduate Students on June 12, 2026. The event was organized to celebrate students who had successfully completed their studies and to extend best wishes as they embarked on new journeys in pursuit of their dreams. School leaders, faculty representatives, all graduating master's and doctoral students of the Class of 2026, student representatives, and family members of graduates gathered to witness this memorable and dignified occasion. The ceremony was hosted by Wei Keran, Deputy Party Secretary and Associate Dean of the School.
The ceremony officially commenced with the solemn and majestic singing of the national anthem. All attendees rose to their feet and joined in singing, as the resounding melody filled the hall, reflecting the deep sense of patriotism and responsibility shared by Lanzhou University students and their commitment to serving the nation with youthful vigor.
Professor Li Yu, Dean of the School, delivered a commencement address. He reflected on the academic and personal growth of the graduating students during their years at the University and extended warm congratulations on their successful completion of graduate studies. He also expressed sincere gratitude to the faculty and staff for their dedicated mentorship and to the parents for their unwavering support throughout the students' educational journey. Drawing upon the School's disciplinary strengths and development mission, Dean Li shared his expectations for the graduates as they embark on the next stage of their lives. He encouraged them to uphold the spirit of Lanzhou University, remain true to their original aspirations, and maintain a down-to-earth approach in both work and life. He urged them to apply their knowledge in practice, strive for excellence in their respective fields, and write remarkable chapters in their lives through the power and promise of youth.
Professor Tian Jie, representing the faculty advisors, shared reflections on learning, research, and mentorship drawn from his many years of teaching and supervising students. He encouraged the graduates to maintain an enduring passion for knowledge, remain committed to academic integrity and intellectual curiosity, face future challenges with confidence, and always preserve a spirit of perseverance and dedication. Throughout their years of study, faculty advisors had provided careful guidance, unwavering support, and invaluable knowledge, serving as mentors and role models on the students' academic journeys. To express their gratitude, graduate representatives presented flowers to their advisors during the ceremony. The bouquets conveyed heartfelt appreciation and filled the venue with warmth and emotion.
Guo Yining, a master's student in Environmental Engineering from the Class of 2023 and representative of the graduating students, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates. She reflected on her experiences and cherished memories at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, expressing sincere gratitude for the University's cultivation, the dedicated guidance of her teachers, and the companionship of her fellow students. She also shared the knowledge, growth, and insights she had gained during her graduate studies. On behalf of all graduates, she pledged to move forward with courage and determination, carrying with them the expectations and aspirations of their alma mater as they embark on new journeys.
Sun Hongzhan, a master's student in Territorial Spatial Planning from the Class of 2024, delivered remarks on behalf of the current students. He extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the graduating class, noting that current students would look to their senior peers as role models, carry forward the School's tradition of academic excellence, and continue striving for progress. He also wished all graduates a bright future and every success in their endeavors as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
School leaders presented awards to graduates who were recognized as Outstanding Graduates of Gansu Province, Merit Students of Gansu Province, and recipients of the Qiuzhen Scholarship. These honors acknowledged the students' dedication to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and outstanding achievements, while also inspiring all students to learn from exemplary peers, strive for continuous improvement, and pursue excellence in their future endeavors.
As the years passed like a song, the moment of farewell finally arrived. In a warm and heartfelt atmosphere, faculty members and students joined together in singing, with emotions of gratitude and reluctance filling the venue. The host delivered closing remarks, wishing all graduates a bright and prosperous future and expressing the hope that, no matter where life may take them, the bonds between teachers and students would remain enduring and strong. The Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 Graduate Students of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, concluded successfully. Faculty members and graduates gathered for a group photograph, capturing one of the most memorable moments of their youth and marking a meaningful conclusion to this important chapter of their lives.
Together, we burned brightly as a single flame; apart, we shine as countless stars across the sky. May all graduates of the Class of 2026 carry forward the knowledge, courage, and warmth they gained at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University. With lofty aspirations and a steadfast commitment to hard work, may they ride the winds of opportunity, pursue their dreams with determination, and forge ahead across the vast horizons that lie before them. May they live up to their youth, live up to the expectations of the times, and illuminate their own unique paths on the new journey ahead, contributing their wisdom and strength to society while realizing their fullest potential.
