【Graduation】A Summer Night to Remember: Tianjin University Hosts 2026 Graduation Gala

On June 21, Tianjin University held its 2026 Graduation Gala titled "Flowers in Full Summer, Youth in Farewell" at the Weijin Road Campus Gymnasium.

The event opened with pre-show performances by three campus bands, which quickly ignited the atmosphere. The "Four Seas, One Heart Roll Call" echoed throughout the venue, as graduating representatives from more than 30 schools and departments took turns to raise their banners and respond in unison. Their voices came together to form a vivid portrait of a university with a long-standing tradition of cultivating talent. When the university flag of Tianjin University was solemnly carried onto the stage, the gymnasium erupted in sustained applause.

The gala officially began with a collective performance of the Tianjin University Anthem. It unfolded in three thematic chapters: "A New Beginning from Beiyang," "Melodies in Harmony," and "A Shared Journey Across Vast Horizons."

Music as Spirit, Voices of the Time

The program highlighted music as a vessel of emotion and ideals. Soprano and vocal instructor at the School of Arts Education, Hao Yin, performed "Building the Chinese Dream Together," expressing the heartfelt commitment of Tianjin University students to integrating personal aspirations with the destiny of the nation. The a cappella group delivered a pure vocal rendition of "The Sun," conveying warmth and uplifting energy.

An original rap piece performed by graduating students, "How Do We Say Goodbye," captured the sincerity and reluctance of parting. The classic "Time to Say Goodbye" offered a deeply emotional tribute, while a medley including "Award-Winning Work," "Our Tomorrow," and "The Sky Has No Limits" wove together memories of youth and aspirations for the future. On and off stage, voices intertwined, repeatedly bringing the atmosphere to its peak.

Dance as Expression, Painting a Landscape of Youth

Dance performances further enriched the emotional narrative of the evening. The Beiyang Dance Troupe presented the Tibetan dance "Sunrise," using fluid and expansive movements to evoke the imagery of the plateau, symbolizing life and hope unfolding on stage. The group dance "A Great River" depicted vast landscapes of the motherland with graceful choreography and heartfelt reverence.

The Latin dance "Flowing Light" by the Beiyang Ballroom Dance Team radiated energy and passion, while the street dance "Remind You" by DBX Street Dance Club showcased youthful vitality. The finale "Wing Chun" creatively blended traditional Chinese martial arts with contemporary dance language, embodying a dynamic fusion of heritage and innovation.

Culture as Guidance, Shaping Responsibility and Aspiration

A cross-talk performance titled "Dual Learning Radio" brought humor and lightness to the stage, reflecting the optimism and spirit of Tianjin University students. The original situational poem "My Thesis Never Ends" became the emotional highlight of the evening. Five graduating students shared their distinctive university journeys, each path different, yet united by a shared sense of responsibility.

"The mission of Tianjin University students—never ends!" they declared in unison, drawing warm applause and deep resonance from the audience.

"While speaking on stage, I saw many students in the audience tearing up. I was deeply moved," said Chi Xuejun, a graduate from the School of Civil Engineering and a performer in the recital. "Everything we’ve persisted through over the past four years found its answer in this moment."

Zhang Haochen from the School of Microelectronics reflected, "Graduation is never an ending, but a new beginning in life. I hope all graduates carry this confidence forward, with a bright future and smooth journeys ahead."

A Farewell in Song

As the gala drew to a close, a campus sing-along session began. One after another, familiar songs filled the hall. Student performers delivered heartfelt renditions on stage, while thousands of graduates in the audience waved glow sticks and sang along in chorus. The gymnasium transformed into a shimmering sea of lights and music.

Amid this collective celebration, the Class of 2026 of Tianjin University set forth with the warm blessings of teachers and peers, ready to embark on their own journeys toward distant horizons.

By: Yu Boyang