TJU Graduates Set Out for New Horizons

Tianjin University held its 2026 commencement and degree-conferral ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students on June 17 and 18 at the Weijin Road Campus Gymnasium. More than 5800 graduate students and over 4200 undergraduate students are set to begin new journeys in their careers or further studies.

The ceremonies began with a warm campus tradition. On the morning of commencement, each graduate received a free Tianjin-style breakfast, featuring youtiao, a deep-fried dough stick, jiaobing, a crispy local pancake, fried eggs and Haihe milk, a well-known Tianjin dairy drink. The meal carried the university’s heartfelt message to its graduates: eat well, live calmly and move forward with confidence.

Chai Liyuan, president of Tianjin University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, delivered a farewell address titled “Walking the World, Reaching for the Sky.” In the address, he used “the sky” to represent national commitment, the mission of the times and human civilization, and “the ground beneath one’s feet” to represent the land, the grassroots, the frontiers and the real needs of the people. He encouraged graduates to keep their ideals high, stay rooted in reality, devote themselves to the nation’s future, and become definers of the times, creators of opportunities and changemakers in the real world.

In the face of the accelerating wave of artificial intelligence, Chai reminded graduates that the stronger AI becomes, the more essential human judgment, insight and professional competence will be. “Build your life on expertise, go far through innovation, and serve the country through action. These are the sources of confidence that no era and no technology can take away from you,” he said.

Chai also reflected on the university motto, “Seeking Truth from Facts,” through three questions long familiar to generations of TJU students: Do you understand? Are you capable? Do you dare? He said the questions will continue to guide graduates as they enter a broader world. “Understanding helps you see the direction, capability helps you develop your skills, and courage helps you shoulder responsibility,” he said. He wished the Class of 2026 a life of ideals, ability and responsibility as they set out for new horizons.

Cao Hongbin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and an alumnus of Tianjin University, returned to his alma mater and shared three stories from his own journey: a lost admission letter, six failures in one project, and a course that once seemed of little use. “What my alma mater gave me was not only knowledge and a degree, but also warm memories, ways to solve problems and the courage to face difficulties,” he said.

Liu Yi, chairman of Andon Health Co., Ltd. and a distinguished alumnus, shared reflections from more than three decades of entrepreneurship. “Daring to think and daring to act is a lifelong commitment,” he told the graduates.

Faculty and student representatives also addressed the ceremonies. Tong Yindong, a professor from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering, encouraged graduates to remain committed to deep engagement, youthful vigor and devotion to the country. Xu Zongwei, a professor from the School of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, urged students to develop the habit and capacity for lifelong learning, integrate themselves into the development of the times and become friends of time.

Hussain Ijaz, a doctoral graduate from the School of Earth System Science, spoke as an international student representative. “Tianjin has become my second home,” he said. “I have truly become a foreign student who understands China, knows Tianjin and loves Tianjin University.” Balunova Sofiia, a Russian student majoring in Chinese language at the School of International Education, recalled her bond with China and Tianjin University. She said she hopes to tell real and warm stories about China, helping present a China that is credible, lovable and respectable.

Hou Jiaxin, an undergraduate graduate from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, shared her determination to contribute to China’s strength in advanced materials through work in marine vessel welding. Wang Lize, a master’s graduate from the School of Microelectronics, spoke on behalf of the graduating class with a firm pledge: “The needs of the motherland are the aspiration of Tianjin University students.”

During the graduation season, Tianjin University organized a wide range of activities to bid farewell to the Class of 2026. A graduation market featuring a flea market and music performances brought students together through shared memories and campus warmth. A lawn concert, crosstalk performance, dance show, choral concert, traditional Chinese orchestra performance and inter-university symphony concert presented the vibrancy of student art.

Sports activities, including basketball games, a campus run and pickleball matches, helped graduates preserve memories of youth through movement. Students who completed the graduation check-in activities could receive limited-edition commemorative medals. Visits to the Feng Jicai Museum, library events and school-level activities also created a warm atmosphere across campus.

With the message “Home at TJU, aspirations for the world,” the university sent its graduates forward with affection, confidence and encouragement as they embark on new journeys and carry forward the spirit of Tianjin University.

By: Qin Mian