With caps in the air and dreams on the horizon, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) held its 2025 Commencement Ceremony and Degree Conferment Ceremony for its graduates at the Fok Ying Tung Sports Center on March 29. University leaders, faculty, alumni, and families gathered at the venue to celebrate the graduating Class of 2025. Over 3,400 graduates received their degrees, marking the beginning of a new chapter, carrying with them SJTU’s motto of “remembering one’s roots”.
In a keynote address titled Life Without Limits, Breaking Through Toward the Future, President Ding Kuiling, speaking on behalf of both himself and Party Secretary Yang Zhenbin, encouraged graduates to embrace this era of transformation with courage and vision. He urged them to stay ambitious, challenge their assumptions, and expand their personal and professional horizons.
President Kuiling Ding’s Inspiring Speech: Life Without Limits, Breaking Through Toward the Future
In a heartfelt keynote address titled Life Without Limits, Breaking Through Toward the Future, SJTU President and Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Kuiling Ding and Secretary of the SJTU Party Committee Zhenbin Yang shared a joint message, encouraging graduates to embrace this era of transformation with courage and vision and emphasizing that China today is demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation.
“Take control of your life in this era of change. Aim high and align your personal ideals with the development of our nation. Show the strength of your youth through contributions to society. Remember to stay grounde, be open-minded, and maintain an optimistic mindset. Face difficult challenges with resilience. Do not be overly concerned with success or failure. Communicate openly, exercise regularly, and most importantly, become your best self, so that you can shape a brighter future!” President Ding’s words inspired graduates to carry the responsibilities of the times and take an active role in national rejuvenation and social progress.
Vice President Zhaoguo Zhang presided over the ceremony.
Alumni Voice: Minghua Zhu (Class of 2011) "Sail Far, Remember your Roots, and Strive On"
Minghua Zhu, Ph.D alumnus (Class of 2011) and Vice President of Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd., returned to his alma mater to offer advice rooted in industry experience. In his speech, he emphasized three key themes: “remember your roots”, “embrace change”, and “stand tall while staying grounded.” He call on graduates to follow the footsteps of notable SJTU alumni like Xuhua Huang and Qing Xu, who combined their personal aspirations with the nation’s goals. Drawing from his experiences in Jiangnan Shipyard, Zhu cited breakthroughs in addressing global issues such as AI and carbon neutrality, which redefined the industry landscape. Lastly, Zhu encouraged graduates to stand tall and stay grounded, and to keep their eyes on technological frontiers while remaining focused on real-world impact. In doing so, they can strike a balance between vision and practicality. He concluded by urging students to draw strength from their roots, navigate with purpose, pursue excellence through innovation, and reach new heights with un wavering dedication—leaving their mark on history and carrying forward SJTU’s legacy into the future.
SJTU Graduates Answer the Call: Serving Where the Nation Needs Them Most
Xin Zhao, Deputy Secretary of the SJTU Party Committee, announced a list of graduates taking on roles in national defense, public service, and strategic industries in China’s central, western, and northeastern regions. These graduates embody the university’s commitment to developing talent that serves the country’s most pressing needs.
In recent years, SJTU has aligned its roadmap with the nation’s needs—from admissions to career support, all of which has led to consistent growth in graduate placement within key sectors such as science, technology, and military defense. Furthermore, employment outcomes for selected and assigned graduates have steadily improve, with a growing proportion of doctoral graduates pursuing high-level academic careers. With every year, more and more graduates are choosing to work in China’s central, western, and northeastern regions, places whose employment numbers go hand-in-hand with national priorities. An ever-growing number of SJTU alumni are stepping up to serve where the country needs them most.
Honoring Excellence in Research: 15 Outstanding 15 Outstanding Doctoral Dissertations Recognized
The awards not only recognize the exceptional work of these students, but also the invaluable mentorship of their advisors. University leaders, including Party Secretary Zhenbin Yang and President Kuiling Ding, presented the awards to the authors and supervisors of these dissertations.
Graduate Story: Three Choices That Led to the Deep Blue
"Today we chase academic dreams at SJTU; tomorrow, we become the rising tide of China’s shipbuilding future!” Yujia Lin, a graduate of the School of Ocean and Civil Engineering, delivered a moving speech recounting her journey from the shores of the Bohai Sea to the cutting edge of shipbuilding research.
From developing a love for the ocean amid the crashing waves of Bohai Bay, to finding her calling in shipbuilding inspired by Academician Huang Xuhua, Lin anchored her aspirations in serving the country. A curious choice on her college application—naval architecture—led her to SJTU, where she excelled academically and began a path of scientific discovery, driven by the words of her role model, Huang. Through late-night experiments and long hours gathering data, she cast her life’s anchor into the deep waters of national service.
From developing a love for the ocean amid the waves of Bohai Bay, to becoming inspired by Academician Xuhua Huang and finding her calling in shipbuilding, Li was dedicated to serving her country. A curious choice on her college application—naval architecture—led her to SJTU, where she excelled academically and began a path of scientific research, driven by the words of her role model Huang. Through countless late-night experiments and long hours gathering data, she cast her life’s anchor into the deep waters of national service.
Lin’s story exemplifies the idea that choosing SJTU is choosing embrace a sense of responsibility. When personal dreams coincide with the nation’s mission, the journey becomes more than an individual—it becomes part of a shared purpose. Her experience is not just hers alone, but a reflection of a generation of SJTU graduates answering the call of their era.
Honoring Tradition, Celebrating Legacy: The Class of 2025 Bids Farewell
To strengthen ties with its growing alumni network, the SJTU Alumni Association appointed class representatives annually since 2010. This year, 213 dedicated graduates were selected to serve as bridges between alumni, departments, and the university community.
At the commencement ceremony, these representatives presented a gift to their alma mater—a handcrafted piece titled Shining Star in the Deep Sea. Designed and crafted by graduates and infused with the Class of 2025’s deep affection for SJTU, the gift symbolizes the lasting bond between the Class of 2025 and their alma mater, while showing their commitment to upholding the legacy of patriotism and dedication exemplified by alumnus Xuhua Huang. In return, SJTU celebrated its graduates with a series of ceremonial tributes, which included presenting doctoral stoles to Ph.D. recipients, awarding honorary medals to outstanding dissertation authors, and giving all graduates tassels and commemorative cookies—small tokens wishing them joy, fulfillment, and bright prospects.
President Kuiling Ding Confers Degrees and Celebrates New Beginnings
Throughout its 129-year history, SJTU has nurtured over 400,000 graduates who have contributed to China’s global development. This year, more than 3,400 new alumni step into the world, prepared to push boundaries and shape the future. President Kuiling Ding officially announced the resolution on degree conferment. One by one, graduates took to the stage, where university leaders and deans personally turned their tassels, handed them their diplomas, and captured the moment with commemorative photographs.
As the stars light the sky and waves forge ahead, so too does the spirit of SJTU. The class of 2025 carries forward the torch—rooted in gratitude, driven by purpose, and ready to write a new chronicle within their lives, all the while “remembering their roots”. May their journeys be bold, their impact deep, and their mark on the world unmistakably SJTU.
Author:Wang Ninghua, Jiang Qianqian
Photography:Mei Qiuwu, Wei Yimeng, Sheng Xuhan
Contributor:News Center
Editor:Wang Ninghua
