On June 22, Nanjing University held the 2025 Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony and Degree Conferral Ceremony at the Fang Zhaozhou Gymnasium on Xianlin Campus. Tan Tieniu, Chair of NJU CPC Council and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), sent a fond message to the graduates, "Don't worry about the stormy road ahead, the alma mater will always be waiting for your return". Tan Zhemin, President of NJU and Academician of the CAS, expressed his best wishes to the graduates with the title "Be a pioneer in the age of AI". Vice President Zhou Zhihua chaired the ceremony.
Around 2 p.m., NJU's National Flag Guard solemnly escorted the Five-starred Red Flag into the venue. All attendees paid tribute to the flag and sang the national anthem, marking the official start of the ceremony.
In the AI-generated video "The Great Educators' Advice", esteemed figures like Cheng Kaijia, Tao Xingzhi, Gu Yuxiu, Guo Bingwen, Wu Youxun, Dai Anbang, and Wu Jianxiong addressed graduates, expressing hopes that they would become well-rounded individuals, diligent and striving for excellence, sharing the nation's destiny and shining where the country needs them most.
"You have left behind stories of eternal youth and will carry with you the spirit and character of Nanjing University." With these heartfelt words, Tan Tieniu addressed the graduates, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their political beliefs, to pursue the goal of serving the nation and its people, and to align their patriotic sentiments and aspirations with personal ideals. He urged them to find their life's direction within the historical tide of building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation, and to take on responsibilities in the construction of Chinese path to modernization. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities presented by the new technological and industrial revolution, represented by artificial intelligence, and to always maintain their vitality and sharpness. He encouraged them to develop the character to take on great responsibilities amid challenges, and to hone their skills through diligent study and practice, becoming qualified builders and reliable successors of socialism with Chinese characteristics. "Never worry about the storms ahead; your alma mater will always await your return!" Tan Tieniu inspired everyone, saying, "Keep going, students!" The graduates were deeply moved, and the ceremony site was filled with applause.
Tan Zhemin, extended warm congratulations and sincere blessings to the students who had successfully completed their studies, and expressed high respect and heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and parents who dedicated their efforts to the students' growth. He noted that the students and NJU have jointly experienced "unprecedented changes in a century," standing together at the cusp of a revolutionary restructuring of the knowledge landscape and a historical phase of profound social changes. During this time, they have gained the strength to stay true to their original aspirations and the wisdom to adapt to changes, showcasing the youthful spirit of Nanjing University students and clarifying the era's responsibilities and glorious mission. "As a generation growing up alongside artificial intelligence, you should ride the AI wave, pursue the frontier, and bravely become pioneers of the AI era." He wished the graduate students success as they carry the spirit of their alma mater, navigating the waves of the AI era with courage and wisdom.
Before this year's May Fourth Youth Day, General Secretary Xi Jinping wrote back to the volunteer service team at Xieyite Primary School in Xinjiang, encouraging young people to shine where the country and people need them most, contributing their youthful strength to the construction of Chinese path to modernization. For a long time, NJU has been committed to serving the nation, guiding and encouraging more graduates to go to the west, to the grassroots, and to places where the country needs them most. This year, 13 doctoral students and 75 master's students were awarded the first batch of the 2025 "Qingmiao Award". A total of 1,017 graduate students were recognized as outstanding graduates of 2025. Tan Tieniu and Tan Zhemin presented certificates to the award recipients.
Zhou Zhihua chaired the ceremony
Professor Xie Jin from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, representing the graduate supervisors, shared his experiences and insights from studying and working at NJU. He wished the graduates success as they carry on the pursuit of truth and strive to become pillars of the nation.
Tan Jingrou, a doctoral graduate from the School of Electronic Science and Engineering, spoke on behalf of the graduates, sharing her journey from the depths of the mountains to NJU and her upcoming journey to the west.
"Solemnly pledging to strive for the rejuvenation of the nation and the progress of humanity for a lifetime!" All graduates took an oath, sang the School song, expressed their blessings and gratitude to their alma mater, and shared their excitement and expectations for the future.
Zhou Zhihua announced the "Decision of Nanjing University on Awarding Master's and Doctoral Degrees to 2025 Graduate Students." University leaders, attending guests, and members of the University and School Degree Evaluation Committees conferred degree certificates to the recipients.
Academicians Xing Dingyu and Yang Jingsui from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, university leaders Chen Yunsong, Jiao Ruihua, Zheng Hairong, Suo Wenbin, Jiang Tian, representatives of the University Degree Evaluation Committee, members of Degree Evaluation Committees of each school, relevant officials from various departments, and representatives of the 2025 doctoral and master's graduates attended the ceremony.
Congratulations and best of luch to the Class 2025! May the road rise up to meet you, and the wind always be at your back.
