378 doctoral candidates and 1,930 master’s degree candidates obtained their degrees

On June 30, the Tianjin University 2017 Commencement Day for Postgraduate Students was held at the Gymnasium on Weijin Road Campus. 378 doctoral candidates and 1,930 master’s degree candidates, with caps and gowns, proudly came on stage one by one, and received their diplomas and degrees with great joy. University leaders, alumni and representatives of faculty were there to extend their sincere best wishes to the graduates.

Tianjin University President Zhong Denghua in his speech, Practice Seeking Truth from Facts and Forging Ahead with Determination, stated: “During your years here, our university has deepened educational reform and constantly improved the quality of talent cultivation. The scientific and technological innovation capability has continued to be strengthened. Last year, the total research funds totaled more than 2.5 billion yuan, the number of SCI papers broke through 3,000, and authorized invention patents exceeded 1,000. With continuous disciplinary development, engineering, chemistry and materials science have entered the top 1/1000 ESI rankings.” He also mentioned that the University motto “Seeking Truth from Facts” is the driving characteristic of the University and the core of its culture, which profoundly influences and nurtures people in Tianjin University from generation to generation. With this motto, he offered three expectations of the graduates: “I hope you could regard ‘seeking truth from facts and as actions that speak louder than words’ as your code of conduct for behavior and work in the future; I hope you could continue to carry on the spirit of pursuing progress and excellence in your new positions, trying your best to do everything perfectly; I hope you can dedicate your youth and strength to national development with an earnest and diligent attitude.”

Deputy Party Secretary Lei Ming presided over the event.

Yang Shaopu, an alumnus of the 1979 grade, in his speech stated that Tianjin University had given him an attitude toward endless learning, a firm professional foundation, the motto spirit of “Seeking Truth from Facts” to be guided by, and extensive and excellent alumni resources, all of which benefited his whole life and accelerating his approach to success. He said to the graduates: “We should combine our own development with the national destiny and carry out the honorable tradition of our university of seeking truth from facts. Whatever we do, we should persevere and never give up.”

Zhao Lin, Deputy Dean of the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at Tianjin University, spoke on behalf of the supervisors. He said, “During my 20-year’s work in our university, the oldest university in the modern history of China, I have benefited from the motto ‘Seeking Truth from Facts’, the spirit of ‘precision in learning and strictness in teaching’, and the fruits from the ideas of cultivating talent with love for home and the motherland, a global vision, an innovative spirit and an ability to practice.” He said affectionately to the graduates, “I can see the inheritance of the fine tradition of Tianjin University in you. As you are going to leave the school and embark on a new journey, I am sure you will perform well, for you are Tianjin University people!”

On behalf of the graduates, Zhang Xu, a postgraduate majoring in chemical process equipment from the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, spoke the words they would wish to say: “In the future, we will have the courage to be responsible and the confidence to maintain our professionalism. With an earnest attitude, innovative thinking, a broad vision and the name of Tianjin University, we will shine in our respective positions. We are committed to practicing our love for home and the motherland, to fulfilling our mission and to promoting the reputation of our university over a broad range of endeavors.”

There were about 3,000 people who attended the event, including the university leaders, leaders of colleges and schools and from relevant offices and departments, faculty representatives, postgraduate students and their families.