June 28 marked the 2019 Summer Commencement and Degree Awarding Ceremony for Tianjin University Postgraduates of Tianjin University. There were 367 doctoral candidates and 1994 master degree candidates who received their degree, bringing a happy conclusion to their studies.

President Jin Donghan delivered a speech entitled Strive for Your Dreams, in which he shared the stories of graduates and teachers pursuing their dreams, in order to encourage the graduates to never stop fighting for their dreams.

“To strive for your dreams, you should remain true to your original aspiration,” President Jin encouraged the graduates with the story of Professor Zhang Yumiao, the developer of the first contrast media for the photoacoustic imaging of intestines, who became the youngest professor of Tianjin University at the age of 30 by getting out of his comfort zone and facing hardships. His story indicated that to strive for your dreams, one should always remain true to his original aspiration and never give up easily, regardless of the challenges and ups and downs along the road.

“To strive for your dreams, you should work as a team.” In this fast-developing society featuring the explosive growth of knowledge, “Only by working as a team can one overcome difficult challenges,” said President Jin.

“To strive for your dreams, you should devote yourself to the prosperity of the country.” The devotion to family and country is the unique gene of Tianjin University students. It is not only a spirit shared and inherited by TJUers, but also a consciousness of action. President Jin expected that the graduates would integrate their dreams into the great ideal of the Chinese nation and the country as a whole, and turn their devotion to family and country into a fighting passion. “Only through integration can one be broad-minded and bear lofty aspirations, so as to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

As one of the alumni representatives, Wang Chunhui shared with others her thoughts and perceptions in her work in the field of manned space. She said that the rigorous academic attitude of the university, no matter in teaching, studying or in scientific research, has always been her precious spiritual treasure. She hoped that the graduates would take a positive attitude towards the challenges in their careers. “I hope you will be neither arrogant nor rash but seize opportunities as they arise; stay composed and confident, forge ahead, and never forget your original aspiration when things go against you,” said Wang.

Professor Yao Chunde from the School of Mechanical Engineering delivered a speech on behalf of all the teachers. He hoped that the graduates would always bear in mind their ideals and learn modestly from their colleagues and predecessors, and wished them fruitful achievements in the future.

On behalf of the graduates, Wang Cong, a 2016 class doctoral student shared with others his feeling during his 9-year study in this university. “The relay baton of the new time has been passed on to our generation, so we must shoulder our responsibilities and get a good score in the race of the time,” said him.

“Would you marry me, my love?” A postgraduate knelt on one knee and made a successful marriage proposal to his doctoral girlfriend. They were blessed by nearly 2300 graduates present and immersed in romantic applause and cheers.

By: Wu Jingjing

Editors: Keith Harrington, Sun Xiaofang