To the Undergraduate Class of 2026: Happy Graduation!

On the afternoon of June 17, the School of Humanities celebrated its Class of 2026 undergraduates with a graduation ceremony. The event was attended by school leaders and faculty, including Wu Jun, Dean and Chair Professor of the School of Humanities; Qi Hong, Secretary of the Party Committee; Li Linsha, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee; Vice Deans Wang Jun and Zhang Yi; Zhang Quanzhi, Head of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature; representatives from various departments and academic centers; class advisors; staff from the Academic Affairs Office and Student Affairs Office; the graduating class of 2026; and their families and friends. The ceremony was hosted by Chen Lilin, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee.

Wu Jun offered sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2026 for successfully completing their degrees and preparing for the next chapter. He reflected on SJTU’s 130-year history, explaining the enduring relevance of the "Jiao Tong Spirit" in today’s world. He encouraged graduates to uphold the pioneering spirit characteristic of both SJTU and Humanities alumni, urging them to embrace their responsibilities in these changing times and venture boldly into the future.

Wu Jun presented certificates for the Shanghai Outstanding Graduate award to Wang Chenyu and Zhou Xinyang. Wang Jun and Zhang Quanzhi presented SJTU Outstanding Graduate certificates to seven students: Liu Farong, Wang Yifan, Wang Chenxu, Wang Le, Su Wen, Sara Dervishi, and Ning Shyan Yap. They expressed their hope that this achievement would serve as a launching pad for the students to strive for excellence in their broader life journeys. 

Qi Hong, Chen Lilin, and Li Linsha presented appointment letters to Class of 2026 class councilors Wang Chenyu and Sara Dervishi, and grade councilor Wang Yifan.

In a touching farewell gesture, the Class of 2026 presented commemorative gifts to the School. Graduate representative Wang Yifan explained the creative design and symbolism behind the gifts, which embodied the students' deep gratitude and affection for their alma mater and the School of Humanities. Qi Hong accepted the gifts on behalf of the school and presented the graduates with customized school memorabilia in return.

"Graduation is not merely a pause or a continuation, but a fresh start filled with infinite possibilities," said Yu Zijing, a Class of 2018 undergraduate alumnus of the School of Humanities and a doctoral candidate in Film and Media Studies at Yale University. Joining from across the Pacific, Yu shared heartfelt memories of his time at SJTU and offered advice to the new graduates: "No matter what field you choose, a broad engagement with literature will enrich your life, shape your character, and expand your horizons."

Zhang Quanzhi shared three meaningful stories with the graduates. He advised that in an era of information overload, humanities students must particularly safeguard their ability to think independently. He urged them to stay true to their pursuit of truth, to strengthen themselves through resilience, and to warm others with kindness throughout their life's journey.

Graduate representatives Wang Yifan and Sara Dervishi shared reflections on their time at SJTU. Wang Yifan described her academic journey from the broad scope of the liberal arts platform to the specialized depth of the School of Humanities, noting how these years fueled her lasting passion for reading and learning. Sara Dervishi, representing the international students, spoke about her personal growth and transformation over four years at the School. She pledged to continue pursuing academia as her career, using language as a bridge to advance cross-cultural communication.

In her closing remarks, Qi Hong reflected on the students' four-year journey, praising the humanities graduates for their blend of professional expertise, patriotism, and global perspective. She offered three hopes for their future: to aim high, to be pragmatic and truth-seeking, and to bravely shoulder their responsibilities. She encouraged the graduates to align their youthful aspirations with the nation's development and warmly invited them to return to their alma mater often.

Photography by Li Mingwei 

Written by Ma Zhenzhong 

Reviewed by Han Hongrui