It is a time when teachers and students send messages to each other for farewell and commemoration. Indeed, how time flies! In this special graduation season, teachers and students of Jilin University (JLU) gather together to recall the glorious past. On June 29, 2020, the graduation and degree awarding ceremony for the undergraduate class of 2020 of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, JLU was held. Attendees include Professor Jiang Qing, winner of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars and member of the European Academy of Sciences, leaders, department directors, teacher representatives and all full-time and part-time tutors of the School.

The graduation ceremony commenced in the solemn national anthem.

First, Vice Dean Professor Wang Wenquan announced the decision on undergraduate degree awarding. Vice Dean Professor Cui Xiaoqiang read the decision on awarding outstanding graduates. Dean Professor Wang Huiyuan presented the certificates to the winners.

Then seven officiating professors of the School adjusted the trencher caps, turned the tassel, conferred the degree certificates and awarded the diploma to the graduates. The professors include Jiang Qing, Director of the Academic Committee, Wang Huiyuan, Director of Materials Science Degree Committee, Miao Shiding, Director of the Department of Inorganic Nonmetallic Materials Engineering, Yang Chuncheng, Director of the Department of Metal Materials Engineering, Li Yi, Director of the Polymer Materials and Engineering Department, and Wang Jinguo, Director of the Department of Materials Processing Engineering.

At the ceremony, Wang Tianshuai made a speech on behalf of the graduates. He looked back affectionately on his four years of study at the School, expressing his attachment to his classmates and teachers and his gratitude and blessing to his Alma Mater. He also communicated his lofty ambition and aspirations to meet challenges and forge ahead on the forthcoming new journey.

Professor Zhao Xiaohui, Deputy Director of the Department of Materials Processing, addressed the audiences on behalf of the teachers. He extended his warm congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates of class 2020. Apart from acknowledging and acclaiming the students for their excellent performance and outstanding achievements in the past four years, he also exhorted them to cherish lofty dreams, embrace the world, be brave to shoulder their responsibilities in their path forward and lead a more brilliant life.

Liu Yuan, Secretary of CPC Committee of the School, made a passionate and sincere speech for the graduates. When he recalled the past four years, the familiar memories stroke a chord with the students. He could only deliver his wistful sentiments towards the fleeting time and his genuine wishes to the students. Looking forward, he urged students to aim high. In this special season, the graduation ceremony is a transition between the past and the future. He hoped that the graduates can work hard, withstand tests and trials, and play their role in China’s endeavor to realize the historical mission of national rejuvenation. He anticipated that their excellence can bring honor to the School and the materials industry, just as a gigantic bird rises high in the firmament or a carp makes splashes in the ocean. With great ambition in mind, they may sing and drink to celebrate their progress when they meet again in the future.

At last, the graduation and degree awarding ceremony came to an end in the inspiring school song.

“Man can stand higher than mountains and walk longer than roads”. Years of study are to lay a foundation for future achievement. While the students are leaving the campus for a new life, the departure does not entail an end. Instead, it is the precursor of reunion. Today, they are proud to be members of the JLU, but there will be a day when JLU is proud to have them as alumni. The School of Materials Science and Engineering expects all graduates of class 2020 to work tirelessly towards their dream, keep their original aspiration and embrace their bright future. Some day in the future, we’ll meet again, just like what we do here today.