On the morning of June 20^th, the graduation ceremony for students of 2025 was staged in the Northern Stadium on Xipu Campus.

At the ceremony, President Yan Xuedong appealed to all the graduates to dedicate themselves to a better Alma Mater and a stronger Chinese nation. He indicated that the cohort of 2025, riding the tides of the era, had witnessed firsthand the resolute steps taken to deepen and broaden reform. Embracing the spirit of the new era of scientists, they have immersed themselves in societal endeavors, contributing their youthful vigor to the Chinese-style modernization. The vitality and sincerity of this generation of SWJTUers illuminate the enduring legacy of the 130-year-old university, embodying the spirit of “Cultivating Talents to Rejuvenate the Chinese Nation and Persevering in Self-Improvement”.

He concluded his speech with three hopes, and urged the graduates to uphold the values of patriotism, to brave the challenges, and to stand at the forefront of innovation.

Zhi Jinyi, faculty representative and Dean of School of Design, shared her experiences of studies and teaching career spanning 28 years, telling the story of how she had determined her research direction and then engaged in locomotive design. She highlighted the importance of lifetime study and the power of perseverance, and encouraged all graduates to strike a balance between work and life with a healthy mind and body.

Zheng Yu, an alumnus who had obtained his bachelor’s degree in 2001, master’s in 2003, and doctoral in 2006, and currently Vice President of JINGDONG, recounted his nine-year journey at the University and his adherence to original aspirations in his career. He gave the graduates three pieces of advice: first, believing is seeing; Second, expertise leads and value follows; third, perseverance sustains, and courage propels. He hoped the graduates would discover their passion through professional exploration, carry forward the spirit of the University, and embark on a new journey in their lives.

Chen Xuxuan, undergraduate representative from the School of Materials Science and Engineering, recalled warm memories of guidance of her mentor and journey with peers during her university years. She called upon all graduates to pass on the spirit of “Cultivating talents to rejuvenate the Chinese nation and persevering in self-improvement”, urging them to step into the future with unwavering conviction and embrace youthful brilliance.

Dr. Zheng Shuai from the School of Transportation and Logistics, shared his story of how he had been transformed into a backbone of society from a beneficiary by anchoring himself to the solution of last-kilometer transportation challenges for passengers and cargo in rural area. He further advised the graduates to forge ahead on the path to building China into a transportation powerhouse.

At the ceremony, selected graduates were presented with graduation certificates by deans and directors of different schools, academicians, and distinguished guests.

To pool and better manage alumni resources for the university's growth, outstanding 2025 graduates were appointed as alumni liaisons for the cohort of 2025, and they were to serve as vital bonds between alma mater and alumni and among the graduates themselves.

Yu Minming, Secretary of the CPC SWTJU Committee, handed graduate representatives  special gift: SWJTU Mascot Pals.

The academic badge, a solemn emblem accompanying the students throughout their days at the university, was then turned into three cuddly companions: Chill, Bravo, High Achiever. These plush toys carry the university's unspoken blessings, journeying onward with the graduates.

The university hopes graduates will carry the badge as a tangible connection, bear in mind the motto of “Diligence, Ambition, Decisiveness and Loyalty”, embrace the “Dual-Excellence Tradition”, and sustain the SWJTU spirit with poised capability, making extraordinary achievements in the future.

The performance Soaring on Wings with Drumbeats by the Student Art Troupe and graduates pounded out the prelude to their futures, as cries of “Cultivating Talents to Rejuvenate the Chinese Nation and Persevering in Self-improvement” became their resounding vow.

“Conscientious and assiduous,

We lay a solid foundation for a brilliant future.

Unity leads to universal prosperity.”

Once again, the graduates sang the familiar tune of the University anthem, and their voices swelled with nostalgia for alma mater, testifying the University’s enduring commitment and resilient spirit.