On the morning of June 23, the Jilin International Studies University (JISU) 2026 Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony was held at the Student Activity Center. President Qin He, along with all university leaders and members of the University Academic Degree Assessment Committee, were seated on the rostrum. The ceremony was attended by heads of all units and departments, faculty representatives, the Class of 2026 graduates, and some parents of the graduates.
The ceremony commenced with the solemn national anthem.
President Qin He conferred degree certificates to the graduate representatives and adjusted their tassels one by one.
President Qin He delivered the “last lecture” to the graduates under the theme “Stay True to Your Original Aspiration to Navigate a Changing World, and Embrace New Frontiers to Reach Afar.” She noted that during their time at the university, the students coincided with the 30th anniversary of the university’s founding. Together, they looked back on the educational philosophy of “All for the Students’ Growth, Success, and Achievement,” carried forward the educational tenet of “Student-Centered, Most Responsible Education,” and continued the JISU spirit of “Public Welfare, Entrepreneurship, Scholarship, and Bridging,” joining forces with their alma mater to gather immense strength for moving forward. In recent years, the university has ranked first in the Shanghai Ranking’s Academic Ranking of Chinese Private Universities for seven consecutive years, has been honored as a National Civilized Campus, and is the only private university in China designated as an A+ candidate for doctoral degree authorization. The expert panel of the Ministry of Education’s Undergraduate Teaching Audit Evaluation highly praised the university with “five strengths,” “six highlights,” and “seven further improvements,” affirming it as truly a banner among private universities in China. The students, as graduates, have been both witnesses to and beneficiaries of this glorious history.
President Qin He emphasized that the world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and the wave of artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of human civilization at an unprecedented speed and depth. The students are facing a world fraught with even greater uncertainties—uncertainties that not only entail significant new challenges but also harbor valuable opportunities for development. As graduates, they are not only witnesses to the restructuring of the international order and the age of artificial intelligence but also active participants in this profound transformation. In response to this era defined by “change,” she shared three reflections with the graduates as their president:
First, while technology iterates at a rapid pace, the patriotic aspiration to “bridge China and the world” must remain unchanged. The more advanced technology becomes, the greater the need for cross-cultural communicators with humanistic depth; the more interconnected the world grows, the greater the need for international communicators with a Chinese standpoint. As JISU graduates, your devotion to our great motherland, your mission to carry forward the Chinese cultural heritage, and your commitment to advancing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind will always be your most precious spiritual coordinates. The educational philosophy of “Learn foreign languages well, be a worthy Chinese, and tell China’s story effectively” is the lifelong pursuit of every member of the JISU community. It is my hope that you will embrace the world with an open mind, remain rooted in China with firm cultural confidence, build bridges of communication through mutual learning among civilizations, showcase your talents on the international stage, and raise the resounding voice of China’s youth in this new era!
Second, while knowledge continues to evolve at an accelerated pace, the scholarly spirit of “seeking truth and pursuing innovation” must remain unchanged. Your true core competitiveness has never been the accumulation of fixed knowledge, but rather the intrinsic drive for persistent, lifelong learning; never passive reception of information, but the comprehensive ability to discern right from wrong and to think independently; and never a patchwork of fragmented knowledge, but the profound wisdom to draw inferences and synthesize knowledge. To do a good job, one must first sharpen one’s tools. You should make good use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence to empower your learning and refine your skills. The key is never to abandon the capacity for independent thought, never to stop pursuing the truth, and never to lose your reverence for knowledge. It is my hope that you will always maintain a spirit of exploration and aspiration—thinking keenly, daring to break new ground, and having the courage to innovate. Build a solid foundation with sound learning, strive for excellence with outstanding competence, and take the initiative to seize the future in an era of uncertainty!
Third, while the social fabric undergoes profound changes, the self-cultivation rooted in “forging perseverance and enhancing capabilities” must remain unchanged. Hardship and adversity are the crucibles that forge strength. True strength is always honed through challenges; true value is always demonstrated through struggle; and true success is always achieved through perseverance. Artificial intelligence can streamline processes and enhance efficiency, but it has never provided a shortcut to replace down-to-earth hard work, nor can it substitute for the trials of experience, the tempering of character, the broadening of horizons, and the elevation of one’s realm that you have undergone. All impressive achievements, all composure and confidence, and all sustained growth stem from daily accumulation, step-by-step perseverance, and unwavering commitment. Truly successful lives are forged through hard work. It is my hope that you will uphold the principle that “great things must be done with meticulous care” — be simple in your conduct and steadfast in your work. Perfect yourselves through repeated trials, reap success through determined struggle, and write a magnificent chapter of life through courageous perseverance!
President Qin He pointed out that in the course of the times, what changes are technologies, arenas, and contexts, but what remains constant is the original aspiration, sense of responsibility, and commitment to hard work. She hoped that after leaving campus, the graduates would not only seize the momentum to move forward and embrace innovation but also build on their professional expertise, take innovation as their wings, and make competence their foundation—striving to become young people of the new era who are tech-savvy, thoughtful, and ambitious. On the broad stage of cross-disciplinary integration, may they ride the waves, shine brightly, and achieve ever greater success!
President Qin He concluded with deep emotion: “Dear students, graduation marks the full stop of your college life, but it is also the starting point of your journey toward your dreams. From today on, you will bid farewell to your alma mater and embark on a new chapter of life on your own. The road ahead is long—with winds and rains, yet also boundless vistas; the road ahead is vast—with ups and downs, yet also infinite possibilities. Please remember: No matter when, JISU will always be your home and your staunchest supporter!”
Vice Presidents Yang Chunmei and Zhang Yangzhi successively announced the decisions regarding the completion of studies, degree conferral, and award recognitions for the undergraduate and master’s graduates of the Class of 2026. Following deliberation and approval by the University Academic Degree Assessment Committee, it was decided to confer bachelor’s degrees on 2,957 students (including international students), including Gao Yuan and others, and master's degrees on 459 graduate students, including Dong Qinyan and others. The theses of 81 students, including Li Hong and others, were rated as “University-Level Outstanding Undergraduate Theses,” and the dissertations of 42 students, including Zhang Kaiyue and others, were rated as “University-Level Outstanding Master’s Theses.” A total of 94 students, including Sun Xinhui and others, were awarded the title of “Outstanding Undergraduate Graduates,” and 26 students, including He Cong and others, were awarded the title of “Outstanding Graduate Graduates.”
Certificates and souvenirs presented to the recipients of the University-Level Outstanding Undergraduate Theses
Certificates and souvenirs presented to the recipients of the University-Level Outstanding Master’s Theses
Certificates and souvenirs presented to the representatives of Outstanding Undergraduate Graduates
Certificates and souvenirs presented to the representatives of Outstanding Graduate Graduates
University leaders presented certificates and souvenirs to the representatives of the recipients of the University-Level Outstanding Theses and Outstanding Graduates.
Wei Xiaojia, a student from Class 2201 of the Preschool Education program at the School of Teaching and Pedagogy, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates, expressing her gratitude to her alma mater. She said: “Our four years at JISU are the most precious gift of our lives. Stepping out of campus marks a new starting point in our lives. May we all carry with us the educational philosophy of our alma mater—Learn foreign languages well, be a worthy Chinese, and tell China’s story effectively—embrace our passions and pursue our dreams, and write our own brilliant chapters of life through the struggle of our youth!”
Li Shudan, father of Li Yimeng from Class 2201 of the Korean Studies at the School of Oriental Languages, delivered a speech on behalf of all parents, expressing high praise and sincere gratitude for the university’s dedication to education. He said: “The university’s talent cultivation model, which balances professional depth with character development, has guided our children in finding their right path forward. It has transformed them from shy and reserved freshmen into confident and composed dream-chasers. Every step of their growth has been inseparable from the comprehensive nurturing and enrichment provided by JISU. The confidence and strength of character that JISU has instilled in them will accompany them throughout their lives.”
Zheng Meiqun, Dean of the School of International Commerce, delivered a speech on behalf of all faculty members, offering her blessings to the graduates. She said: “May you always cherish your country and family, and integrate your personal choices with the needs of the times; may you embrace lifelong learning and hone your true capabilities amidst change; and may you always hold onto kindness and sincerity, and become a better version of yourselves through hard work.”
Finally, the Class of 2026 graduates sang the university anthem, Tomorrow We Will Make Our Alma Mater Proud, bringing the commencement ceremony to a close. The venue resounded with thunderous applause. There were smiles and blessings among the faculty and students, but above all, there was deep emotion. Every heartfelt blessing and every warm farewell left an indelible impression on the graduates.
Graduation Reflections
Peng Erxin, Korean Studies, School of Oriental Languages:
With AI technology advancing at breakneck speed and the international landscape shifting rapidly, language learning calls for an even deeper grounding in one’s core values while empowering the era. As a Korean Studies major, I have always kept in mind the educational philosophy of “Learn foreign languages well, be a worthy Chinese, and tell China’s story effectively.” In the future, I will build on my professional expertise, leverage the technologies of our time, break free from the confines of instrumentalized learning, and uphold my independent character while forging ahead with dedication. Using language as a bridge to connect China and the world, I will convey the warmth of China through cross-cultural exchanges and tell China’s story well. With the commitment of youth, I will steadfastly fulfill my responsibilities amid the tides of our time and live up to the promise of my generation.
Ding Yumeng, Business English, School of English:
President Qin He’s words—“Stay true to your original aspiration to navigate a changing world, and embrace new frontiers to reach afar”—resonate deeply with the educational tenet of “Student-Centered, Most Responsible Education.” The university, with education as its foundation, has taught me to hold fast to my original aspiration of integrity, kindness, and dedicated learning for the nation. The JISU spirit of “bridging China and the world, serving the motherland” constantly reminds me that staying true to my aspiration means holding firm to my national stance and professional integrity, while embracing new frontiers means taking the initiative to learn new models of cross-cultural communication. As I step into society, I will uphold a rigorous and meticulous work ethic, remain true to my commitment without being restless, and proactively explore new directions in my field. With solid foreign language skills, I will open channels of communication between China and the world, and steadily move forward toward a future that embodies both ideals and responsibilities.
Yan Xiaoting, Chinese Language and Literature, School of International Communication:
President Qin He reminded us at the commencement ceremony: “The more things change, the more we must maintain our composure; the more noise surrounds us, the more we must hold fast to our foundations.” These words have awakened me as I prepare to enter secondary education. Today, knowledge iteration is rapid, and AI can quickly organize teaching materials and analyze texts, but the educational commitment to delving deeply into literature and carrying forward our cultural heritage cannot be simplified. In the future, standing at the podium in my hometown’s middle school, I will delve deeply into the outstanding traditional Chinese culture, uphold a scholarly attitude of synthesis, truth-seeking, and innovation, and continuously refine my teaching skills throughout my life. Staying true to the essence of education, I will nurture young minds with a solid grounding in literature, take root in my hometown’s classrooms, and convey to the youth the national confidence and cultural strength embedded in our written words.
Wang Ningshan, Hungarian Studies, School of Central and Eastern European Languages:
President Qin He said: “AI can process linguistic symbols, yet it cannot convey the humanistic spirit; technology can connect the world, yet it cannot embody the strength of character.” These words struck me like a morning drum, awakening a renewed understanding of language learning. Language is by no means merely a tool for information transfer; the transmission of civilizational heritage and the building of emotional resonance will always require human agency. In this age of surging algorithms, I aspire to be a cross-cultural communicator with warmth and conviction—embracing technological transformation with an open mind, while remaining firmly rooted in China with unwavering cultural confidence. Through mutual learning among civilizations, I hope to build sincere bridges and let the world hear the voices of a new era of China—voices with character, with heart, and with purpose.
Luo Zichang, Spanish Studies, School of Occidental Languages:
The guiding principle—“Learn foreign languages well, be a worthy Chinese, and tell China’s story effectively”—has always directed my Spanish studies. During my time at university, I participated extensively in cultural exchange volunteer activities between China and Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, hosted Latin American exchange students visiting China, explained traditional customs such as the Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival in Spanish, and assisted in translating documentary manuscripts on rural development. Mastering Spanish is merely the means of communication; it is the deep-rooted patriotism in one’s heart that truly enables the transmission of a warm and authentic Chinese image. After graduation, I will work in economic and trade translation in Latin America. I will continue to hone my language skills, remain grounded in my Chinese cultural identity, and tell the story of China’s authentic development in fluent and idiomatic Spanish—becoming a young ambassador connecting China and the Spanish-speaking world.
Zhu Jiemin, Data Science and Big Data Technology, School of Artificial Intelligence:
President Qin He stated in her speech: “While technology iterates at a rapid pace, the patriotic aspiration to ‘bridge China and the world’ must remain unchanged.” In this era of rapid advancement in big data and artificial intelligence, technologies, algorithms, and industry models are constantly being updated. Yet it is our original aspiration and beliefs that remain constant. Over my four years of study, I have delved deeply into data technology and diligently pursued professional excellence, fully aware that while technology knows no borders, students always hold their country dear. As a graduate in engineering in this new era, I will always maintain a global perspective of bridging China and the world, and hold fast to my patriotic commitment. In the future, I will take root in my post, refine my skills with down-to-earth dedication, and apply what I have learned to fulfill my responsibilities through practical action—living up to the cultivation I received from my alma mater and the mission of this era.
Wang Hongbai, Broadcasting and Hosting Arts, School of International Arts:
At the commencement ceremony, the words “Today I am proud of JISU; tomorrow JISU will be proud of me” were deeply etched into my heart. Over four years of study, from morning voice training in the studio to composed performances in professional competitions, from hosting on campus stages to hands-on experience in media internships, the JISU motto of “Bridging China and the World, Forging Perseverance and Enhancing Capabilities” has always accompanied my growth. What my alma mater has given me is not only a solid foundation in broadcasting arts, but also a professional conviction to uphold integrity, embrace innovation, and work with heart. In the future, I will take the expectations of my alma mater with me to the media industry, using my voice as a medium to convey positive values, responding to my alma mater’s cultivation with tangible achievements, and striving to become a new-era media professional of whom JISU can be proud.
Source: Publicity Department
