More than 1000 students have received their degrees at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in 2019, and a new path awaits them. We spoke to some graduating students, faculty members and parents to find out how they feel about the new direction in life that will be faced by these new leaders in science and technology.

Luo Hao (Biology) commented that he has turned a new page in the book of his life. “Because of the last four years, the results were not the most important thing, it was the process of getting the results.”

Liu Fugang (Biomedical Engineering) added that he was happy to sit with his good friends for the Commencement Ceremony. “I hope that all the students have worked hard over the last four years so they will not regret their efforts today.”

Zhou Yudong (Finance) was feeling mixed emotions. “While there will be more work in the future, it will be different from our life here at SUSTech. We will also have more freedom in our lives.”

Zhang Shiheng (Mathematics) opined that every SUSTech student will be able to find their own style in their new journey. He also promoted the Department of Mathematics, encouraging his younger colleagues to do more mathematics courses to lay a solid foundation for other classes in the future.

Guo Xinge (Electronics and Electrical Engineering) enjoyed the speeches given during the ceremony. “I had always thought a graduation ceremony would be serious, but I’m very relaxed and happy after the speeches.”

Postgraduate student Wang Meng (School of Environmental Science and Engineering) was amazed at how quickly the two years of her Master’s Degree had passed by. “Lifelong learning is at the core of life, and the SUSTech spirit will always be with me.”

Students have always found a beacon in their tutors. Their tutor has provided brickbats and bouquets at the right times for students, gently guiding them down the correct path for them. During the commencement ceremonies, tutors watch with a tear in their eye as their charges leave campus to embark on a new beginning.

Dean Xu Zhenghe of the College of Engineering said that everyone can contribute to societal development as long as they remain down-to-earth and work to their strengths. He wished them the best of luck in maintaining their ideals and responsibilities.

Dean and Academician Yang Xueming of the College of Science hoped that students would maintain their curiosity towards the world. They must strive to learn at all time and embrace the world to improve themselves.

Professor Wang Lianping of the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering remained strident in his belief of the excellence of SUSTech students. He hoped to see his former students in 20 years, so they could see the development of SUSTech, and he could see how they had changed.

Professor Xu Jin from the Political Education and Research Center was delighted to see the progress of the class of 2019, who had moved from knowing what to knowing why. He anticipated that they would continue exploring the unknown in a quest to improve themselves. He added that while they continue to be successful, they should find their own place in society and look after themselves.

Professor and Chairman Jiang Xingyu of the Department of Biomedical Engineering hoped that the SUSTech graduates would take full advantage of their accumulated wisdom and apply their knowledge in contributing to society.

Professor and Dean Zheng Zhiping of the Department of Chemistry and the Shenzhen Grubbs Institute believed that SUSTech had helped the students mature into confident men and women. He added that this was a new beginning for them, and he hoped that they would not forget SUSTech and what it provided for them.

Parents who came to attend the commencement ceremony thanked SUSTech and its faculty members for educating their children, and they hoped that their offspring would never forget the life lessons learned at SUSTech.

The mother of one SUSTech graduate from Shangdong burst into tears of pride when speaking of her child. She offered to help promote SUSTech in the future, so others can learn about what SUSTech can provide people with.

The father of another graduate added that his child was full of pride while maturing at SUSTech. “SUSTech has enthusiastic teachers, plenty of resources, and the freedom to choose your own major. It was the best choice for my son!”

Several alumni also made the trip to SUSTech for the graduation ceremony. 2018 alumnus Zhu Zhikai traveled from UC Irvine in the USA to take part in the Commencement Ceremony. “I just finished my doctoral training program this year. I didn’t think I’d have much of a vacation in the future, so I wanted to take the chance now to see SUSTech.”

“More and more people in the United States are learning about SUSTech, which is fantastic. It makes me feel very proud.” He also sent a message to the students, reminding them to hold on to the spirit of SUSTech with whatever they did in the future.