On July 2, 2026, the undergraduate graduation ceremony and degree conferral of the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) were held at Runyang Stadium. A total of 1,263 undergraduates, dressed in their caps and gowns and carrying the heartfelt expectations of their mentors and the sincere blessings of their family and friends, came together to celebrate.

The University Council Chairperson of SUSTech, Hong JIANG, and President of SUSTech Qikun XUE, along with university leaders Ling ZHANG, Wensheng YAO, Hongwei FANG, Li JIN, and Xiaodong HAN, academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Xueming YANG, Shuhong YU, Songling WANG, Xiaofei CHEN, deans of various colleges, representatives of SUSTech’s Degree Evaluation Committee, heads of various residential colleges, departments, and alumni representatives attended the event. Graduates’ families and friends participated at the same time either by attending in person or watching the live video stream. The ceremony was hosted by Vice President and Provost, Hongwei FANG.

The graduation ceremony officially commenced with the national anthem, the flag bearers of the six residential colleges carrying their college flags one by one.

Hong JIANG announced the “Decision on Commending Outstanding Graduates and Related Honorees of 2026.” Following student applications, college-level reviews and recommendations, and university-level re-evaluation, Xiyuan LIU and other students were awarded the title of “Top Ten Graduates” for 2026, Yijia WANG and others were awarded the “Top Ten Graduates Nomination Award,” and Yifeng HE and others were honored as “Outstanding Graduates.” Hong JIANG and Qikun XUE presented the awards to the “Top Ten Graduates.”

Ziyi ZHAO, a graduate, spoke on behalf of the undergraduates at the College of Science and the Department of Earth and Space Sciences. He started by referring to a letter he wrote to himself four years ago about his expectations, from focusing deeply on building his professional foundation, to double majoring to broaden his skills, and then going to UC Berkeley to boost his academic confidence. He said that what SUSTech had given him over the years isn’t just professional knowledge but also the confidence to calmly say “I think” in any situation. Looking ahead, he plans to carry the solid character he developed at SUSTech, uphold the motto of “Virtue, Truth, Advance,” and move forward confidently on his new life journey.

Neima Ait Lahcine, a Moroccan undergraduate student from Zhicheng College and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, spoke on behalf of international students. She shared her shift in perspective, from thinking “research is just about finding answers” to “embracing trial and error and growing through mistakes.” She said that persistence through difficulties helped her gain independence, resilience, and confidence, and that steadily taking each step would eventually lead her far. She wished everyone could carry the growth and passion they gained on campus into the next exciting chapter of their lives.

Boyu XIE, a graduate of the 2015 class from the first teaching reform experimental class, Zhiren College, and the Department of Chemistry at SUSTech, spoke on behalf of the alumni. He shared three insights based on his experience from being a student to returning to teach at his alma mater. First, to continue the adventurous and innovative spirit of SUSTech and to step out into the world. Graduation isn’t leaving, it’s joining SUSTech’s history in a new way. Second, to always keep a curious mind for knowledge and exploration while facing the future. Graduation isn’t the end of learning, it’s the start of self-directed learning. And third, to uphold scientific honesty and a will to pursue truth through action. Whether or not you go into research, honesty is your longest-lasting competitive edge. Truly respectable people are those who stick to their principles even when there’s no applause. He wished SUSTech students to stay idealistic and grounded, carrying forward SUSTech’s excellent traditions.

Professor Qihang LIU from the Department of Physics spoke on behalf of the mentors. He said that behind seemingly chaotic and complicated phenomena, there are often simple and beautiful laws. Life is the same. When facing the complexities of society and the ups and downs of life, history has already given us the answers. In depth, we need to keep exploring and staying true to ourselves, and in breadth, we should always care for and contribute to the world. He detailed his hope that students would continuously understand and reshape themselves in all kinds of situations, not just become isolated experts, but bravely take on the mission of this generation. Through self-exploration, find beliefs worth holding onto for life, seize opportunities worth pursuing with all your effort—and in building a strong nation—make meaningful contributions that honor the past and pave the way for the future.

Qikun XUE delivered his graduation address titled “From 0 to 100: Writing the Infinite Possibilities of Life.” “I divide research into three levels: discovery and invention make the distance from 0 to 1; expansion is from one to ten; and applications range from 10 to 100, with each level having unique and important significance.” Qikun XUE stated that these three levels also correspond to three realms of life: self-discovery, professional cultivation, and responsiveness to the times. They progress step by step, yet blend together in practice, forming a complete axis of life.

Qikun XUE put forward three expectations for the graduates. First, from 0 to 1, may students always maintain the courage to explore and define themselves in understanding the world. I hope everyone will always preserve the authenticity of SUSTech, dare to explore, stay true to their hearts, bravely define themselves, and pursue the vast world of their own. Second, from 1 to 10, may students cultivate deeply with insight into the times and forge excellence through steadfast action. If going from 0 to 1 was the first answer sheet completed by SUSTech, then going from 1 to 10 is a new challenge to face five or ten years after graduation, it is no longer a sudden inspiration but a continuous deep cultivation after a clear direction is set. This stage is a process of transforming professional skills from “understanding” to “mastery,” interpersonal relationships from “acquaintance” to “trusted friend,” and changing career choices from “trying” to “certainty.” He hopes students will carry SUSTech’s motto, “Virtue, Truth, Advance,” embodying the highest virtue, seeking truth from facts, advancing reform and renewal, and always striving for self-improvement. Third, from 10 to 100, may students integrate their personal talents into the needs of the nation, letting their wisdom shine in the times. If going from 1 to 10 is rooted in foresight, then going from 10 to 100 is about letting that vision bear fruit. When students connect their professional pursuits with the country’s future, they are protecting this original intention in their own way. “From 0 to 1, you set out at SUSTech, finding your passion and direction. From 1 to 10, may you cultivate deeply with insight into the times, turn your passion into a profession, and turn your direction into a path. From 10 to 100, may the fruits of your deep cultivation shine with the needs of the times over the long years, and may you continuously reach new heights.”

“May you explore the forest, and return home with branches wide enough to shelter others.” Qikun XUE stated that SUSTech will always be the strongest support and the warmest home for everyone. On the road ahead, may you walk calmly and write the infinite possibilities of life in your own era.

The graduation ceremony concluded successfully amid the stirring melody of all faculty and students singing “Ode to the Motherland.”

Then the degree conferral ceremony commenced. Hongwei FANG read out the resolution of the degree evaluation committee. Graduates from each residential college took the stage in turn as their mentors solemnly moved the tassels on their caps and conferred the degrees upon them.

At the ceremony, the Zhiren Folk Orchestra performed “Horse Racing,” the Concert Acapella Vocal Group sang “Friendship Everlasting” with deep emotion, the Wink Dance Club brought an energetic dance performance of “Shooting Star,” and the College of Engineering Choir performed “Running” and “My Motherland and I,” vividly showcasing the youthful spirit of SUSTech students.