The 2024 University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) Graduate Commencement Ceremony was held at Long Bin Building on March 29.
In his congratulatory speech, Dean Chien-Pin Chen said JI’s education, an excellent combination of internationalization, interdisciplinary research and innovation, is based on a notion that teaching and learning involve not just the transfer of specialized knowledge but also a commitment to developing the whole person. He praised the graduates’ outstanding ability and commitment to address some of the great challenges of the world by advancing renewable energy, vision measurement, sensing and many other fields.
“I would like to leave each of you with the hope that as you make your own choices over time; you will be able to balance your drive for achievements with a commitment to love and to play, to family and friends, to your community, to the nation and to the global community. Forge your own path but always drive for positive change,” he said.
JI Associate Professor Jaehyung Ju spoke as a faculty representative to congratulate and offer his blessing to the graduates. “Your time at JI wasn’t just about learning to solve engineering problems and write journal papers well. I hope you’ll aim to become a leader who uses your skills to make this world better. Strive for a meaningful life that makes you happy and helps others. This way, you’ll stay motivated and know where you’re headed,” said the professor who also advised the graduates to “be grateful for what you have.”
As a JI alumni representative, Assistant Professor Kuncai Zhu from College of Semiconductors (College of Integrated Circuits)of Hunan University shared his personal JI story and expressed deep gratitude for the valuable memories and experience of graduate study for six years. He advised the new graduates to cherish the solid foundation laid at JI, overcome the challenges that lie ahead, stand shoulder to shoulder and embrace the future together.
In her speech on behalf of the graduate students, master’s graduate Qimin Zhao expressed her gratitude to JI for providing abundant opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement. “What JI has taught us is much more than the theoretical knowledge or the professional skills in one specific area. It is learning to learn, and learning to unlearn, to cherish and to care for diversity and inclusion,” she said.
International student representative Ding Zhe Gan from Malaysia also thanked JI for providing an enriching academic environment, unwavering support, and countless opportunities for growth. “The education imparted by JI has played an important role in shaping the person I aspire to be,” said the master graduate who also received his bachelor’s degree from JI. “As we embark on the next chapter of our lives, let us carry forth the lessons learned and pursue for our dreams.”
During the ceremony, Shuo Yang and Dongjing Lao were appointed Class Directors for the new graduates of Class 2024.
Degree awarding ceremony was held afterwards. The graduates in personalized academical dresses had their tassels turned and received their degree certificates.
