The 2025 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 address, Dean Chien-Pin Chen congratulated the graduates on completing a journey of “challenges and growth” at JI. “From your initial days as freshmen to the accomplished individuals you are today, you have dedicated countless days and nights to your studies and personal development. Whether it was conducting experiments in the lab, burning the midnight oil to perfect your thesis, or the collaborating on team projects, each moment has shaped you into the capable and resilient individuals standing here today. You have not only mastered professional knowledge but also cultivated the ability to think critically and independently.” JI will continue to uphold its mission of fostering international and innovative education, providing high-quality educational resources for future students, said the dean who encouraged graduates to sustain their curiosity, embrace uncertainty courageously, shoulder the responsibility of driving societal progress, and achieve even greater success in the future.
JI Associate Professor Rui Yang spoke as a faculty representative. He commended the graduates， who have grown from new researchers to professional scholars, attributing the achievement to their hard work, talent, curiosity and determination. “For all JI graduates, you have worked hard, and you have earned this moment. Please aim high, stay open-minded and welcome the changes, and remain energetic about life. I have no doubt that you will go on to achieve great innovations, navigate through the uncertainties, make significant contributions to your field, and live fulfilling lives,” he said.
Professor He Yin from Hunan University’s College of Electrical and Information Engineering, who is also a 2012 undergraduate alumnus and 2017 doctoral alumnus of JI, shared his personal experiences and expressed deep gratitude for JI fostering not only rigorous academic skills but also a problem-solving mindset that laid the foundation for his research and teaching career. He encouraged the graduates to collaborate, overcome obstacles, and collectively contribute to societal progress, envisioning a future of innovation and achievement.
Doctoral graduate Yueyang Jia, who also completed his undergraduate studies at JI, reflected on his nearly decade-long academic journey. He highlighted graduation as a testament to personal efforts and the support of family, mentors, and peers. “Looking back, the road that I have taken has never been easy. Hard work and perseverance are essential, and I have learnt this firsthand.” Jia encouraged graduates to remain confident, embrace uncertainty, and build a brighter future together.
Master’s graduate Shuang Li, who will continue his academic journey at JI as a doctoral candidate, emphasized that his graduate journey deeply ingrained in him the core values of JI including Internationalization, Interdisciplinary, Innovation, and Quality. Reflecting the meaning of graduation as gratitude, choice and growth, Li urged his peers to stay connected as JI alumni. “Remember to work hard, keep focused, remain passionate, stay curious, and always strive for self-improvement,” he said.
During the ceremony, Bohan Feng and Mingxin Jiang were appointed Class Directors for the new graduates of Class 2025.
Degree awarding ceremony was held afterwards. The graduates in personalized academical dresses had their tassels turned and received their degree certificates.
