Chasing the Light in Midsummer, Embracing New Glories, and Setting Sail with Steadfast Steps. On the morning of June 16, the 2026 Graduation Ceremony and Degree Conferral Ceremony of our university was held in the Gymnasium. Present at the ceremony were all university leaders, Lou Saiying, President of the Greater Bay Area Textile and Garment Alumni Association, principal mid-level administrators, deputy Party secretaries of academic schools, faculty representatives, counselors, class teachers, parents of students and outstanding alumni representatives. The ceremony was presided over by Zhang Xiaogang, Member of the University Party Committee and Vice President.

    Prior to the ceremony, a warm atmosphere pervaded the venue. A graduation promotional video played on loop on the large screen, tracing the students’ campus journey through moving visuals. Warm melodies of youth echoed across the hall, and students sang along softly, filled with gratitude to their alma mater, reluctance to part with classmates, and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. Following the prelude performances, the 2026 Graduation Ceremony and Degree Conferral Ceremony officially commenced.

    Zhang Qiongyan, full-time counselor from the School of Foreign Languages, delivered a speech as the faculty representative. She remarked that no matter how advanced artificial intelligence becomes, people should always preserve human warmth and independent judgment. She encouraged graduates to allow themselves to take things slowly yet stay grounded in authenticity, and reminded them to care for their inner selves and those around them no matter how far they travel.

    “May you carry the knowledge, capabilities and courage gained at Hunan Institute of Engineering, stay sincere, keep your passion alive and forge ahead steadfastly,” said Pi Yijie, a current student from the 2023 Robot Engineering program of the School of Mechanical Engineering, extending sincere wishes to all graduates.

    Lou Saiying, alumni representative and founder of Guangzhou Xianwei Textiles Co., Ltd., shared three insights and suggestions for growth with graduates: first, consolidate professional expertise and cherish the foundation for your career; second, maintain a desire for self-improvement and pursue lifelong learning; third, uphold a pragmatic mindset, for sustained dedication leads to long-term progress.

    Zhou Xinyan from the School of Electrical and Information Engineering spoke on behalf of graduates. She looked back on her fulfilling four years on campus, recalled precious learning moments and friendship with fellow students, and expressed gratitude to the university and faculty for their thoughtful guidance.

    All university leaders presented awards to representatives of outstanding graduates. Dressed in neat academic gowns, graduates of the Class of 2026 received cap adjustments and the ceremonial tassel-turning amid great excitement.

    Yu Min, university leader, delivered a message to all graduates. First, embrace the world with a broad vision, root yourselves in the times and serve the overall interests with a sense of responsibility to the country and nation. Translate your professional knowledge and practical capabilities into concrete actions to serve society and dedicate yourselves to the motherland, letting the light of youth merge into the galaxy of the times. Second, forever preserve a youthful spirit, dare to forge ahead and pursue progress with innovative drive. Always maintain pure enthusiasm, innovative vigor, an enterprising mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning, and let youth shine brilliantly in your careers. Third, stride confidently through life’s ups and downs, forge ahead steadily with perseverance and down-to-earth efforts. Always uphold integrity and sincerity, dare to take on responsibilities, stick to moral bottom lines, and make due contributions to this great era.

(Reviewed by Wang Jiayi, Wang Xingzhou)