Farewell! WKU Celebrates Commencement for 520 graduates!

On June 11, a joyous and memorable commencement was celebrated on Wenzhou-Kean University’s (WKU) campus to honor the graduating class 2021.

The 520 undergraduates accompanied by their parents and friends congratulated by WKU and Kean University leaders, faculty and staff members on-site and virtually.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Wang Beijiao presided over the event.

Member of the Board of Trustees Mr. John Kean Jr. applauded students for their resilience and fortitude to complete their degree studies during a global pandemic. The Pandemic changes the way we cheer for this monumental moment, but could never diminish the achievement you gained. He concluded his speech emphatically by encouraging aspirant youngsters to take risks, maintain tenacity and think out of the box, the future is contrived and portrayed by pioneers and innovators.

This ceremony was special as 2021 marks the 15th anniversary of the creation of WKU’s signing ceremony and the milestone of 10th year in operation. In a wider context, 2021 ushers in the fourteenth five-year plan and the 100 anniversary of the founding of the CPC.

Standing at this crucial juncture, WKU Chancellor Wang Li pinned his hopes on graduates seizing the moment and embodying the University’s ethos which fosters innovation, solidarity and mutual benefit. He envisioned a WKU graduate as a bridge connecting China to the rest of the world.

Drawing from his vast experience in academia both as a student and academic, Dr. Wang encouraged graduates to extend a helping hand to those in need to collectively uplift society. Given the rising vexing complexity and mounting divided society, he reiterated the importance of friendship and partnership, hoping WKU graduates could be inclusive and learn to listen and understand others. 

Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., joined the celebration virtually and praised graduates’ exceptional performance in his remarks and noted, “We are forever changed by this experience. But no matter how much our world changed around us, we made our way through together.”

Commencement means beginning. Philosopher Julia H Gulliver, the second woman in America to receive a PhD in philosophy, said, let us never be betrayed into saying we have finished our education, because that would mean we had stopped growing. So while you’re making an end to this phase of your education, you’re embarking on a future filled with hope, opportunity and continued growth. He further urged the graduates to continue their pursuit of excellence.

The Director of the Standing Committee of Wenzhou Municipal People’s Congress, Mr. Ge Yiping, was in attendance and acknowledged the parallel development of the city of Wenzhou and WKU in the past few years. “The past years witnessed the rapid growth of WKU. You are lucky to grow together and witness this great transformation.” He encouraged graduates to join the great undertaking of building a better Wenzhou.

Also attending the ceremony was Dr. Ye Zhizhen, a highly accomplished scholar and member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. A native to Wenzhou, Dr. Ye has been selected by Elsevier, a renowned global publishing company specializing in scientific, technical, and medical research, as a “Highly Cited Chinese Researchers” for seven consecutive years. His experience could not be repeated but his lessons could be shared. In many of his lessons, four fundamentals should be concerned, to mind risks even in security, to shoulder responsibility, to be optimistic and confident, to make arduous efforts and forge ahead unwaveringly. 

Class Valedictorian Ms. Hu Yi was proud of being chosen as valedictorian. The past four years witnessed her metamorphosis from a rather introverted student to a confident one. She will strive toward her goal steadfastly with an open mind. 

On behalf of the WKU Alumni Association, Dr. Xu Shuli delivered an inspirational message to students to be doers instead of dreamers. He noted that high achievement comes from trial and error and that is how we can tap our fullest potential.

A highlight of every commencement ceremony is the performance from students and this year, they did not disappoint with their energetic choreographed dance and a piece of song entitled The Sound of Epilogue, as well as alma mater sung by our student chorus.

The result of the LOGO Design Competition for the 10th Anniversary of the University was also disclosed during the ceremony, which marks the beginning of 10th anniversary celebration.

Before the curtain came down on that warm Wenzhou night, Chairman Mr. Wang Beijiao reminded students, “No matter how high you fly or how far you go, WKU is a forever home and life’s harbor. You are welcomed back any time! “

GO, WKUers! Keep shooting for the stars!