Farewell! WKU Celebrates Commencement for the Class of 2024

On June 7, Wenzhou-Kean University celebrated its commencement at the Olympic Sports Center in the Ouhai district, Wenzhou. This year, WKU waved goodbye to over 800 undergraduates and graduates of the Class of 2024. More importantly, with the graduation of the first cohort of 9 doctoral students, this commencement indicates a breakthrough that WKU has made within only a few years and a solid step to becoming a high-level and international university.

The graduates were congratulated by WKU and Kean University leadership, faculty and staff members. The commencement was also broadcast live online for all WKU's counterparts, especially families, to share graduates' pride and joy.

This ceremony was special as 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Ministry of Education's establishment of Wenzhou-Kean University. It also celebrated the first cohort of students to earn their doctoral degrees in educational leadership from WKU.

On the day before commencement, WKU made national news in China when President Xi Jinping issued a letter in response to Kean University president Lamont Repollet commending the growth and accomplishments at WKU.

President Xi called on universities of China and the United States to strengthen exchanges and cooperation through various forms, and cultivate young envoys who know both countries well, thereby building more bridges to promote China-US friendship.

Standing at this remarkable and memorable juncture, Ms. Wang Cailian, Vice Mayor of Wenzhou Municipal People's Government carried the spirits of President Xi's reply letter forward to the attendees of the commencement.

Chair of WKU Board of Directors Mr. Wang Beijiao presided over the commencement and addressed the Class of 2024. He expressed warm congratulations to over 800 graduates who successfully completed their studies at WKU. He noted that they embody tolerance, resilience and responsibility as he envisioned in their student orientation. Looking forward, he hopes that the graduates will be courageous enough to explore, challenge, trial and error, shaping unique and vibrant youths.

On behalf of the entire Kean University family, President of Kean University Dr. Lamont Repollet extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the future endeavors of the graduating class. He highly recognized the graduates' great intellect, ingenuity and resilience that they have demonstrated in the past four years to learn and grow in our global and increasingly virtual world. At this joyful and memorable moment, Dr. Repollet pinned his hope on graduates using their WKU education "to lead with compassion and integrity, to innovate and to make a positive, lasting impact."

Member of the Board of Trustees Mr. John Kean Jr. joined the celebration to applaud the achievements and celebrate the students' success. He remarked in the address, "The knowledge, skills and culturally rich experiences you have gained as a Wenzhou-Kean student will serve as a solid foundation as you move on to new challenges and achieve even greater levels of personal and professional success." He further urged graduates to overcome obstacles and push the boundaries of progress to make lasting changes in their fields, communities and the increasingly interconnected world.

Today's success of WKU would not have been possible without the government's support at all levels. Mr. Zhang Zhenfeng, Vice Governor and Party Member of Zhejiang Provincial People's Government, Secretary of Wenzhou Municipal Party Committee, was in attendance and addressed the graduates.

Valedictorian of undergraduate graduates Ms. Chong Zhang shared three keywords, "Transformation, Courage, and Dreams," to reflect on her testimonies of growth and progress in parallel with the development of WKU. Valedictorian of master's graduates Ms. Gao Yanglu thanked WKU for making her wildest dream come true. As the graduates embark on new chapters in life, she invited graduates to bear in mind the saying "You're here to grow as professionals, as persons" and continue to inspire and support each other.

Today, the commencement also witnessed the first cohort of students to earn their doctoral degrees in educational leadership from WKU. On behalf of the doctoral graduates, Mr. Zhang Renjie encouraged all students to chase excellence, strive for innovation, and make a positive impact in whatever area they choose. "Let us be the change-makers, thought leaders, and visionaries who shape the future and inspire generations to come." He remarked.

The event also saw the attendance of a special guest and keynote speaker Dr. Gao Fu, who is an accomplished scholar and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS), international member of the US National Academy of Sciences, U.S. Academy of Medicine, Royal Society in the United Kingdom, National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Germany, and Russian Academy of Sciences.

In his speech, he emphasized the importance of honesty, trustworthiness, and responsibility and put forward two key suggestions: one is to maintain a positive state and mentality, and the other is to master the "three keys of life" - acceptance, change, and departure. He concluded his speech by encouraging students to actively respond to the current challenges facing humankind and contribute their strengths. Worth mentioning, the WKU Memorial Medal was awarded to Academician Gao Fu by Chairman Wang Beijiao after the speech.

A highlight of every commencement ceremony is the performance of students, and this year, they did not disappoint with their orchestral performance, Chinese dance performance, and songs, including the WKU Alma Mater.

Before the curtain came down on that warm Wenzhou night, the Class of 2024 was about to depart for the world with all warm wishes and sincere expectations. Congratulations, Class of 2024! Go forth and make your mark on the world!