Wenzhou-Kean University Celebrates Class of 2025 Commencement

6 June: Wenzhou-Kean University held its tenth Commencement for the Class of 2025 at the Olympic Sports Center in the Ouhai district, Wenzhou. In this midsummer of vitality and promise, WKU celebrated the achievements of the largest graduating class in its history. Nearly 1100 graduates across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs attended the ceremony with congratulations from WKU and Kean University leadership, faculty, and staff members.

Chair of the Board of Directors Mr. Wang Beijiao presided over the commencement. In the opening remark, Chairman Wang noted that WKU has entered a new phase of development over the past year. This year, the Class of 2025 has seen a wave of outstanding achievements, with many students admitted to the world’s prestigious universities, including Oxford University, Cambridge University, University College London, and Yale University. With heartfelt sincerity, he offered his message to the graduates. “Today, you leave not only with the depth of knowledge, but with a broader perspective and a warm heart. From Wenzhou, you now set your sights on the world. I look forward to hearing more ‘WKU success stories’ from the Class of 2025!”

Dr. Bao Gang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, addressed this memorable occasion and shared three reflections with the Class of 2025. Drawing from his vast experience in academia both as a learner and an academic, he encouraged WKU graduates to discern complexity and hold fast to sound judgment, to act and forge their own path, and to commit to lifelong learning and continuous growth. In the closing of his speech, Dr. Bao pinned his hopes on the students, "May you find your own direction on the coordinate plane of life. May you remain clear-minded and warm-hearted in a complex world. When faced with an uncertain future, may you stay focused and calm."

Dr. Lamont Repollet, President of Kean University, highly praised the incredible brilliance, talent, and leadership qualities that characterize the graduating class and remarked, "You have inherited the wisdom of both Chinese and American educational philosophies — an understanding that personal excellence and collective responsibility are complementary." He envisioned the Class of 2025 going forward with confidence, humility, and courage, embodying the shared vision of two nations unified by the strength of education and purpose.

Mr. John Kean Jr. delivered remarks and offered warmest congratulations on behalf of the Wenzhou-Kean University Board of Directors, the Kean University USA Board of Trustees and the entire Kean Family. In the next five years, which might be the most consequential years for the development of AI, opportunity demands innovative thinking that transcends cultural boundaries. Given the WKU education experience, Mr. Kean believes that the graduating class has gained strong core values and the ability to approach global challenges through multiple cultural lenses. It positioned them uniquely to effect change and protect humanity. He noted emphatically, "Class of 2025, do not just pursue successful careers — help build a more connected world."

Mr. Zhang Wenjie, Mayor of Wenzhou, lavished praise on Wenzhou-Kean University, hailing it as a remarkable academic institution, whose establishment was witnessed by President Xi. Over the years, it has cultivated many outstanding students who have broadened their horizons and increased their wisdom under the influence of diverse cultures. Marking the first anniversary of President Xi’s reply to WKU and as graduates prepare to embark on new journeys, Mayor Zhang outlined three key expectations for the outgoing class. Stay anchored in the original purpose, cultivate multi-dimensional wisdom, and prioritize physical and mental fortitude.

In closing, he emphasized the indelible bond between WKU students and Wenzhou, urging graduates to carry forward cherished memories and aspirations for the city. “May your futures be bright and your journeys lead to great heights,” he concluded.

Mr. Lin Dong, as a leading Zhejiang entrepreneur among China’s “returnee pioneers”, served as this year’s guest speaker to share the theme: Be an Entrepreneur with the Spirit of a Scientist. He recounted how he led Greenful Group, originally a beef jerky enterprise, took a leap to develop and build the world’s first ocean tidal current energy power station, along with experiences and insights gained during this journey. Looking ahead, he sincerely hoped that WKU would nurture more world-class entrepreneurs, thereby contributing to human progress and serving as a new model of integrated development between China and the United States.

After the speech, the Kean Memorial Medal was presented to Mr. Lin Dong by Dr. Bao Gang.

Worth mentioning, the ceremony also witnessed the addresses from Ms. Liu Yanxi, Mr. Zhang Chaohe, and Ms. Chen Min, who spoke respectively on behalf of undergraduates, graduate students and doctoral graduates.

As the Commencement drew to a successful conclusion, Chair Mr. Wang Beijiao waved goodbye to the Class of 2025 and reminded them, “Your alma mater will always be here, lighting a lamp and waiting for your return. May you always carry passion in your heart and strength in your stride. Wherever life takes you, stay true to your aspirations and never stop chasing your dreams.”

Congratulations, Class of 2025! Your future is here and the future is you!