Wenzhou-Kean University Celebrates the Class of 2026 at Its 11th Commencement
Wenzhou-Kean University held its 2026 Commencement Ceremony at the Olympic Sports Center in Ouhai District, Wenzhou. Over 1,100 graduates from bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs celebrated this occasion alongside university leadership, faculty and staff from both Wenzhou-Kean University and Kean University.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of signing the University’s founding agreement. From an ambitious blueprint, the University has pursued high-quality development in Sino-foreign cooperative education and grown into a landmark project in China-U.S. educational collaboration and a model institution of Sino-foreign cooperative education.
Among the Class of 2026, many graduates have earned admissions to world-renowned universities, including Harvard, Yale, Cambridge and Oxford, while others are embarking on careers in research, industry, public service, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Mr. Wang Jun, Deputy Secretary of the Wenzhou Municipal Party Committee, attended the ceremony and shared in the pride and joy of the graduates. He acknowledged WKU’s accomplishments over the past two decades and encouraged graduates to forge ahead with the times, promote exchanges among different cultures and grow together with the city. He also welcomed them to build the next chapter of their lives and careers in Wenzhou.
Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, President of Kean University, extended his congratulations to the Class of 2026. Referring to the University’s motto, “Start here, Go anywhere,” he said it reflected the extraordinary journey of the graduating class. Amid rapid global changes and growing challenges, Dr. Repollet expressed confidence in the graduates’ readiness for the future. He encouraged them to cross borders, cross industries and cross ideas while remaining confident, humble, ambitious, and grounded.
Also attending the ceremony was Dr. Huang Wei, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Foreign Member of the National Academy of Engineering, USA. Drawing on his own experience in scientific research, he shared life insights based on the acronym WKU. He explained that W stands for Wenzhou and the World, encouraging graduates to be rooted in Wenzhou while embracing the world. K represents Kean and Knowledge, calling on students to innovate through the Kean educational model while deepening their knowledge. U stands for University and You, reminding graduates to honor their alma mater and realize their potential. In closing, he urged graduates to carry forward the pioneering courage of Wenzhou and the inclusiveness embodied by Kean, remain committed to lifelong learning and pursue innovation in the age of artificial intelligence.
Mr. Pan Jianzhong, Party Secretary and Chair of the Board of Directors of Wenzhou-Kean University, presided over the ceremony and delivered opening remarks. He commended the Class of 2026 for growing alongside the University and contributing to its pursuit of high-quality development while achieving outstanding academic outcomes. He expressed his hopes for their future. “May you carry with you the wisdom, courage, and sense of responsibility cultivated at WKU, together with the hopes of your teachers and the love of your families as you set forth on your journey,” he said.
Dr. Li Xiaonian, Chancellor of WKU and Foreign Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, addressed the Class of 2026. Focusing on the theme of responsibility and goodness, he encouraged students to stay true to their original aspirations, create value through action and extend kindness to others. He urged them to embrace the best years of their lives with a strong sense of responsibility and move confidently toward the future.
Mr. John Kean Jr. delivered keynote remarks and extended warm congratulations on behalf of the WKU Board of Directors, the Kean USA Board of Trustees and the entire Kean family. He noted that a rapidly changing world requires innovative thinking and cross-cultural understanding. Equipped with the strengths of both Eastern and Western education, graduates have developed core values and a unique cross-cultural mindset that will help them address global challenges. “Class of 2026, do not just pursue successful careers—help build a more connected world,” he said.
Ms. Fu Yuxi, undergraduate representative of the Class of 2026, shared how she grew from being timid to finding the confidence to speak up. She believes meaningful expressions lie in valuable ideas and courage rather than loud voices, and encouraged fellow graduates to stay true to themselves and move forward with conviction amid uncertainty. Master’s degree representative Mr. Wu Jiajun reflected on the era of artificial intelligence, reminding graduates to preserve independent judgment, use technology wisely without becoming overly dependent on it and embrace innovation without abandoning critical thinking. Doctoral representative Ms. Chen Wenping spoke of three gifts WKU gave her: a global perspective grounded in reality, the judgment to balance evidence with meaning, and the leadership to shape the future. She pledged to devote herself to grassroots service and support local education.
The 2026 Commencement Ceremony concluded with warm wishes and high expectations from the University community. As they begin a new chapter in their lives, the graduates of the Class of 2026 leave WKU ready to embark on new journeys. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
