On June 19th, the 2024 Graduate Graduation Ceremony and Degree Conferral of Hainan Normal University was held in the Lecture Hall of the University Activity Center at the Guilinyang campus. University leaders, including Xu Mei, Chen Xiangsong, Fu Liucai, Yang Ziju, Wang Yu, Han Xiaoyu, Zhang Yin, Bai Xianliang, and Wang Renbin, attended the ceremony. Also present were members of the University’s Degree Evaluation Committee, party and administrative leaders of each college, graduate advisors, graduate counselors, as well as graduates and their families. Additionally, about 15,700 alumni from across the country watched the ceremony via livestreaming.
Before the ceremony began, a solemn and grand entrance ceremony for the mentors was held. Under the gaze of the audience, 41 mentors entered the venue one by one. Graduate representatives presented flowers to their mentors and embraced them, expressing their deep respect and gratitude for their teachers in a sincere and heartfelt manner. The scene was both dignified and touching, showcasing the university’s fine tradition of respect and tutelage.
The ceremony officially began with the sound of the majestic national anthem.
In his address, President Chen Xiangsong affirmed the achievements of the graduates during their time at the university. Through the final lecture he gave, Chen discussed the true essence of research, introduced a specific formula for calculating research value, and encouraged the graduates to use it to find their true life values and realize their own life goals. He also extended an invitation to all the graduating students, asking them to return to Hainan Normal University in 10 years to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the closure of the Hainan Free Trade Port, a key milestone in the rejuvenation of the nation. Together, they would witness the achievement of building a modern educational powerhouse and share their contributions to this endeavor in their respective fields.
Deputy Secretary of the CPC Fu Liucai announced the “Decision of Hainan Normal University to Commend the Outstanding Graduate Students and Outstanding Graduate Student Leaders of the Class of 2024”. Party Secretary Xu Mei presented honorary certificates to the outstanding graduate student leaders, and President Chen Xiangsong awarded honorary certificates to the outstanding graduate students.
During the ceremony, the stories and reflections shared by graduates from the School of Education, who taught at Shuiman Central School, touched everyone in attendance. Their dedication to the educational development of the “three regions” of Hainan, undeterred by difficulties or isolation, exemplified the banyan tree spirit of Hainan Normal University: “being steadfast and resilient, growing into a forest, and spreading love across the land”. Their efforts also vividly embodied the university's phoenix flower spirit of “having ideals, willing to strive, daring to take responsibility, and being able to contribute”.
On behalf of the university’s party committee, Xu Mei presented alumni badges to the graduates from the School of Education and to past graduates now working at Shuiman Central School, reminding them to continue applying the skills they learned at Hainan Normal University to serve Hainan’s basic education system and nurture more talented individuals capable of taking on more significant responsibilities for the province.
Chen Xiangsong donated banyan and phoenix tree saplings to Shuiman Central School, expressing the hope that the banyan tree spirit of Hainan Normal University and the phoenix flower spirit of the university’s graduates would permeate from Shuiman Township across every inch of the Free Trade Port.
As the graduation ceremony drew to a close, the Graduate Chamber Orchestra, the Graduate Haiyan Choir, and the Symphony Orchestra from the School of Music, along with all students and teachers, performed the Hainan Normal University Graduate Song, “Sailing Toward Our Dreams”.
In the degree awarding segment of the ceremony, standing member of the party committee, Vice President Yang Ziju announced the decision to confer degrees on the 2024 graduates. Professor Wang Kaihua, Dean of the Graduate School, presided over the doctoral degree conferral ceremony, while the chairs of the Degree Evaluation Subcommittees and college leaders presided over the master’s degree conferral ceremonies for their respective colleges.
President Chen Xiangsong personally adjusted the tassels of each graduate and awarded them their degree certificates. He engaged with the graduates by conversing, embracing, or making heart-shaped gestures with them. Laughter echoed throughout the hall, demonstrating the university’s care and prayers for the graduates, making them feel the warmth and love of the school, and inspiring their confidence and drive to continue striving for excellence.
With the tassel ceremony complete, they embark on a new journey. The 2024 Graduate Graduation Ceremony and Degree Conferral of Hainan Normal University concluded successfully as all attendees sang the “Hainan Normal University Anthem” together.
