On the afternoon of June 26, the Graduation Ceremony for Class of 2026 International College（IC），Xiamen University(XMU), was held with great ceremony in the Main Lecture Hall of Building 3, Zhangzhou Campus,XMU.

Attending the ceremony were Li Jun, Director of the Zhangzhou Campus Administrative Committee，XMU; Zhong Wei, Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, XMU; Zhou Lei, Party Secretary of the International College; and Yu Hongbo, Dean of the College, along with Huang Chen, Liu Wanyu, and Li Jiamian, Deputy Directors of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange; Zhang Xiaoyun and He Haitao, Deputy Deans of IC, teaching and research group leaders, faculty and staff representatives, alumni representatives, the graduates of the Class of 2026, and family members. The ceremony was presided over by Ma Xianghua, Deputy Party Secretary of the College.

Before the ceremony began, faculty members entered the lecture hall along the side aisles, each carrying a bouquet of flowers, as a voice-over of their pre-recorded blessings played in the background. Their arrival, bearing warm wishes for the graduates, was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. The ceremony then officially commenced with a choral performance of Ideals by the student choir.

The ceremony officially commenced with the national anthem. Yu Hongbo, Dean of IC, delivered an address on behalf of the College. She extended her warm congratulations to the graduating Class of 2026 and expressed her heartfelt gratitude and sincere respect to the faculty and family members who had nurtured and supported the graduates throughout their academic pursuits. She looked back with affection on the graduates' growth and development during their time at Xiamen University, and expressed pride in their outstanding academic achievements and successes in various competitions.

Noting that this year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the 105th anniversary of the founding of Xiamen University, and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the CPC Xiamen University Branch, Dean Yu put forward three expectations for the graduates. First, she urged them to hone their professional expertise and become practitioners of lifelong learning. She shared the story of Professor Ge Jianxiong of Fudan University, who, at the age of 81, continues to maintain a high level of academic output and social engagement, encouraging the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, to cultivate excellence in their chosen fields, and to safeguard their own "singularity of value." Second, she encouraged them to maintain broad vision and an inclusive mindset. She hoped that they would embrace differences with an open attitude, strengthen their cultural confidence, and carry forward the profound and splendid traditional culture of the Chinese nation as they step onto the world stage. Third, she called on them to stay true to their original aspirations and to hold fast to their ideals and convictions. She encouraged the graduates, in the face of challenges while studying abroad or pursuing their careers overseas, to always bear in mind the university motto—"Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection"—so that it may guide them through moments of uncertainty and fortify them in times of solitude, as they set sail bravely on their future endeavors.

Guo Wanfen, representing the faculty, addressed the graduates. She reflected on their growth and achievements over the past two to three years, and offered four guiding principles for navigating the AI era: seek truth, empathize, master technology, and uphold goodness. She encouraged the graduates to embrace their mission of telling China's story and amplifying China's voice, to align their personal endeavors with national development, and to step onto the world stage with broad vision and firm cultural confidence.

Zhang Jiayu, a 2026 graduate majoring in International Finance, as a student representative, expressed sincere gratitude to the university, faculty, family, and fellow students, and reflected on her growth over the past three years. She noted that the College's educational model, which integrates Chinese and Western approaches, has equipped students with both professional competence and global perspective. She encouraged her peers to carry forward the spirit of self-improvement and excellence instilled by Xiamen University, and the confidence and composure gained from the College, to make the most of their time abroad, and to return as proud Xiamen University alumni with a deep sense of commitment to their homeland.

At the ceremony, leaders and guests presented certificates to recipients of the Academic Excellence Scholarship and honorees of university and college-level awards. The men's basketball team was also commended for their outstanding performance in the 2026 Xiamen University Undergraduate "Super Cup" Basketball Tournament. The awardees were encouraged to continue achieving excellence in their future endeavors.

After the awards presentation, faculty and students performed a medley of A Million Dreams and Cheers, expressing their hopes for the future and cherishing their camaraderie through song. Following that, the College presented the 2026 Alumni Mentor Certificates and Class Liaison Certificates, encouraging graduates to stay connected with their alma mater and serve as bridges between the College and fellow alumni.

Following the solemn singing of the university anthem, college leaders and faculty representatives presented each graduate with a commencement scroll, offered their heartfelt blessings, and posed for group photos.

The ceremony concluded in a warm and solemn atmosphere. Bearing the blessings of their mentors and alma mater, the Class of 2026 now embark on a journey to broader horizons and a bright future.