June 26, 2025 (Thursday) – Anhui University of Technology (AHUT) celebrated its Class of 2025 at the "Chasing Dreams • Setting Sail" Graduation Ceremony and Degree Conferral on June 24th. The event took place at the Xiushan Campus.

University leaders, including Party Secretary Lu Lin, President Zeng Jie, Vice Presidents Wang Jun, Zheng Xiao, Wu Chunlei, Min Fanfei, Zheng Liping, Zhang Shihong, and Luo Kun, attended the ceremony. Also present was Rui Yibin (Class of 1994, Environmental Monitoring), now Energy and Environmental Protection Director at Beijing Jianlong Heavy Industry Group, who returned as a distinguished alumnus. The ceremony brought together over 5,000 attendees: the entire Class of 2025, members of the University Party Standing Committee, heads of relevant functional departments, school deans and Party secretaries, student affairs officers, graduating class advisors, representatives of faculty, parents, logistics, and security staff. Vice President Wang Jun presided over the proceedings.

The ceremony commenced solemnly with the national anthem. Party Secretary Lu Lin announced the degree conferral decisions and recognized graduates honored as "Outstanding Graduates of Anhui Province" and "Outstanding Graduates of Anhui University of Technology." University leaders, Standing Committee members, and department heads then presented awards. Honorary certificates and appointments were given to representatives of the Provincial and University Outstanding Graduates, graduates heading to work in frontier regions, outstanding graduates recognized for their "Second Classroom Transcript" achievements, and newly appointed alumni liaisons. Degree conferral followed, with leaders presenting diplomas to graduate representatives and ceremonially adjusting their tassels.

President Zeng Jie addressed the graduates, congratulating them on completing their studies and extending heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, staff, and families who supported them. Drawing from his own experiences, President Zeng inspired the graduates by emphasizing that "life's script is always full of possibilities." He offered a powerful metaphor for their journey ahead: "However high the mountain, keep climbing and you will reach the peak; however long the road, keep walking and you will reach your destination." In his final charge as their president, Zeng Jie urged the graduates to: Serve the Nation: Make patriotism their creed, professionalism their standard, and integrate dedication into their daily lives, striving to write a vibrant chapter contributing to China's modernization; Embrace Lifelong Learning: Treat their diploma as a passport to continuous learning, making study as natural as breathing and perseverance an ingrained habit. Innovate with Integrity: Dare to challenge conventions with pioneering spirit, ensuring every endeavor sparks progress for the times.

Alumnus Rui Yibin expressed deep affection for his alma mater and shared insights from his career. He encouraged the new graduates to: "Maintain a beginner's mindset to break cognitive boundaries; Cultivate persistence like a well-digger to forge professional depth; Understand the wisdom of adapting to achieve innovative breakthroughs."

Representatives from the university community also shared their perspectives: Professor Yan Yan (Chemistry and Chemical Engineering) spoke for the faculty. Undergraduate Zhang Shuqi (Foreign Languages) represented bachelor's graduates. Doctoral graduate Xiong Yanhang (Metallurgical Engineering) represented postgraduate students. International graduate Karim Md Razaul (from Bangladesh, Computer Science and Technology) represented the overseas student cohort.

A poignant moment followed as graduating class advisors performed a chorus of "The Story of Time" (《光阴的故事》). Graduates then presented flowers and shared warm embraces with the leaders and teachers on stage.

The formal ceremony concluded with the singing of the Anhui University of Technology anthem.

Pre-Ceremony Festivities:

Before the main event, a lively atmosphere filled the ground. A medley of popular graduation songs sparked a massive singalong, while vibrant Xinjiang folk dance performances had the audience swaying to the rhythm. The joyful spirit celebrated the graduates' imminent journey to chase their dreams across vast horizons.

Farewell Gestures:

Following the ceremony, university leaders, Standing Committee members, department heads, and school deans formed a passage to bid farewell, offering congratulatory handshakes to all graduates as they departed. As a final gesture of goodwill, the university hosted a complimentary farewell meal for the entire Class of 2025, wishing them a bright and prosperous future – "a promising future (and flavorful journey)".

Live Broadcast:

The ceremony employed a "live event with online streaming" model. The entire proceedings were broadcast live via the university's official WeChat Video Channel, allowing parents, families, and alumni worldwide to share in the celebration remotely.