Before the official ceremony began, the Peking University Chuying Choir performed the songs Dear Traveler and Daylily Flowers, whose gentle melodies conveyed both the warmth of youth and the bittersweet emotions of farewell. A graduation video followed, capturing unforgettable moments of study, research, and personal growth throughout the graduates' years at Peking University, evoking cherished memories shared by everyone in attendance. A poetry recital entitled Our Forever Campus, accompanied by the graceful sound of the violin, featured graduate representatives expressing their heartfelt affection for Yanyuan (the Peking University main campus), creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and nostalgia.
The ceremony officially commenced with the solemn singing of the Chinese national anthem. During the "Looking Back" segment, representatives from different academic programs shared reflections on their journeys at the School. Undergraduate student Qiu Nanfeng master's student Feng Bin, doctoral students Wang Dawei and Wang Yueyue, and Frontier Engineering doctoral student Chen Jicheng each took the stage to recount their experiences of learning, scientific research, and personal growth. Their stories reflected the spirit of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence that defines Peking University's materials scientists, while also expressing heartfelt gratitude and deep affection for their alma mater.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of numerous honors recognizing outstanding achievements in scholarship, teaching, and mentorship. Professor Zou Ruqiang, Li Ming, Professor Xia Dingguo, Zhou Huanping, Zhang Jing, and Tong Lianming presented awards including the Beijing Outstanding Graduates of 2026, Peking University Outstanding Graduates of 2026, Peking University Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation and Advisor Awards, the Fifth Academic Top Ten Award of the School of Materials Science and Engineering, the Peking University Distinguished Teaching Award, the Peking University Outstanding Moral Education Award, and the Peking University Outstanding Graduate Advisor Award. Each honor recognized the dedication and accomplishments of exceptional students and faculty members, and was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The growth of every student is made possible not only through individual effort, but also through the unwavering support of family, the guidance of teachers, and the inspiration of alumni. During the congratulatory remarks, speakers representing these three perspectives shared their heartfelt blessings and encouragement.
Parent representative Ms. Zheng Wenhui, mother of undergraduate student Liu Haojun, spoke movingly about witnessing her child's growth. She expressed sincere gratitude to the School for its devoted education and encouraged all graduates to move confidently into the future with love and courage.
Alumni representative Li Nengxu, a member of the Class of 2022 and now a Research Fellow and Assistant Professor at the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, reflected on his own academic journey and research experience. Having progressed from student to educator, he encouraged the graduates to remain true to their aspirations, stay grounded, and pursue excellence in their respective careers.
Faculty representative Professor Dou Jinhu delivered a farewell address, encouraging graduates to maintain their passion for learning, carry forward the spirit of Peking University, and continue making meaningful contributions to the field of materials science. A video featuring congratulatory messages from faculty members who were unable to attend in person was also shown, allowing them to share their best wishes through recorded messages.
The School then presented commemorative gifts to representatives of the Class of 2026, symbolizing both congratulations on earning their degrees and hopes that the graduates would always remember their roots while striving toward future success. Graduate representatives Zhang Ning, Sun Menglin, He Pu, and Zhao Xuyang accepted the gifts on behalf of their classmates.
During the gratitude segment, graduate representatives presented flowers to faculty members, administrative staff, and support personnel in appreciation of their dedication and care throughout the students' academic journeys.
The graduates also presented two specially prepared commemorative gifts to the School. Doctoral graduates Zhang Chenxin, Li Kailin, and Yang Zhaofan introduced the design concepts and symbolic meanings behind one gift, while Frontier Engineering doctoral graduates Xu Li, Mu Zhen, and Shi Hanfu presented the second, with Xu Li explaining the sentiments it represented on behalf of the graduating class. Professor Zou Ruqiang and Li Ming accepted the gifts on behalf of the School and expressed their gratitude, noting that these heartfelt tokens of remembrance would be permanently preserved by the School.
Guided by its mission of cultivating talent for the nation, the School of Materials Science and Engineering has always aligned itself with national strategic priorities and the frontiers of scientific innovation, providing fertile ground for generations of materials scientists to grow and thrive. As the graduates prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives, Dean Professor Zou Ruqiang delivered the commencement address.
He extended his warmest congratulations to the Class of 2026, expressed sincere appreciation to the faculty members for their dedicated teaching and to the parents for their steadfast support, and offered three expectations for the graduates as they began their new journeys in life.
During the degree conferral ceremony, Dean Zou Ruqiang and Professor Xia Dingguo, Chair of the School Degree Committee, individually conferred degrees upon the graduates by moving the tassels on their caps and posed for commemorative photographs with each graduate.
The ceremony concluded with a chorus of Yanyuan Sentiments, sung by all faculty members and graduates together. As the familiar melody filled the hall, the enduring spirit and memories of Peking University resonated deeply in everyone's hearts.
As the farewell song fades and new journeys begin, may every member of the Class of 2026 of Peking University's School of Materials Science and Engineering carry forward the guidance of their alma mater and the hopes of their teachers. May they spread their wings through the power of materials science, pursue their dreams with determination, and move steadfastly toward a future of purpose and achievement. May the road ahead be bright and rewarding, and may they always find their way back to Yanyuan—their forever home.
