On the morning of June 28th, the 2024 commencement ceremony of the School of Humanities (SoH) of Tsinghua University was held in Mong Man Wai Concert Hall at Tsinghua University.

Commencement Ceremony Hosted by Associate Professor Zhao Jingang

Presentation of Degree Conferment Details by Professor Gu Tao

During the ceremony, Professor Gu Tao introduced the number of degrees conferred by the School of Humanities in 2024.

Announcement of Award Recipients by Professor Ma Yinqin

The 2024 Dean’s Scholarship Award Ceremony

Professor Ma Yinqin announced the list of recipients for the 2024 Beijing Municipal Outstanding Graduates, Tsinghua University Excellent and Meritorious Graduates, Outstanding Thesis Awards, and the Qihang Award of Tsinghua University. Professor Liu Shi and Professor Ma Yinqin then presented the Dean’s Scholarship to the winners of 2024, offering their congratulations to the awardees.

Speech by Teacher Representative Zhao Rong

Associate Professor Zhao Rong, serving as the class advisor for the 2020 cohort of the Japanese major and as the deputy secretary of the CPC Branch of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, extended her congratulations to the students. On behalf of all class advisors, Zhao Rong expressed her hope that the students would confidently grasp a future teeming with boundless potential, broaden their perspectives through cultural inheritance and exchange, and seize the mission of the youth amidst the opportunities bestowed by the era. She underscored the importance of being keenly aware of the country and people’s expectations, coupled with the opportunities bestowed by the contemporary age. With this understanding, the graduates are to shoulder the youthful responsibility of contributing to a brighter future for the nation, the people, and all humanity.

Speech by Teacher Representative Chen Bisheng

Professor Chen Bisheng, deputy director of the Department of Philosophy, invoked the significance of two renowned stone inscriptions at Tsinghua—the university motto “Self-discipline and Social Commitment,” and the memorial to the scholar Wang Guowei. He guided everyone present through a nostalgic journey, revisiting the traditions of Tsinghua’s humanities disciplines. For learners and scholars within the humanities, the essential value of their scholarly pursuit lies in the silent dialogue with ancient sages, the deep engagement with the mundanity of life, and the experience of the rationality and composure inherent in the existence of life—ultimately shaping one’s inner universe. Professor Chen expressed his hope that after graduation, the students would continue to uphold the traditional spirit of Tsinghua’s humanities. May they grow into individuals who are independent, self-reliant, and unceasingly strive for self-improvement—a true junzi (gentleman or person of virtue). In doing so, may they forge their paths towards achieving grand and meaningful careers.

Speech by Undergraduate Representative Han Shuyuan

Han Shuyuan, the undergraduate student representative from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the four years of humanistic education provided by the school and the meticulous guidance from all the teachers. Throughout her undergraduate tenure, she devoted herself to social practice, keeping a close eye on societal transitions. Proactively seeking external engagement, she had multiple opportunities to participate in international forums, speaking on the global stage. Han Shuyuan extended her best wishes, hoping that her peers would remain steadfast in their life aspirations amid both theoretical studies and practical endeavors. She encouraged everyone to break free from limitations, to boldly chase their dreams in their forthcoming journeys. Additionally, she wished that amidst the clamor of the times, all students would hold fast to independent thought and tenacity.

Ruan Yingte, the representative of the master’s graduates from the Department of History of Science, delivered a heartfelt reflection on his time at Tsinghua University. He recounted his profound experiences of witnessing the deep sense of responsibility and patriotism among the Tsinghua community. He expressed admiration for the many “great teachers” he encountered—individuals with lofty ideals, relentless pursuits, and steadfast responsibilities. Immersed in the unique cultural charm of Tsinghua, he was exposed to vast realms of “great knowledge”. Ruan Yingte articulated his aspiration to weave his personal ideals and ambitions into the grand tapestry of national prosperity, rejuvenation, and the well-being of the people. He emphasized that making service to the country his highest pursuit would lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. As a dedicated and responsible Tsinghua graduate, he envisioned a future where his contributions would significantly impact society, embodying the spirit of Tsinghua in every endeavor.

Speech by Doctoral Graduate Representative Li Junjie

Li Junjie, the representative of the doctoral graduates from the Department of History, conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the education and nurturing provided by the school and acknowledged the unwavering dedication of all the faculty members and administration. He underscored the importance of upholding “the spirit of independence and freedom of thought” and encouraged his fellow graduates to step beyond the confines of academia and explore the vast expanse of their motherland. These invaluable principles and experiences, imparted by the humanities at Tsinghua, are cherished assets that will guide the graduates throughout their lives.

Speech by Alumni Representative Yan Bo

Yan Bo, an alumni representative who completed her undergraduate studies in the Department of Philosophy in 2007 and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from the Department of Psychology, is currently the Director of the Student Psychological Development Guidance Center at Tsinghua University. She shared her academic journey and post-graduation insights with the graduates. Yan Bo urged the graduates to remain steadfast in their original aspirations, continue learning, and maintain their curiosity. She emphasized the importance of embracing change, adapting to new environments, and upholding humanistic values while contributing to society. She expressed her hope that they would actively seek ways to find happiness and enrich their lives through substantial actions, making their lives more fulfilling and meaningful.

Student Counselors Record Farewell Wishes

The year 2024 marks a special year for the School of Humanities, with the largest number of graduating student counselors in recent years. To commemorate this occasion, the graduating student counselors covered a hit song, wishing all the graduates every success in their new journey.

Dean Liu Shi’s Message to 2024 Graduates

In his address, Dean Liu Shi employed two pairs of keywords—“warmth” and “gratitude,” and “questioning” and “innovation”—to guide the graduates in reflecting on their past and envisioning their future. Looking back, Professor Liu encouraged the students to embrace gratitude for the warmth they had experienced. He urged them to reciprocate this warmth, originating from others and touching their own hearts, by extending it to others. Through their gratitude, others would, in turn, feel the warmth emanating from them. Looking forward, Professor Liu expressed his hope that the graduates, while learning from and inheriting the material civilization and spiritual culture created by their predecessors, would be brave in asking questions and daring to challenge. He emphasized the importance of questioning authority and oneself, achieving innovation through such inquiry. In conclusion, Professor Liu sincerely wished the graduates a life always accompanied by warmth, with gratitude held in their hearts. He encouraged them to find inspiration in questioning, lead through innovation, realize their values, shoulder social responsibilities, bid farewell to the past, set sail towards the future, and never cease in their endeavors, achieving a brilliant and prosperous future.

In a gesture of sincere homage to the graduating class of 2024, the School commissioned an original composition entitled “Farewell Summer”. The lyrics were penned by distinguished Professor Chen Guoping of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, also known by his pen name, Xi Du. The melody was composed by Qu Xiaonan, a talented member of the graduating master’s cohort. The ceremony was brought to a fitting close with the graduation tune, followed by the solemn rendition of the university’s anthem. These musical tributes served as a backdrop to the conclusion of the 2024 Commencement Ceremony of the School of Humanities, encapsulating both the warmth of shared experiences and the gravity of the occasion.

An estimated attendance of 420 people was recorded at the ceremony. This number encompassed the graduating class of 2024, a contingent of alumni from the preceding years between 2020 and 2023 and the family members and friends who had gathered to support and celebrate the achievements of the graduates.