Speech from the Executive President at the 2013 graduation ceremony

President Wenquan Tao, Professor Jianhua Wang, Sir Howard Newby, distinguished guests, and graduating students:

Welcome to Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s fourth graduation ceremony!

First of all, allow me, on behalf of XJTLU, to offer you my heartiest congratulations for having successfully completed four years of dedicated study. I trust that your four colourful and fruitful years at this institution have been memorable, and that what you have obtained from the University, be it knowledge, ability or experience, is a treasure trove of assets that will accompany you for life!

XJTLU has always subscribed to the “happy life, successful career” ideology, so that through our unwavering endeavours and innovative spirit, we are able to nurture our students, transforming them into global citizens with an international vision, ready and able to compete on the world stage.

In furtherance of this objective, we have spared no effort to enable you to undergo a three-dimensional life-transforming experience involving nine steps, that is, from being a child to a young adult, then to a global citizen; from passive learning to active learning then to research-led learning; and from aimless learning to interest-oriented learning and then to pay attention to your life plan.

I believe the four transformative years you have spent at XJTLU have given you greater insight and a sense of the vital importance of implementing these three life changes. Graduating from XJTLU does not signify the end to this transformation, because being a research-led, self-aware and internationally competitive global citizen takes a lifetime of work. Yet the nurturing, skills and knowledge that you have received while at XJTLU will no doubt stand you in good stead in the future. They are wings to help you soar, dream big and achieve your personal goals in life.

XJTLU turns seven this year; this makes you the fourth cohort to graduate from the University. You have watched XJTLU grow from a university with only one building to one that possesses a modern, beautiful and unique campus, along with first-rate academic staff members in a prototype international university.

The Central Building here, which hosts your graduation ceremony, is the symbol of XJTLU’s maturity. An award-winning landmark in Suzhou and the Higher Education Town, it is the centre of attention in the industry both in and outside China. The south campus, which has broken ground, is similarly one of a kind, built with the aim of creating itself as an academic community and scientific district. We look forward to a very special campus in the country’s Yangtze River Delta that is intended to be the hub and one of the engines of the world economy.

As we watch each brick being laid to build this university campus, we harbour the same hope that you too will blaze your own life step by step. In a few years, when you return to the University with your new bounty, XJTLU will likewise emerge as a stronger university to welcome you. This then is XJTLU: together with its students, it has and will always be bold enough to break the mould and write its own history.

Today, you are about to leave university to forge a path for yourself. Please permit me, representing your old friend XJTLU, to thank you all most sincerely from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for having chosen XJTLU four years ago, and for all that you have done for the University.

As well, I would like to offer my gratitude to the parents of our graduating students. Your support – whether spiritual, emotional or financial – has assured XJTLU of the success that it is today. You have every right to be proud of and rejoice with our students, your children.

I would also like to place on record my deep appreciation of all staff for their wisdom and sterling service, as well as to the various governmental agencies, both parent universities and the wider public for their interest in and support for XJTLU’s development. I firmly believe that XJTLU will continue to exert significant influence on the reform of the higher education system in China and even around the world. This courage does not stem from ignorance or blind faith, rather it is the seed of a well-considered rationality, which has slowly but surely come to fruition. Our vision to raise a generation of global citizens is by no means a mere platitude, but is presently and incrementally being fulfilled. Let us all usher in an even brighter future for XJTLU!

Finally, wherever you may be on this planet, regardless of whatever challenge you are faced with, please bear in mind that XJTLU, your university, is always here to sing to your successes, to give you a hand when you need it, wish you well, and hope that you will sooner than later attain your dreams.

Here’s a toast to a happy life and a successful career! Thank you.

Professor Youmin Xi