On June 22, Nanjing University's 2026 graduate commencement ceremony and degree conferral ceremony were held at the Fang Zhaozhou Gymnasium on the Xianlin Campus. Tan Tieniu, Chair of NJU CPC Council and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), delivered a speech to the graduates. Tan Zhemin, President of NJU and Academician of the CAS, offered his blessings to the graduates.

At around 2 p.m., members of the university's flag guard team marched solemnly, escorting the national flag into the venue. Amid the majestic strains of the national anthem, the graduation ceremony officially commenced.

"You are about to set sail from here. In the grand process of building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation, as well as within the vast blueprint of the '15th Five-Year Plan' opening, you will write a brilliant chapter unique to your generation of NJU graduates," Tan Tieniu exhorted the graduates to always keep a sincere heart, maintain gratitude, cultivate virtue, and perform deeds that benefit others. While achieving personal success, they should also illuminate the path for others, truly becoming NJU graduates with warmth, character, and a sense of responsibility.

"Years of striving have finally borne fruit; now set sail toward a new path!" Tan Tieniu expressed his heartfelt hope that the students would hold "national priorities" close to their hearts and keep in mind "what the people aspire to." He added, "Your alma mater will always remain your strong support, spiritual home, and steadfast source of care, inspiration, and blessings. May you soar on your new journey, spread your wings, and prosper, with flowers in full bloom along the way!" The audience responded with rapturous applause.

On behalf of the university, Tan Zhemin extended warm congratulations to the graduates and expressed sincere gratitude to the faculty, staff, and parents who worked tirelessly. He reflected on the students' relentless pursuit of excellence at Nanjing University, summarizing these efforts with "three special marks": First, a deliberate commitment to serving the nation and integrating into overarching national strategies; second, a determined persistence in their academic pursuits, adapting to the currents of change; and third, a solid footprint of growth at NJU while pursuing forward-looking progress.

Tan Zhemin also shared four expectations for the graduates as they embark on their new journey: First, to uphold the core value of "integrity and simplicity" remaining clear-hearted and steadfast throughout life's long journey. Second, to adopt a "grand vision" by integrating personal aspirations into the great endeavor of national rejuvenation, allowing their youth to shine brightest in areas most needed by the country and its people. Third, to maintain a "dedicated" attitude by becoming lifelong explorers in the ocean of knowledge, always capable of standing at the forefront of the times. Fourth, to embody the value of "steadfast action" by accumulating confidence through day-to-day earnest effort and measuring the distance to their goals with steady strides, making the most of their time and opportunities.

Over the years, NJU has remained committed to serving the needs of the nation, guiding and encouraging more graduates to work in western regions, at the grassroots level, and in places where the country and people need them most. This year, 69 graduate students received the university's first batch of 2026 "Young Seedling Awards," and 1,074 graduate students were honored as NJU 2026 Outstanding Graduates.

Tan Tieniu presented certificates to representatives of the "Young Seedling Award" winners.

Tan Zhemin presented certificates to representatives of the university's 2026 Outstanding Graduate students.

Vice President of NJU and Academician of the CAS, Zhou Zhihua, presided over the ceremony and announced relevant decisions.

Li Xiaoyu, the Party Secretary of the School of Journalism and Communication and a representative of the graduate supervisors, extended her blessings to the graduating students as they set off on their new journey.

Graduate representative and doctoral student of the 2026 cohort from the School of Astronomy and Space Science, Li Bosheng, shared his decade-long journey of bonding with NJU, serving in the military while on campus, and dedicating himself to national defense.

All of the graduates solemnly took an oath, passionately expressing their determination to set sail and achieve greatness in their era.

University leaders, CAS academicians, members of the university's and schools' degree evaluation committees, department representatives, faculty members, and representatives of the 2026 doctoral and master's graduates attended the ceremony and the conferral of degrees. During the event, university leaders, academicians, and committee members awarded degrees and placed the graduation tassels for the graduates.

Academicians Fang Cheng, Xu Zhiqin, Zou Zhigang, and Chen Yanfeng; university distinguished professor of the humanities and social sciences Lai Yonghai; and university leaders Liu Miao, Chen Yunsong, Suo Wenbin, Jiao Ruihua, Li Bin, Wen Yu, and Sun Leqiang, as well as representatives of the university's degree evaluation committees and relevant college and department leaders, teachers, and attendees from graduate cohorts, participated in the ceremony and events.

Best wishes to the 2026 Nanjing University graduates!

Set sail into the vast seas, press ahead with conviction,

Shoulder the mission of the times, and thrive where the mountains and oceans call!