On the afternoon of July 2, 2024, the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 of the School of Materials Science and Engineering (hereinafter referred to as “the School”) of Peking University was held at the Sunshine Hall of the Yingjie Communication Center. Attendees included Professor Zou Ruqiang, who is the Dean of the School and also the Dean of the School of Advanced Materials at PKU Shenzhen Graduate School, Professor Xia Dingguo, who is the Chairman of the Degree Committee of Materials Science and Engineering, members of the college’s Party and administrative leadership, all faculty and staff of the school, as well as the graduates of 2024 and their families. The ceremony was hosted by Li Ming, Secretary of the Party Committee of the School.

The Graduation Ceremony

Before the formal start of the ceremony, the song “The Story of Time” took everyone back to their youthful days. The graduation commemorative video captured the years spent together in Yanyuan by the materials science students. The street dance performance “Hot Summer” by Peking University’s Fenglei Street Dance Club ignited the summer's farewell and new beginnings. Graduates expressed their heartfelt nostalgia and best wishes to their alma mater and friends through a touching recital—“Yanyuan Memories, Remembering the Good Time at the School.”

PhD graduates Ji Yuchen and Yang Dawei performed “The Story of Time.”

Peking University’s Fenglei Street Dance Club performed the street dance piece “Hot Summer.”

PhD graduates Dong Zhaoqi, Jia Yining, and Liu Shizhuo performed the poetry recitation “Yanyuan Memories, Remembering the Good Time at the School.”

Amid the solemn strains of the national anthem, the 2024 graduation ceremony of the School officially began.

Representatives of the 2024 graduating class shared their reflections on graduation: Huang Zijian, representing PhD graduates; Yang Yong, representing Engineering Doctorate graduates; Xu Yushuang, representing Master's graduates; and Zhu Changkui, representing Bachelor's graduates. They reminisced about the past, acknowledging moments of uncertainty and hesitation at life’s crossroads. They looked back on their journey of seeking knowledge with dedication and without regret. Looking to the future, they expressed deep gratitude to their mentors and offered encouragement to their peers.

The representative of the PhD graduates, Huang Zijian, gave a speech.

The representative of the PhD graduates, Yang Yong, delivered a speech.

The representative of the Master graduates, Xu Yushuang, gave a speech.

The representative of the Bachelor graduates, Zhu Changkui, delivered a speech.

During the ceremony, Dean Zou Ruqiang, Professor Xia Dingguo, Professor Zhan Xiaowei, Professor Cao Anyuan, Professor Meng Hong, Deputy Party Secretary Guo Shaojun, Faculty member Zhang Jing, Associate Dean Zhou Huanping, and Associate Dean Xiao Yingguo from the School of Advanced Materials at PKU Shenzhen Graduate School honored students who received such titles as “Beijing Excellent Graduate of 2024,” “Peking University Excellent Graduate of 2024,” “Peking University May Fourth Student Medal,” “Peking University May Fourth Class Cup” and the “Advanced Class in Beijing,” as well as the “Top Ten Academic Talents.”

Zou Ruqiang and Xia Dingguo presented the awards for the Beijing Excellent Graduates of 2024.

Guo Shaojun, Zhou Huanping, and Xiao Yingguo presented the awards for the Peking University Excellent Graduates of 2024.

Zhang Jing presented the “Peking University May Fourth Student Medal” awards.

Zhou Huanping presented the “Peking University May Fourth Class Cup” and “Advanced Class in Beijing” awards.

Zhan Xiaowei, Cao Anyuan, and Meng Hong presented the “Top Ten Academic Talents” awards.

Mr. Huang Jinbiao, the father of Huang Zhongyuan (a PhD student from the Freshman Class of 2021 at the School of Advanced Materials), spoke as a parent representative. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the teachers for their meticulous guidance and selfless dedication. He shared his profound pride in the achievements of the students and earnestly hoped that the graduates would seize the moment, live up to their youthful years, and meet the expectations of their school, teachers, and parents. He encouraged them to uphold the honor of being Peking University students and make greater contributions to the development of the nation and its people.

Mr. Huang Jinbiao gave a speech.

Li Zhou, a PhD graduate from Class of 2010, who is a researcher and a lab director at the Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, as well as the head of the Nanoenergy Research Department at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, spoke on behalf of alumni. He encouraged students to be bold in exploring their paths, find their own way, and tackle challenges with determination. He urged them to embrace their roles as the new generation in materials science and strive to reach new heights.

Alumnus representative Li Zhou delivered a speech.

Researcher Xu Shenzhen from the School spoke as the faculty representative. He began by discussing the concept of “involution”, a popular catchword now in China, and used examples from fields such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, and electric vehicles to inspire students to enhance their irreplaceability and build high barriers of expertise. He emphasized the importance of continually striving for excellence, noting that “doing difficult things will inevitably yield results”. He expressed hope that students would showcase their unique talents and make significant contributions to society.

Faculty representative Xu Shenzhen gave a speech.

With profound respect and sincere gratitude, the graduate representatives presented flowers to the class advisors, mentors, and administrative office staff.

The graduate representatives presented flowers to the class advisors, mentors, and administrative office staff.

The graduate representatives presented a gift to the School: an artistic piece made from 1mL pipette tips, commonly used in student experiments. This piece incorporates elements of ancient architecture and scientific instruments, featuring the core emblem of the School of Materials Science and Engineering—SMSE鼎—as the silhouette of a “door.” This artwork symbolizes that materials science is a core pathway for understanding and shaping the world, creating a unique blend of science and art titled “In the winding paths, materials reveal the vast world.”

The graduate representatives gifted the School an art piece titled “In the Winding Paths, Materials Reveal the Vast World.”

As a farewell gesture, Assistant Dean and Researcher Lei Ting, on behalf of the School, presented the graduate representatives with commemorative gifts featuring the distinctive characteristics of Peking University.

Lei Ting, representing the School, presented gifts to the graduate representatives.

Zou Ruqiang, representing the School, extended his heartfelt blessings to the graduates and paid respects to the teachers and parents. He expressed high expectations for the new generation of materials scientists and shared three key pieces of advice with the graduates: Pursue your ideals and remain committed to the broader vision of serving the nation and the world; be resilient and face challenges with courage and perseverance, undeterred by difficulties; stay grounded and maintain a commitment to integrating knowledge with action. He encouraged the students to maintain their ambitious spirit, uphold the values of scientific and craftsmanship excellence, and make greater contributions to the fields of science and materials.

Dean Zou Ruqiang delivered a speech.

At the end of the ceremony, the familiar song “Yanyuan Love” resonated once more. During the degree conferment, Zou Ruqiang and Xia Dingguo each awarded the graduates their tassels. As they bid farewell to Yanyuan, carrying with them the elegance of Weiming and Boya, the Class of 2024 is about to embark on new journeys. The School wishes them to stay true to their original aspirations and cherish lasting friendships. The School welcomes them back here often!

Zou Ruqiang and Xia Dingguo conferred the tassels to the graduates.

Group photo