On the afternoon of March 25, 2026, the Graduation and Degree Conferral Ceremony for Postgraduates of the Class of Spring 2026, School of Foreign Languages, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), was held in Lecture Hall 300, Yang Yongman Building. Present at the ceremony were Shang Biwu, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages; Zhu Yifan, Secretary of the School Party Committee; Tao Qing, Vice Dean; Ren Zhujing and Zhang Yifan, Deputy Secretaries of the School Party Committee; Zhen Fengchao and Jiang Yan, Vice Deans; Jin Wenfeng, Director of the Japanese Department; Xue Yuan, Director of the German Department; faculty representatives from all departments, as well as teachers from the Academic Affairs Office and the Student Affairs Office. The ceremony was presided over by Hua Jia, Director of the Student Affairs Office.

The graduation ceremony solemnly commenced with the majestic national anthem of the People's Republic of China.

Dean Shang Biwu delivered a speech themed *The Significance of Perseverance*, sending his best wishes to the graduates. He pointed out that "perseverance" is not always accompanied by earth-shattering feats; more often, it manifests as quiet devotion and consistent efforts toward goals, beliefs and values in long and ordinary days. By sharing the story of Professor Zheng Shutang, the founding dean of SJTU School of Foreign Languages, who devoted his entire life to compiling foreign language textbooks, Shang emphasized that the development of the School has always been imbued with the power of perseverance. Generations of faculty and students of SJTU School of Foreign Languages, with boundless love and reverence for foreign language disciplines, have rooted themselves in their research fields, actively aligned with national development strategies, responded promptly to social needs, and served the rejuvenation of the nation and the progress of society.

He expressed his earnest expectations for the graduates: to be firm long-termists, focus on choices of long-term value, believe in the compounding effect of time, and write a brilliant chapter worthy of the times, the alma mater, the school and themselves.

Professor He Weiwen spoke on behalf of the supervisors. She urged the graduates to turn privilege into compassion and uphold the bottom line of educated individuals; to stand firm on the bottom line of humanities amid the clamor of algorithms; and to retain the courage to start anew amid the clashes of civilizations. She noted that the most precious assets bestowed by the alma mater are the courage to face the unknown without retreat, and the resolve to cut through the fog and set sail again amid the dilemmas of civilizations. She wished the graduates both the pioneering spirit to cross borders and the humility to respect civilizations, connecting the world and embracing the future with rigor and warmth.

Vice Deans Zhen Fengchao and Jiang Yan announced the list of Outstanding Postgraduate Graduates of the Class of 2026 and presented honorary certificates, encouraging them to cherish the honor, shoulder their missions bravely, scale new heights and achieve greater success on their new journey.

Vice Dean Tao Qing announced the list of Class Directors for the Class of 2026 Postgraduates and issued appointment letters, hoping that they would fully act as a bridge, unite alumni strength, inherit the SJTU spirit, and join hands for a shared future.

Zhang Minyue, representative of doctoral graduates, affectionately reviewed her research experience during her studies, sincerely thanked her supervisor for careful guidance and the broad platform provided by the School, and encouraged fellow graduates to forge ahead steadfastly in the tide of the times with the motto "Keep your eyes on the long term".

Liu Weining, representative of master's graduates, shared her growth moments at the School, thanked the faculty for their careful guidance and warm care at critical stages of her studies, and stated that she would always remain grateful, forge ahead with the keen vision and inclusive mind of a foreign language professional.

On behalf of the School, Zhu Yifan presented customized academic gowns to all graduates, wishing them to cherish the youthful memories and growth footprints during their studies, and forge ahead determinedly on the new journey of life. The graduate representatives presented a pine ornament to the School as a reciprocal gift, expressing their gratitude to the alma mater and best wishes for its enduring prosperity.

Graduates also presented flowers to their supervisors in appreciation of their guidance.

 The ceremony concluded with the SJTU alma mater song.

The School wishes the Class of 2026 a promising future. Guided by the university motto “Drink from the Source; Love the Country and Honor the University” and the school spirit “Bridging Ancient and Modern, Mastering Chinese and Western”, graduates are expected to advance steadily, tell China’s stories with a global perspective, and achieve greater success in their future endeavors.