On the afternoon of July 2, 2026, the School of Advanced Materials (SAM) and the School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at Peking University held its commencement ceremony in the Sunshine Hall of the Yingjie Exchange Center. Dean Zou Ruqiang, Party Secretary Li Ming, Degree Committee Chair Professor Xia Dingguo, faculty members, alumni representatives, parents, and the entire Class of 2026 gathered to mark a milestone of achievement and aspiration. The ceremony was hosted by Associate Party Secretary Guo Shaojun.
The event began with a gentle prelude. The Peking University Chuying Children's Choir performed two heartfelt songs, their voices evoking warmth and nostalgia. A graduation video followed, weaving together moments from the students' journey through campus — lectures, lab work, and quiet friendships. Then came a poetry recital, "The Eternal Campus," accompanied by soft violin, as graduate representatives gave voice to the sentiments shared by all.
The formal ceremony opened with the national anthem. In the "Reflections" segment, five graduates from different stages of study shared their stories: Qiu Nanfeng (Class of 2022 undergraduate), Feng Bin (2023 master's from Shenzhen), Wang Dawei (2021 Ph.D.), Wang Yueyue (2023 Ph.D. from Shenzhen), and Chen Jicheng (2022 Frontier Engineering Ph.D.). Each spoke of their personal growth, research challenges, and the lessons learned along the way — together painting a portrait of determination, curiosity, and gratitude.
Several awards were then presented to honor outstanding students and faculty. Dean Zou, Secretary Li, Professor Xia, and other faculty members conferred awards including the "Beijing Outstanding Graduate 2026," "Peking University Outstanding Graduate 2026," "Peking University Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation and Advisor," the School's "Top Ten Academic Stars," and teaching and mentoring awards. Each recognition drew warm applause from the audience.
The ceremony also featured messages of support from three important perspectives. Parent representative Ms. Zheng Wenhui spoke of the pride and joy of watching her child grow through the years. Alumnus representative Li Nengxu, now an assistant professor at Peking University's College of Chemistry, encouraged graduates to stay grounded and true to their calling. Faculty representative Professor Dou Jinhu offered parting words of wisdom, urging students to carry their curiosity forward. A video tribute from absent faculty members added a final touch of warmth.
The School then presented commemorative gifts to graduate representatives — a gesture of congratulations and a reminder to always remember their roots. Graduates Zhang Ning, Sun Menglin, He Pu, and Zhao Xuyang received the gifts on behalf of their peers.
In a heartfelt "Gratitude" segment, graduate representatives came forward in groups to present flowers to faculty members, administrative staff, and support personnel — a simple but profound thank-you for years of guidance and care. The Class of 2026 also presented two specially prepared gifts to the School, with Ph.D. graduates Zhang Chenxin, Li Kailin, and Yang Zhaofan, and Frontier Engineering Ph.D. graduates Xu Li, Mou Zhen, and Shi Hanfu, explaining the meaning behind each token. Dean Zou and Secretary Li accepted the gifts on behalf of the School, promising to preserve them as lasting memories of this cohort.
In his keynote address, Dean Zou Ruqiang extended warm congratulations to all graduates and sincere gratitude to faculty and parents. He offered three expectations for the journey ahead: stay true to your aspirations, embrace challenges with resilience, and always contribute to the greater good.
The ceremony reached its climactic moment as Dean Zou and Professor Xia Dingguo turned the tassels for each graduate — one by one — and posed for commemorative photos. The traditional gesture marked the official transition from student to alumnus.
The ceremony closed with the entire assembly singing "Feelings for Yanyuan," Peking University's beloved anthem. Familiar and resonant, the melody filled the hall, carrying the shared spirit of the campus.
To the SAM and MSE Class of 2026: carry with you the wisdom and warmth of these years. Wherever your paths lead, may they be bright. And whenever you return, Yanyuan will welcome you home.
