On June 25, the 2026 undergraduate commencement and degree conferment ceremony of the International College was held at Nanshan Art Center on NPU’s Chang'an Campus. In attendance were Li Ziwei, Associate Dean of the International College; Xue Hongqian, faculty representative from the School of Mechanical Engineering; Wu Hong, representing the College's foreign faculty; staff members from the College's various offices; the entire graduating class of 2026; and representatives of the students' families. The ceremony was hosted by Mei Rundong, counsellor for the Class of 2026.
The event opened with a screening of a commemorative video for the Class of 2026 undergraduates, followed by a warm-up performance by international students from Cambodia and Algeria, who joined faculty and fellow students in looking back on their time on campus.
During the awards presentation, Li Ziwei and Wu Hong announced the recipients of Outstanding Graduate Awards at the university and college levels respectively and presented certificates of merit to the award recipients.
Following the reward ceremony, Professor Xue Hongqian of the School of Mechanical Engineering delivered remarks on behalf of the faculty. Drawing on both academic study and personal growth, he urged the graduates to hold fast to their original spirit of inquiry, to meet the challenges ahead with courage, to carry forward a spirit of diligence and practical action wherever they go, and to keep in mind the guidance and expectations of their alma mater.
Four outstanding graduate representatives took the stage in turn to share reflections on their years of study, moving the audience with their heartfelt accounts.
Tay Che Ming, from Malaysia, spoke of his early apprehension upon arriving in Xi'an and of the transformation he underwent over four years. The initial difficulty of adjusting to a new environment, along with the career anxieties brought on by the rise of AI, were both turned into motivation to move forward with the support of his mentors and classmates. He will now continue at the university to pursue a master's degree, and encouraged his fellow graduates not to fear the uncertainty ahead, reminding them that everyone is the hero of their own story.
Benlahsen Basma, from Morocco, looked back on four fulfilling years of university life, reflecting that Northwestern Polytechnical University had given her not only professional knowledge but also the ability to view a diverse world with an open mind. She thanked her parents, teachers, and classmates one by one, noting that graduation is not an end point—she will carry the resilience and friendships gained on campus with her as she steps courageously into the next chapter of her life.
Grace Victoria Poo, from Indonesia, shared warm memories from her time studying abroad, recalling how her advisors, teachers, and friends had consistently shown understanding and stood by her during moments of uncertainty. She spoke of coming to truly understand the deeper meaning of the university motto "Loyalty，Integrity，Courage and Perseverance," and said that the memories and courage she has gathered will accompany her wherever she goes.
Madinakhon Vahobova, from Tajikistan, spoke against the backdrop of the Silk Road and China–Central Asia cooperation, describing her new understanding of international trade and economics. She thanked the university for allowing her to experience Chinese culture in depth, warmly invited everyone to visit her hometown in the Pamir Plateau, and wished for lasting friendship between China and Central Asia.
Following this, five graduate representatives were appointed as NPU alumni liaisons. They will take on the responsibility of connecting their alma mater with alumni around the world, building bridges of communication that span borders and continents, sustaining friendships among classmates from five continents, and creating a platform for exchange and mutual support among students at home and abroad.
Speaking on behalf of the College, Li Ziwei first congratulated the Class of 2026 international students on the successful completion of their studies. He fondly recalled the students' journeys of growth at NPU, affirmed their outstanding academic achievements, and encouraged them to carry this honor forward and embrace the world with "passion, professionalism, and curiosity" as they write the next chapters of their lives. He emphasized that no matter which corner of the world the graduates travel to, NPU will always remain a warm harbor for them to return to.
The Class of 2026 undergraduates then gathered for a group photograph, capturing a collective memory of their youth. Faculty members also posed for individual photos with each graduate, offering personal wishes for their future.
From their enrollment in 2022 to their graduation in 2026, four years of pursuing their dreams in China now give way to a new journey across mountains and seas. As they set sail on this new chapter, the International College wishes students from around the world the very best—carrying with them knowledge and achievement, friendship and courage, to connect with the world, spread goodwill, and shine brightly in every field they pursue!
(Writer : Ren Yunxi
Editor: Sun Shuqi
Initial Reviewer: Mei Rundong
Second Reviewer: Zhang Xi
Final Reviewer: Li Ziwei
Source: International College
Translators: Yang Runze; Mei Leyun)
