On the morning of June 16, 2026, the Hainan University Arena on the Haidian Campus was filled with graduates, family members, and faculty as the university held its 2026 Graduate Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony. The university leaders attended the event, including Li Hu, Chairman of Hainan University Council, and President Luo Qingming, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chairman of the HNU Degree Evaluation Committee.

Hainan University Graduate Commencement 2026 on June 16, 2026

The ceremony began with the powerful national anthem, as the entire gathering stood and sang with one voice—a moment of unity and resolve that moved everyone present.

President Luo Qingming took to the podium. “These past few days,” he told the graduates, “this university has been all about graduation—and you are the ones we celebrate.” He urged them to embrace learning, pursue excellence, and turn knowledge into action—and to find their own way to make a difference as China enters its next five-year chapter.

President Luo noted that Hainan University has achieved a transformative surge —its disciplines now rank among the world's best, with more national centers, more top scholars, more breakthroughs; the League of Tropical Universities and innovation hub are growing fast; and the campus is more modern, international, and culturally diverse. “Hainan University has become stronger thanks to each and every one of you,” he said, “Learn, act, and excel. Go into every field like seeds—take root, grow. No answers given—go find yours. Plant yourself in the Free Trade Port and bloom.”

“We are always one family,” Luo said warmly, “Go out into the world with courage. We've got your back.” He urged the graduates to cherish the friendships they had built, and promised that their alma mater would grow even better, more beautiful, and stronger. He looked forward to the day they would return. His sincere words drew warm applause and moved many to tears.

President Luo Qingming at Hainan University Graduate Commencement 2026 on June 16, 2026

Wu Yutong, speaking for the master’s graduates, reflected on her years in pharmaceutical research and thanked her professors for their guidance. “We all leave Hainan University with the same belief: to solve real problems,” she said. She urged her fellow graduates to carry that belief with them into the Free Trade Port and make a difference.

Wu Yutong, representing the master’s graduates at Hainan University Graduate Commencement 2026 on June 16, 2026

Yang Chengkun, the doctoral graduate representative, has spent all eleven years of his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies at Hainan University. “This place is more than a destination – it's home,” he said. He has watched the university change and grow over the years, and has chosen to stay for postdoctoral research – putting down deeper roots. His story is just one of countless Hainan graduates pursuing their dreams on this southern frontier.

Yang Chengkun, the doctoral representative, at Hainan University Graduate Commencement 2026 on June 16, 2026

Mir Imamuzzaman Hasib, an international student from Bangladesh, shared his experience in fluent Chinese. “We have different skin colors, languages, and traditions,” he said, “but here at Hainan University, we are bonded by a shared thirst for knowledge, growing side by side on the fertile ground of the Free Trade Port.” He plans to stay in China, pursue further studies, and tell China's stories to the world.

Mir Imamuzzaman Hasib (Bangladesh), representing international students at Hainan University Graduate Commencement 2026 on June 16, 2026

“No matter how far you go or how high you soar, Hainan University will always be your home,” said Professor Yin Jianhua, speaking for the faculty. “What may seem like hardship now will settle into a source of strength that you'll draw on for a lifetime. Stay true to your principles and let virtue guide you; stay grounded and never stop persevering; and as you move forward, take care of yourselves and watch out for those around you.”

Professor Yin Jianhua, on behalf of the faculty, at Hainan University Graduate Commencement 2026 on June 16, 2026

Huang Jiacheng, speaking for the families of graduates, shared how he and his wife have supported each other through their respective journeys. “We each give our all on our own paths,” he said. “Family is always the warmest harbor.” In the audience, graduates and their families embraced, the words hitting home.

Huang Jiacheng, representing the families of graduates, at Hainan University Graduate Commencement 2026 on June 16, 2026

Distinguished alumnus Cheng Wei, Vice President of Chengdu University, shared his journey of tenacity in study and career.  He encouraged the young graduates to think big, step outside their comfort zones and connect with the wider world; to give with wholehearted dedication and be someone others can truly count on; and above all, to stay true to their core values — and always choose to do what is hard but right.

Distinguished alumnus Cheng Wei, Vice President of Chengdu University, at Hainan University Graduate Commencement 2026 on June 16, 2026

Li Hu and Luo Qingming awarded honorary certificates to the outstanding graduate representatives, and university leaders conferred degrees and turned the tassels for the graduate representatives. A celebratory yet poignant atmosphere enveloped the hall.

Li Hu and Luo Qingming present honorary certificates to Outstanding Graduate representatives at the commencement ceremony on June 16, 2026

The campus was green and buzzing with students. Graduates stopped to take photos, exchanged good wishes, and tossed their caps in the air. Families joined in, adding a warm and joyful touch.

Zhong Yingjie, a pharmacy master’s graduate from Zhonghe College, said, “Seven years here equipped me with skills and helped me grow. I'll never forget my professors—they were always there—and the friendships we built. As I leave, I'm taking the courage and confidence this place gave me.”

Liu Yiming, a journalism grad from Haide College, said: “Every morning I walked past that lawn in the sun, and it always felt so alive – like a brand-new day. We watched new buildings go up—they’ll stay long after we’re gone, watching the university rise. Hope Hainan University reaches even greater heights, and more great students get their start here.”

“I’m staying in Hainan – this is home now,” said Zhang Qiushuang, a Marxist theory graduate from Chengfeng College, firmly. “I want to grow with this place and ride the wave of the Free Trade Port.”

Graduates posing at Hainan University Graduate Commencement 2026 on June 16, 2026

The ceremony gathered university administrators, alumni, faculty, and the graduates’ families.

Translated by Li Chuanrui

Proofread by Jin Ying