China Reports Highlights STU 2026 Commencement: 6,039 Graduates Set Sail as University Marks 45th Anniversary

According to China Reports, the 2026 Shantou University Commencement and Award Ceremony was held for the first time on the morning of June 26 at the Shantou Sports Center arena. Coinciding with STU’s 45th anniversary, 54 doctoral, 1,486 master’s and 4,499 bachelor’s graduates completed their studies and set sail from the university.

The ceremony was hosted by Party Secretary Tang Rui, with President Hao Zhifeng, Executive President Wang Quan, Deputy Party Secretary Zhou Zhensong, Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Feng Xinglei, and Vice Presidents Yu Hong, Chen Min and Hu Zhong in attendance, alongside the guest of honor, alumnus Professor Fu Jiyang (Class of 1995).

Li Ka-shing’s Letter of Encouragement

A reply letter from Mr. Li Ka-shing to the class of 2026 was read aloud at the ceremony. Reaffirming the life lesson of “build oneself, pursue selflessness,” Mr. Li encouraged graduates to remain humble and committed to lifelong learning in an era of competition and change, and offered the blessing: “Today STU is proud of you; tomorrow you will make STU proud.”

President’s Address: “Winning again and again”

President Hao Zhifeng delivered a speech titled “Here come the fresh force for a strong education nation.” He reviewed the university’s rising strength over the past four years: the number of national first-class undergraduate courses grew to 20, 15 disciplines entered the top 1% of ESI globally—double the 2022 figure—and clinical medicine reached the top 2‰ of ESI for the first time; 11 faculty were named “Highly Cited Chinese Researchers” and 37 scholars made the global top 2% scientists list. He offered three wishes to graduates and closed with the blessing: “For a strong education nation, STU people keep Winning again and again.”

Awards and Send-off

The ceremony presented the “STU Sports Spirit Medal” (awarded to student Jiang Z), the “STU Medal” (awarded to student Sun JY) and the “Li Ka-shing Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award.” This year, 21 students joined the “Western China Program” and 14 joined the “Hundreds and Thousands Project,” with President Hao presenting the volunteer team their flag.

Guest of honor Fu Jiyang, in a speech titled “Moving forward with resolve, carrying the wind of Sangpu Mountain,” encouraged graduates to break new ground with vision, persevere with patience, and dedicate themselves with aspiration and purpose.

Source: China Reports