On the afternoon of June 19, the Class of 2023 Graduation and Degree Conferring Ceremony of Antai College of Economics and Management (ACEM) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) took place in Xuhui Campus. The event was attended by Gu Feng, executive deputy secretary of the Party Committee of SJTU, Chen Fangruo, dean of Antai College, Zhang Donghong, deputy secretary of the Party Committee, Sang Dawei, deputy dean of the College, as well as department heads, tutors, class advisors, and all graduating students of Antai Class of 2023. The ceremony was hosted by Zhang Donghong.

Dean Chen Fangruo delivered a speech at the graduation ceremony. He congratulated the students on successfully overcoming various challenges brought by the pandemic, expressing gratitude for their joint efforts with the college to pull through hard times. Drawing from his own experiences, he offered three pieces of advice for the graduates: to maintain lifelong learning, to keep improving their knowledge system and keep up with the evolving times; to focus on enhancing teamwork, learn to utilize resources when facing challenges, and fully leverage the power of the team; and to stay grounded and prepared for opportunities that may come. He encouraged them to uphold the spirit of SJTU, leaving an Antai mark on the path of building the motherland.

Lu Yongchen, CEO of Tim Hortons China and SJTU alumnus from the Class of 1999, spoke as the alumni representative. Starting from his own academic experience, he shared his professional development journey and personal insights. He encouraged students to "choose a profession, love the profession", not to fear challenges, continue to grow, and to remember that each era has its own dividends. He advised them not to limit themselves, cultivate a holistic view, and make changes through self-reflection. He wished his juniors a happy graduation and a wonderful start to their life journey.

During the degree conferral session, the graduates lined up on stage, and their diplomas were presented and tassels turned by nine teachers including Chen Fangruo, Zhang Donghong, Sang Dawei, Feng Yun, Qu Qian, Luo Jifeng, Zhong Genyuan, Jiang Ming, and Song Tingting.

In the segment honoring outstanding graduates, Sang Dawei read the award list. Graduates who won the "Shanghai Outstanding Graduate" and "Shanghai Jiao Tong University Outstanding Graduate" awards came on stage in turn to receive their certificates.

Song Tingting spoke as the faculty representative. As the head of undergraduate classes, she emphasized the importance of curiosity and knowledge seeking, urging students to transform their curiosity into passion and apply the knowledge acquired from their specialized courses to interpret life events. She encouraged everyone to passionately love their chosen and engaged work rationally.

In the student representative speech session, undergraduate representative Zhou Lingyun proposed to be "expert in the field", maintain a critical spirit, remember Antai's mission of "running the world, managing the country's finances", and encouraged mutual motivation among classmates. Master's graduate representative Song Zijun started with "choosing SJTU is choosing responsibility", shared her journey of studying at Antai, and expressed her anticipation and hope for the future.

To enhance the connection between the graduating class and the college after graduation, and to increase alumni cohesion, each graduating class elected a student as the class director. Sang Dawei presented appointment letters to the class directors.

To show their gratitude for the college's nurturing and care, the Class of 2023 presented a calligraphy work of "Qinyuan Spring·Snow" as a commemorative gift. The work, which bears the university's motto, is a symbol of the students' affection and gratitude for the college and university. The class director of each major gave the gifts to Dean Chen Fangruo.

The graduation ceremony reached a climax with the group graduation photo session. Every graduate was filled with emotion, remembering the past and looking forward to the future, while saying goodbye to their alma mater.

In his concluding remarks, Gu Feng, the executive deputy secretary of the Party Committee of SJTU, expressed his hope that the graduates will carry forward the spirit of the university, strive for excellence, and continue to contribute to society. He wished the students a bright future and hoped they would remember to contribute to their alma mater.

Finally, with the majestic school song reverberating in Antai Building A300, the graduation ceremony for the class of 2023 of the Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, came to a successful conclusion.

Graduates, you are leaving the familiar campus and stepping into a new stage of life. The university has prepared you with knowledge and skills, now it's time for you to demonstrate them in society. May your journey be full of new experiences and triumphs. You are the hope of our future, and we believe you will make a great difference in the world. Congratulations again to the class of 2023!

We will always welcome you back to your alma mater. As you walk down your path, remember that the Antai College of Economics and Management at Shanghai Jiao Tong University is always with you. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!