On the afternoon of July 2, 2025, ECUST hosted a farewell ceremony for its international graduates at the Yifu Building Auditorium on the Xuhui Campus. The event was attended by Zhu Weihong, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, ECUST Vice President along with other faculty representatives, including deans and professors from various schools. Nearly 400 participants, including students, faculty, and family members, joined both online and offline to celebrate this memorable occasion.
Leaders and representatives delivered inspiring speeches to the graduates. Vice President Zhu Weihong congratulated the 2025 international graduates on their academic achievements and encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning, uphold integrity, and cherish the friendships formed during their time at ECUST. He praised their contributions to the university’s vibrant multicultural environment, from academic excellence to cultural exchange.
Professor Qiao Xiuchen, representing the faculty, reflected on the students’ journeys, from overcoming language barriers to thriving in their studies. He urged graduates to apply their unique perspectives to uncover “hidden connections” in the world, emphasizing that “research ethics matter more than top-tier publications.”
A total of nine international students were honored as outstanding graduates for their achievements in academics, research, and social activities. Certificates were presented by Zhan Wangcheng, Deputy Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs.
This year, ECUST will send off 52 undergraduates, 15 master’s students, and 20 doctoral students from its different countries and regions. Graduates received specially designed English-language scrolls as commemorative gifts.
During the ceremony, student representatives shared their experiences. Mudassir Habib, a Pakistani doctoral graduate, expressed gratitude for the academic and cross-cultural opportunities at ECUST. Christine Tomah Findley, a master’s graduate from Liberia, spoke about gaining new perspectives, while Federico Sabatini, an Italian undergraduate, likened himself to a “modern-day Marco Polo,” advocating for continued cultural exchange.
The ceremony concluded with Indonesian and Burmese undergraduates presenting a self-designed artwork to the university as a token of appreciation.
As the 2025 international graduates embark on new journeys, they carry with them the memories of ECUST and the spirit of global citizenship. From here, they step into a world of endless possibilities.
