Dear fellow students, respected teachers, and parents and friends,
Greetings to all of you!
Under the canopy of phoenix trees along Wutong Road, and with flags from around the world fluttering in the breeze, we gather here today to celebrate the glorious ceremony of the Class of 2023's graduation.
In the past few years of university life, you have been witnesses! You have witnessed the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, and the convergence of two centennial goals. You have seen the comprehensive establishment of a moderately prosperous society, the new journey of Chinese-style modernization, and the modern civilization construction of the Chinese nation at a new starting point.
In the past few years of university life, you have experienced! You experienced the 60th anniversary celebration of our university's founding, eagerly awaited world cultural festivals, engaged in volunteer service for the Winter Olympics, and were part of many significant international and domestic events and historic moments. As North Language University (Beiyu), you have participated in, witnessed, and recorded history.
In the past few years of university life, you have also grown together with the school! We have witnessed significant historical breakthroughs in the university's peak discipline construction: being the only national basic discipline top-notch student cultivation program 2.0 base among national language universities, winning the national-level education and teaching achievement award, and successfully obtaining the "111" intelligence introduction base of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the key laboratory of the Ministry of Education. These achievements were only possible through the concerted efforts of the entire school's faculty and students and the strong support of leaders and friends from all walks of life who care about Beiyu's development.
Here, on behalf of the university, I extend warm congratulations to the 2,171 graduates of the Class of 2023! I pay profound respects to the parents and teachers who have worked hard to nurture you. I express heartfelt thanks to the leaders and friends from all walks of life who care about and support the development of the university.
Today, what makes me even happier is to be able to attend your graduation ceremony as a "New Beiyuer."
Fate is truly beyond words, perhaps it was destined long ago that I would have a wonderful encounter with Beiyu, the "Little United Nations." Beiyu has been tirelessly promoting cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries and serving the cause of "big diplomacy." In this sense, Beiyu is also my home. I first heard of "Beiyu" when I was seven years old, when my father, while going out, left me alone at home and told me he was going to "Beiyu" for some work. At that young age, I often wondered what kind of place Beiyu was.
As the years passed, today, I have a vague answer in my heart.
Beiyu bears the responsibility of the nation and possesses the red genes. Premier Zhou Enlai personally cared for it, and Chairman Mao Zedong personally wrote the school name. This is a precious spiritual asset of Beiyu and the red genes inherited by Beiyuers for generations. Generation after generation of Beiyuers shoulder the glorious mission, work hard, pass on the torch, fully utilize the language characteristics and cultural advantages, construct an international Chinese education discipline system, lead the development of international Chinese education, and make unique historic contributions to serving the "community of the Chinese nation" and the "community of human destiny."
Beiyu is renowned for its distinguished faculty and enterprising students. "A great university is not only defined by its great buildings but also by its great masters." At Beiyu, we have both great buildings and great masters. Beiyu's teaching and living facilities, including the swimming pool and library, are enviable. Moreover, Beiyu has many distinguished faculty members who educate and inspire, leading in various fields. Just now, Mr. Han Jingtai's high expectations and profound advice clearly demonstrate that at Beiyu, we gather talents from around the world, which is the most wonderful thing about a university. Equally impressive is that our students have high starting points for admission, strong comprehensive qualities, numerous competition awards, research innovations, and high-level achievements. After graduation, they set sail to various parts of the world with determination and uniqueness. As a mentor, witnessing your journey to set sail again fills me with pride.
Beiyu has a spirit of freedom and independence. I.V. R. Pels said, "The three main functions of a university are vocational training, character development, and scientific research." Cai Yuanpei said, "A university has three tasks: cultivating talent, developing science, and serving society." Regardless of which standard is used, "comprehensive human development" is the fundamental path of a university. In my view, tolerance and inclusiveness are the backbone of Beiyu's spirit, and independence and freedom are prerequisites for comprehensive human development. Beiyuers are calm as hermits but dynamic as hares. We have research that embraces loneliness with the quietness of a green lamp and a yellowed book, youthful talents in various fields, the strength of Beiyu in various competitions, and agile postures on both small and large stages. The light of reason and the beauty of art all bloom in Beiyu's campus step by step. More than 300 of our students have gone to prestigious foreign universities such as Harvard University, the University of Cambridge, Waseda University, and the University of Copenhagen for exchanges. Many outstanding leaders in various industries have graduated from Beiyu, and we have countless independent, free-spirited souls. Beiyuers' own freedom, diversity, and inclusiveness make us an enviable group. This is not only a microcosm of young people in the new era of China but also the best embodiment of the beautiful aspirations of the world in this big era.
Farewell, for now, is an anticipation of future reunions. Here, I want to offer a few words of advice as someone who graduated eighteen years ago and now, as a "New Beiyuer" and your new family member:
Cultivate morality and knowledge, unite action and virtue, grow as a great person.
The original meaning of the word "virtue" is the natural path of the seven planets, including the sun and moon. Later, "virtue" extended its meaning to directly face the "path one walks" and follow one's nature and heart, in harmony with nature, which is virtue. Virtue is the path one walks, the nature and heart of a person. Those with virtue can walk steadily and far.
Mencius's "theory of innate goodness" starts from the idea that "people can all become Yao and Shun," presenting the ideal personality of a "great person" and setting a benchmark for the moral cultivation of the Chinese people. A "great person" is defined by their "virtue," not their appearance, and they must cultivate a noble and righteous character through self-cultivation, in accordance with nature, to be considered virtuous. I sincerely hope that you will continue to temper yourselves and possess the noble character of a "great person," guided only by virtue and righteousness.
"A person without virtue cannot stand." As young people of today, we are facing unprecedented changes in the world. As the youth of the new era, you should have great aspirations, take on great responsibilities, and become
"great people" who shoulder the mission of this era. You should take your dreams, ambitions, and ideals to all corners of the world, contribute your own strength, and embody the Chinese youth's beautiful pursuits for the new era.
Cultivate a scholarly spirit, be lifelong learners, and pursue excellence.
A tree's growth depends on its roots, and a person's growth depends on their continuous learning and self-improvement. Knowledge changes, abilities improve, and the world progresses. Knowledge is the foundation of people and the source of wisdom. You should continue to learn and never stop, cultivating a scholarly spirit, broadening your horizons, and pursuing excellence.
It's a common practice for Beiyuers to make progress, aspire to the highest standards, and strive for excellence. The pursuit of "freedom and diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness" is the essence of Beiyu's spirit. It emphasizes being free from arrogance and prejudice and having the spirit of exploring the unknown. This spirit of constant pursuit, tireless exploration, and perseverance is a valuable treasure that Beiyuers have always adhered to.
In today's world, we are facing an era of rapid change and information explosion. Only by continuously learning and self-improvement can we keep pace with the times and meet the challenges of the future. The path of life is long, and the world is vast. I hope you will continue to strive for excellence, cultivate a scholarly spirit, and achieve greater success in the future.
Cultivate a global perspective, actively participate in international exchanges, and become global citizens.
The world is interconnected and interdependent. As graduates of Beiyu, you have received a world-class education and have a global vision. I hope you will actively participate in international exchanges, broaden your horizons, and become global citizens with a sense of responsibility and mission.
Beiyu has always attached great importance to internationalization and cooperation. It has established cooperative relationships with more than 130 universities and research institutions in over 30 countries and regions around the world. Many of you have had the opportunity to study abroad or participate in international exchanges during your time at Beiyu. This experience has not only enriched your knowledge but also broadened your horizons and enhanced your cross-cultural communication skills.
As you embark on your journey after graduation, I encourage you to continue to engage with the world, seek opportunities for international cooperation and exchange, and contribute to building a more harmonious and interconnected global community.
In conclusion, as you graduate from Beiyu and embark on a new journey in life, I want to congratulate you once again on your achievements and wish you all the best for the future. Remember the spirit of Beiyu, uphold the values of virtue, scholarship, and global engagement, and continue to pursue excellence in all your endeavors. You are the future leaders and global citizens who will shape the world, and I have no doubt that you will achieve great success and make meaningful contributions to society.
Thank you, and congratulations to the Class of 2023!
Yours sincerely,
