Peking University, July 5, 2023: On the morning of July 5, PKU's postgraduates, Class of 2023, walked into the Khoo Teck Puat Sports Complex to celebrate their graduation. 




The graduation ceremony was chaired by Qiao Jie, executive vice president of PKU and president of PKU Health Science Center (PKUHSC), and was attended by Academician Han Qide, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th and 11th National People's Congress (NPC) and vice chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), PKU Council Chair Hao Ping, President Gong Qihuang, Academician Xiaoliang Sunney Xie, Professor Chen Pingyuan, Academician Tang Chao, Professor Chen Linong, Academician Xi Zhenfeng, Professor Hu Min, University leaders, guests, prominent alumni, and teacher representatives. 






A warm-up show was staged ahead of the ceremony, which was performed by the PKU Student Choir, PKU Student Symphony Orchestra, PKU Student Dance Group, PKU Staff Choir, students from the PKU Affiliated High School, Primary School, and Kindergarten, and representatives of graduates from the Class of 2023, among other performers.

At the ceremony, 100 students were given the “Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award,” 976 students were awarded the title of “Excellent Graduates of PKU in 2023,” and 315 students were awarded the title of “Outstanding Graduates of Beijing’s Higher Education Institutions.” 


World champion Ding Ning, a graduate representative from the Department of Physical Education, shared her very story at PKU. Ding recalled that during the transition from being a table tennis champion to becoming a student, she encountered a whirlwind of challenges and uncertainties. Yet, amidst it all, she held onto the belief that success at PKU cannot be defined by a binary of winning and losing as life itself is not defined by a single setback, she highlighted. During her speech, Ding also reflected that her time at the school has equipped her with enough confidence, courage, and determination to ride the waves and meet challenges without fear.


Yang Lingmeng, a doctoral graduate from the School of Integrated Circuits, highlighted that “graduation represents a journey of personal growth, as his time at Peking University has reaffirmed his purpose and mission in life.” Yang also emphasized that alumni should continue to uphold the institution’s core values of patriotism, progress, democracy, and science whilst pursuing excellence and innovation conscientiously.


Teacher representative, Tang Chao, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and dean of the Peking University Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, urged the graduates to stay true to their original aspirations and maintain the highest standards of integrity and respect as they head on the next phase of their life.


Wang Guanjun, an alumnus from the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Class of 2015, highlighted that the distinct spirit of Peking University “has shaped intriguing personalities that are passionate, humble, creative, and innovative.” On behalf of Peking University alumni, he wished the graduating students a smooth journey into a new chapter of life.


In the president's speech, Academician Gong Qihuang delivered his warm congratulations to the postgraduates and encouraged them to carry forward PKU’s spirit of “patriotism, progress, democracy, and science.” While announcing that each graduate would receive a souvenir inspired by the asteroid which had been named “Boya” to celebrate the Class of 2023’s graduation, President Gong wished that PKU graduates could be as pure and unshakable as the Boya Asteroid, in the meantime embracing their dreams while keeping their feet on the ground, so as to contribute to the building of the nation. 






The ceremony, which was also broadcast via the PKU Campus TV and was watched by a crowd of parents at Jiayuan Canteen and Nongyuan Canteen, concluded with a memorable chorus of "Yanyuanqing." Previously, the doctoral degree conferment ceremony was held at Linhuxuan on July 2-3, which was followed by the 2023 Graduation Ceremony for Undergraduates on July 4.

The doctoral degree conferment ceremony

Written by: Chen Chuyun, Ang Shao Heng
Edited by: Dennis Meng
Photos by: Wang Tiantian, Li Xianghua, Song Mengli, Yan Linlin, Zhai Mengkun, Fang Zhenghao, Chen Ziyue, Sui Xuechun, Zou Mingzhi, Chu Zhaohan, Wu Shuai, Chen Siru, Lin Feiyu, Kou Yingjie, Cai Shuchen, Hu Xiaodong