Peking University, July 3, 2024: Peking University honors the class of 2024 postgraduates with a ceremony at the Khoo Teck Puat Sports Complex on July 3, 2024, under the witness of their teachers, friends, and family members.



The ceremony was chaired by Qiao Jie, executive vice president of PKU and president of PKU Health Science Center. Among those present were University leaders including PKU Council Chair Hao Ping and President Gong Qihuang, along with faculty members, guests, and alumni.

PHOTOS: Warm-up performances before the ceremony: Children from PKU Kindergarten and PKU Elementary School deliver lively Kung Fu and dragon dance performances; graduate representatives feast the audience with a passionate medley; PKU Staff Choir and PKU Student Choir perform together.



PKU Vice President Zhang Jin announced 1,041 postgraduates as "Outstanding Graduates of Peking University in 2024," and 338 as "Outstanding Graduates of Beijing's Higher Education Institutions in 2024." In addition, 99 dissertations were chosen as outstanding doctoral theses.


Graduate representative Daniel Rakewitsch, a German student at the School of International Studies, spoke of his fascination with Chinese culture since high school and his bond with China and Peking University. He appreciated Peking University for its inclusive atmosphere that enriched his cultural understanding and learning opportunities. Looking ahead, Rakewitsch expressed his willingness to contribute to China-Germany and China-Europe ties and exchanges. 


Dong Ruilan, a doctoral graduate from the Third School of Clinical Medicine, Peking University, reflected on her journey in ophthalmology. She fondly recalled her first day as an assistant in the operating room and her first time seeing patients independently,  crediting Peking University for teaching her how to handle situations with equanimity. She encouraged the graduates to carry forward the courage and knowledge acquired at the University, facing future challenges with resilience and striving for excellence.


Teacher representative Professor Zhang Zemin congratulated the students on completing their graduate studies and embarking on a new journey. He encouraged graduates to maintain a positive attitude and confidence in their future careers and to stay committed to their dreams. The professor highlighted the importance of every encounter, encouraging the graduates to confront challenges with courage and confidence.


Alumnus Xu Xing retraced his journey from a hesitant undergraduate to a respected scholar in paleontology. He encouraged the graduates to embrace practical challenges and high aspirations, while also emphasizing the importance of humility and perseverance in their endeavors. He underscored the enduring belief held by generations of PKU students, which continues to inspire present graduates to tackle real-world problems while striving for excellence.


In his address, President Gong Qihuang extended his heartfelt congratulations to the cohort. Gong urged them to uphold the traditions of Peking University, be ahead of the times, and shoulder the mission of national rejuvenation. He also called upon the graduates to inspire the younger generation, explore life thoroughly, and make contributions to society.




The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt rendition of "Yan Yuan Qing," a melody that reflects the strong attachment the graduates have to the University. After the event, the graduates lingered on the campus, capturing precious moments with their families, friends, and mentors in photographs.


This article is featured in PKU News' "Graduation 2024" series.

Written by: Aden Tan, Chen Chuyun
Edited by: Dennis Meng 
Photos by: Wang Tiantian, Li Xianghua, Liu Yueling, Yan Linlin, Hu Xiaodong, Cao Mengyao, Zhu Chengxuan, Lu Zan, Zhang Haoran, Ji Haoyu, Yang Gengchen, Lin Feiyu