On the morning of 26 June 2025, Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance held its 2025 Commencement and Degree-Conferring Ceremony at the Shanghai University Student Sports Center. All university leaders and members of the University Academic Degree Evaluation Committee were in attendance, together with heads of relevant departments, Party and administrative leaders of all schools, faculty representatives, alumni representatives, and relatives and friends of the graduates.
The ceremony began with the solemn playing of the national anthem.
Chancellor Xie Chao presented the flag to the 2025 “Expedition Team” of graduates heading to work in western regions and grassroots units. He urged SLU graduates to align their personal aspirations with the nation’s destiny and to contribute youthful energy to Chinese-style modernization wherever the motherland and the people need them most.
President Yang Li delivered a commencement address entitled “Rooted in Integrity, Seeking Innovation amid Change.” He reminded the Class of 2025 that in an era of rapid transformation, SLU alumni must chart clear directions amid uncertainty and seize opportunities in the waves of change. Drawing on three moving stories of SLU people, he decoded how they steer through tides of time and turn uncertainty into possibility:
Integrity as the cornerstone—upholding rigorous standards and professional competence to keep the “balance sheet” of one’s career forever sound.
Professional expertise as the weapon—dispelling cognitive bias and interpreting “Integrity as Aspiration” with vocational excellence.
Innovation as the key—understanding learning better than machines, forging a triple edge of professional insight, ethical judgment and creative solutions.
President Yang encouraged every graduate to safeguard SLU’s founding mission, refine character and sharpen practical wisdom in the new journey.
The ceremony was chaired by Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President Wang Junhua.
A commemorative video, “Dreams Fulfilled,” traced the footprints and memories of the Class of 2025, evoking strong emotional resonance among faculty and students.
Bi Yongliang, Class of 1983 and Vice President & CFO of McQuay China, spoke on behalf of alumni. Under the theme “Uphold Integrity, Innovate, Empower with Digital Intelligence—Survive and Thrive,” he shared his growth code from SLU’s classrooms to a multinational enterprise.
Associate Professor Guo Yu from the School of Accounting, representing faculty, reminded graduates that in an age of fast AI development, mastering rather than being defined by technology is the way forward.
Undergraduate representatives Huang Shuting and Zhang Zu’an, postgraduate representative Xuan Jiayue, and international graduate representative Yunshu (Mongolia) recounted their personal growth stories at SLU.
Outstanding graduates were honored on stage. Graduates presented bouquets to “the most beloved and respected people in students’ hearts,” including youth mentors, counselors, dormitory supervisors, security staff and canteen workers. All graduates rose to bow in gratitude.
A university flag-passing ritual and an integrity oath followed. A giant flag was solemnly relayed across the arena, symbolizing the perpetual transmission of SLU spirit. Faculty and students stood to sing the alma mater together.
Wearing academic regalia, every graduate crossed the stage to have their tassel turned by university leaders and members of the Degree Evaluation Committee.
Prior to the ceremony, graduation concerts were held on both campuses. Young faculty, graduating-class counselors, student performers and pupils from SLU’s affiliated Songjiang Experimental School sent blessings through song and dance.
To the resounding melody of “Ode to the Motherland,” the 2025 Commencement and Degree-Conferring Ceremony drew to a successful close.
The event was broadcast live on the university’s official WeChat channel and TikTok (Douyin) account.
