The undergraduate commencement ceremony was held in the Tsinghua gymnasium on July 12, with diplomas awarded to 3,801 students. President of Tsinghua and Chairman of the Degree Conferral Committee Gu Binglin, as well as other university leaders, attended the ceremony and extended degrees and certificates to the new graduates.

President Gu Binglin congratulated the students and delivered a speech titled “Study, Responsibility, and Veracity.” He said the four years they spent in the University have helped them better understand society, the world, life, and responsibility.

“Tsinghua graduates are the treasures of Tsinghua,” President Gu told the audience. “The reputation of the University in the society, to a great extent, depends on the achievement and contribution of the alumni.” He said he hoped that the students would use the spirit of Tsinghua to bring honor to the University.

President Gu emphasized three points in his speech. First, he said, love study and advocate science. “Science is the beacon of human civilization and the foundation of social progress. To maintain an inclination for science and a habit of study, and to possess the joy of pursuing knowledge and truth is the way to keep one’s thinking vigorous,” said the President.

Second, students should be responsible and have a sense of purpose. And finally, a “down-to-earth attitude” is vital for success.

President Gu asked the students to bear in mind Tsinghua’s motto of “Self-discipline and Social Commitment” and to strive for excellence in their future work and study.

Reported by Li Han