Shanghai Jiao Tong University Global College (SJTUGC, abbreviated as GC hereafter) held its 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony and Degree Conferral Ceremony at Jingjing Hall on the SJTU Minhang Campus on August 7. College leaders, invited guests, faculty members, graduates, and their families gathered to celebrate this important milestone. The ceremony was attended by Yongduan Song, Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Dean of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence at Chongqing University; Hesheng Wang, Dean of GC; David Hung, Associate Dean for Global Engagement; Gang Zheng, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education; Yanfeng Shen, Deputy Party Secretary and Associate Dean for Research; and Yongxing Shen, Associate Dean for Graduate Education. Gang Zheng hosted the event.
In his commencement address, Hesheng Wang extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2026 and shared his expectations for their future journey. He noted that 2026 is a milestone year, marking both the 130th anniversary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the 20th anniversary of GC. Over the past four years, the graduating class witnessed and participated in the college’s transition from the University of Michigan–Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM–SJTU JI) to Shanghai Jiao Tong University Global College, becoming an important part of the college’s continued development. Wang encouraged graduates to maintain an open and inclusive global perspective, pursue excellence, and carry forward the SJTU spirit of “Gratitude and Responsibility.” He encouraged them to embrace social responsibility, promote mutual understanding through global collaboration, and contribute their knowledge and innovation to addressing challenges facing humanity. He also reminded graduates that GC and SJTU will always remain their home wherever their future paths may lead.
Guest speaker Yongduan Song shared insights from his academic and research experiences in China, Australia, and the United States. He encouraged graduates to make full use of their international learning experiences, remain committed to lifelong learning, strengthen their professional foundations, and develop independent thinking and innovation capabilities. He also encouraged them to combine global perspectives with social responsibility and contribute to scientific and technological advancement.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates’ families, Jianjing Mao congratulated the Class of 2026 on completing their undergraduate studies and expressed sincere appreciation to GC’s faculty and staff for their dedication and support. She noted that the College’s international educational environment had provided students with valuable opportunities for academic and personal growth.
Graduate representative Zihao He reflected on the theme of “Change.” He shared how students had experienced changes in learning approaches, campus life, artificial intelligence, and the wider world during their four years at GC. Through these experiences, they learned to adapt to uncertainty, think independently, and make courageous choices. Looking ahead, he said the Class of 2026 will continue to embrace change and create new possibilities.
International student representative Ken Muangsiri from Thailand shared his reflections through three keywords: “pressure,” “perspective,” and “people.” He noted that pressure represents having dreams worth pursuing, while GC’s diverse international environment broadened his perspectives and helped him develop new ways of approaching challenges. He also expressed gratitude to his classmates, faculty members, staff, and family for their support throughout his journey.
During the ceremony, GC appointed alumni grade & class directors for the Class of 2026. GC leaders presented certificates to the newly appointed representatives.
To express their gratitude to the College, representatives of the Class of 2026 presented a commemorative artwork entitled “From here to the World.” Designed by the graduates themselves, the artwork features the Long Bin Building, where their journey at GC began, and illuminated routes extending across a world map, representing the destinations and aspirations of the graduating class. The gift conveys the graduates’ appreciation for the College’s education and their best wishes for GC’s continued excellence. Hesheng Wang accepted the artwork on behalf of the college.
Degree awarding ceremony was held afterwards. The Class of 2024 graduates in personalized academical dresses had their tassels turned and received their degree certificates under the witness of hundreds of onsite audiences.
