On the morning of June 9, the 2026 CCNU Wollongong Joint Institute Master's Graduation Ceremony and Degree Conferral Ceremony of the University of Wollongong was held in the lecture hall on the first floor of the Nanhu Building.
Distinguished guests from the University of Wollongong were Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO, Vice-Chancellor and President; Professor Jiangtao Xi, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Growth and Global); Professor Alan Rowan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation); Belinda Gibbons, Head of School in the Faculty of Arts, Society and Business; Mr Felix Lanceley, Global Chief Operating Officer of UOW College, Global Enterprises; Ms Marion Finlay, Senior Manager of Alumni Relations and Engagement; and Ms Lily An, Senior Advisor for Greater China, Global Partnerships.Leaders from Central China Normal University (CCNU) including Professor Shuangjie Peng, President; Professor Sannyuya Liu, Vice President; Professor Dan Wu, Vice President; Mr Feng Hong, Director of the Department of Global Engagement; Dr Tao Huang, Administrative Dean of the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Education; Professor Xu Du, Dean of the CCNU Wollongong Joint Institute; Mr Fei Deng, Vice Administrative Dean of the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence in Education, together with more than 220 graduates, current students and parents attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Vice Dean Jun Xu of the Joint Institute.
The ceremony began with a welcoming address by President Shuangjie Peng. He extended sincere congratulations to all graduates who successfully completed their studies and warmly welcomed the UOW guests who traveled from afar. President Peng reviewed the Joint Institute's achievements, highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of these years' graduates in academic publications, science and innovation competitions, and volunteer services.
President Peng urged the graduates to: stay true to their aspiration to serve the country and bravely scale the heights of science and technology; carry forward the spirit of CCNU and cultivate noble character; and maintain an open attitude to build bridges for exchange. He expressed his hope that graduates would carry the "CCNU legacy" into the broader world, embrace their responsibilities of the era with youthful vigor, and forge ahead to pursue their dreams on this new journey!
President G.Q. Max Lu AO, delivered an address on behalf of the University of Wollongong, extending sincere congratulations to all the graduates. Drawing upon his own inspiring journey of overcoming humble beginnings and pursuing advanced studies abroad, President Lu encouraged the students not to fear the unknown road ahead, but to always maintain the courage and determination to keep moving forward. He affirmed the Joint Institute's significant achievements in cultivating students' confidence, resilience, and critical thinking. He pointed out that the era of artificial intelligence is filled with both opportunities and challenges, and only young people equipped with cross-cultural competence, sound judgment, and curiosity will be able to thrive in the future. President Lu offered the graduates a heartfelt message: embrace the spirit of Wuhan—"Daring to be first and pursuing excellence"; stay true to your aspirations and strive for perfection; have the courage to take responsibility and actively explore, using the power of youth to embark on a new journey.
Dean Xu Du then announced the list of graduates, noting that a total of 137 students were awarded degrees by the University of Wollongong. President Lu conferred the degrees on the graduates. Following this, Dean Du read out the lists of Outstanding Graduates from both the University of Wollongong and Central China Normal University. Vice President Jiangtao Xi presented certificates to the Outstanding Graduates from the University of Wollongong, and Vice President Sannyuya Liu presented certificates to the Outstanding Graduates from CCNU.
Zhao Qiming, an Outstanding Graduate in Computer Science from the Joint Institute, delivered a speech as the student representative. Reflecting on the fulfilling academic life at the Institute, he noted that the rigorous academic training had honed his time management and resilience. Beyond the degree itself, he discovered the appeal of scientific research and found his calling. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Institute's faculty and leadership for their guidance and support, and hoped that all his fellow graduates would excel in their future endeavors and make contributions to society.
Chen Eryue, an Outstanding Graduate in Telecommunications Engineering from the Joint Institute, reflected on the rewards of her two years of study and expressed her gratitude for the support from the university and mentors. She shared that the professional skills and comprehensive competencies she had developed on campus would greatly benefit her in her future career or doctoral studies. She encouraged her younger fellow students to cherish their time and make the most of their youth, and sincerely wished her alma mater, teachers, and fellow students a bright future.
After the degree conferral ceremony, faculty and students gathered for a group photo. The ceremony concluded with warm farewells and best wishes for the graduates’ future, making it a truly unforgettable moment of the ceremony.
