On the morning of June 14th, Jiangsu Open University celebrated the graduation of 50,397 open education students and 2,221 vocational education students at its 2025 commencement ceremony, which was held both onsite and via livestream across regional campuses. Party Secretary and President Ding Rongyu, Deputy Party Secretary Niu Yutao, Disciplinary Commission Secretary Gu Xinhua, along with other university leaders including Liu Guiyou, Geng Huantong, Luo Yulan, Han Chenghui, Hang Zhuhong, and Yang Yu attended the ceremony. Vice President Hang Zhuhong presided over both the commencement and the degree conferral ceremony.
In his heartfelt address, President Ding Rongyu drew inspiration from Mao Zedong’s enduring admonition, study diligently, improve daily, reframing it as a lifelong creed: learning as an unending journey, and progress as an unwavering pursuit.
Party Committee Secretary and President Ding Rongyu delivers the final lecture
With “pride and nostalgia”, he recounted students’ transformative growth—lauding their award-winning innovations at competitions like the Challenge Cup and Jiangsu Student Innovation Contest, and applauding their evolution from tentative learners to resilient contributors.
With “candor and concern”, he reflected as an educator—regretting unmet needs in campus facilities and pedagogy, while voicing anxieties that they may lose their way without clear direction, succumb to discouragement at temporary setbacks, limit their potential through self-imposed or external labels, or compromise their long-term growth by burning themselves out.
With “hope and direction”, he mapped a framework for enduring growth: 1) aim upward – craft specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound milestones to sustain momentum.2) gather strength – cultivate skills with a seed’s patience—root deep before rising tall. 3) embrace challenge – treat improving daily as a mantra to stretch limits and redefine comfort zones.
President Ding extended heartfelt congratulations to all graduates, exhorting them to perpetually maintain an upward spirit and sustain the power of progress. May the pursuit of daily improvement become the defining ethos of their lives, equipping them to carve out extraordinary paths in this era brimming with both promise and trials.
Deputy Party Committee Secretary Niu Yutao announces the recognition decision for outstanding graduates of the 2025
Standing Committee Member of the Party Committee and Vice President Liu Guiyou reads the appointment decision for alumni liaison officers
Standing Committee Member of the Party Committee and Vice President Geng Huantong announces the conferral of bachelor's degrees
Standing Committee Member of the Party Committee and Vice President Hang Zhuhong presides over the commencement ceremony and degree conferral
Representative of open education graduates—Zang Yuxiang, a logistics management undergraduate from Nantong Open University, shared his journey of growth—from a medical supplies delivery worker to a key figure in logistics management—along with his insights on academic advancement and professional skill development.
Representative of vocational education graduates—Chen Jiawei from the School of Architectural Engineering recounted his transformation from military veteran to skilled expert.
Representative of vocational education graduates—Huo Yunsi from the Changzhou branch shared her journey of study and entrepreneurship. Immersing herself in intangible cultural heritage, she integrated Changzhou bamboo carving with modern design, earning a gold medal in the Jiangsu College Student Career Planning Competition.
Faculty representative—Professor Tang Rong, Dean of the School of Environmental Ecology, extended heartfelt wishes to graduates. She encouraged students to retain their capacity for lifelong learning, accumulate experience through practice, and uphold integrity, kindness, and responsibility.
Alumni representative—Hu Sheng, a Master Craftsman of the Nation, recipient of the National May 1st Labor Medal, and senior engineer at the No. 14 Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, shared his experience of returning to university after 30 years in the workforce. He urged graduates to commit to lifelong learning, becoming "always shining rivets" in the gears of this era.
University leaders present certificates of honor to outstanding graduate representatives
University leaders issue diplomas to graduate representatives
University leaders present letters of appointment to representatives of alumni liaison officers
The Academic Affairs Office transfers the alumni registry to the Alumni Affairs Office
University leaders confer bachelor's degrees upon Jiangsu Open University undergraduate representatives and adjust their tassels
The university anthem “Ode to the Phoenix”—resonant with the strongest notes in the hearts of Jiangsu Open University members—sweeps through every graduate present.
Before the formal ceremony, a commemorative graduation MV “Starlight of Openness”, produced by the Student Affairs Office, premiered. The MV utilized AI technology for lyrics, composition, and vocal synthesis, unlocking a novel expression of the graduation season. Members of the university art ensemble sent off graduates embarking on new journeys with songs as heartfelt letters, carrying their deepest hopes and blessings.
Leaders from municipal open universities across the province, members of the University Degree Evaluation Committee, heads of functional departments, Party and administrative leaders from various schools, as well as faculty representatives, all counselors, academic mentors, graduation class advisors, and graduate representatives attended the ceremony.
