With striving youth, embark on the mountains and seas of the era. On the morning of June 17, HUTB held the 2026 Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony at Feiyue Stadium on the South Campus. Liao Zhikun, Secretary of the CPC HUTB Committee, attended and presided over the event. Hou Junjun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC HUTB Committee and President, along with all other on-campus Chief Leaders, members of the CPC HUTB Committee, and the Chairperson of the Academic Committee, attended the ceremony.
During the flag-raising ceremony, the national anthem was played and sung, the bright five-starred red flag rose slowly, and all attendees stood in solemn attention, saluting the flag with their gaze.
While presiding over the ceremony, Liao Zhikun shared heartfelt words with the Class of 2026. He expressed the hope that no matter how far they travel, they will never forget their starting point or their spiritual home—the HUTB community they share with faculty and fellow students. "When soaring among the clouds of your ideals," he said, "may you still hear the familiar sound of reading from the university; and when looking back late at night from a distant land, may the light on Chufeng Bridge still shine before your eyes." The university and its students are connected heart to heart and share a common destiny, and the students remain the university's eternal concern. He urged them to stay true to their original aspirations, shoulder their responsibilities, and strive relentlessly to write their own most beautiful life chapters on the wonderful track of life.
Hou Junjun delivered a speech themed “Embracing Utmost Sincerity to Serve the Nation, Being a Steadfast Striver.” He urged all graduates to nourish their hearts with “Sincerity,” stay true to their pure original aspirations, and cultivate the youthful character of striving for good and shouldering responsibility. He encouraged them to ground themselves in “Credibility,” abide by rules and integrity, and build a solid foundation for a steady and far-reaching life. He called on them to break new ground with “Innovation,” upgrade their mindset and vision, and seize the new opportunities of the times. And he advised them to practice with “Pragmatism,” deepen their professional competence, and identify the coordinates of striving to contribute to society. Hou noted that personal sincerity and kindness are “minor sincerity,” dedication to one’s career is “major sincerity,” and wholehearted love for the country is the true “Utmost Sincerity.” He expressed hope that the students will maintain the pioneering spirit and the craftsmanship of pursuing excellence, constantly break through cognitive barriers and temper core competencies in their determined exploration, precisely mesh the “small gear” of personal ideals with the “big engine” of national development, and become firm participants and powerful drivers in the tide of the times.
Zhang Ling, Vice President of HUTB, read out the university’s decisions regarding the conferment of degrees to undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students.
Zhao Hua, Member of the CPC HUTB Committee and Vice President of HUTB, read out the commendation circular for provincial outstanding graduates and outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship graduates.
Chief Leaders presented certificates of honor to the outstanding representatives.
Xiang Guocheng, former Dean of the School of Economy & Trade, spoke as the faculty representative. He expressed the hope that all graduates will always preserve their original aspiration to serve the people, deepen their core values, and set the right course in life. He encouraged them to hone the “Three Masteries,” broaden their vision for handling affairs, and refine their development capabilities. He also urged them to strictly observe the “Three Don’ts” red line, solidify the bottom line of safety, and strengthen the cornerstone of their conduct. He called on them to carry forward the immortal Long March spirit, walk the path of youth struggle in the new era, and shoulder the responsibility and commitment of HUTB students.
Wei Hongzhang, Co-founder of Shenzhen Techwinsemi Technology Co., Ltd. and Chairman of Hunan Dongfang Tianrun Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., spoke as the alumni representative, extending his warmest congratulations to the Class of 2026 graduates. He shared his life experiences and sincere reflections on growing together with his alma mater, and offered three life mottos to his fellow students: pursue lifelong learning to broaden cognitive boundaries and develop the core confidence of being "irreplaceable"; practice long-term self-discipline to stay true to your values and take steady steps in life amidst a restless environment; uphold the Hunan spirit to shoulder the mission of the times and integrate personal ideals into the tide of the times.
Xu Pei, a postgraduate from the School of Business Administration; Li Jingwenshu, an undergraduate from the School of Law & Public Administration; Jiang Yarui, an undergraduate from the School of Intelligent Engineering and Manufacturing; Chen Chao, an undergraduate from the School of Management Science and Engineering; and Zhang Youpeng, an undergraduate from the School of Public Administration and Tourism Management, spoke as the graduates’ representatives. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university and their teachers for their dedicated cultivation and tireless guidance. They pledged to integrate personal ideals into the broader national development strategy, shoulder their mission with youthful energy, and contribute their vigor to the advancement of Chinese modernization.
During the degree awarding segment, Chief Leaders, members of the CPC HUTB Committee, the Chairperson of the Academic Committee, and deans of all teaching schools individually turned the tassels and adjusted the caps, presented certificates, and took photos with each graduate. Turning the tassel and adjusting the cap symbolizes the graduates embarking on their journey to contribute to the nation; presenting the certificate recognizes their academic achievements and growth; and the group photo captures the blessings and expectations between teachers and students. The entire process was solemn yet warm, full of ceremonial significance.
“A grand path leads far, teaching benefits all; meeting the times and needs, invigorating our commerce…” Finally, all faculty and students sang the “Song of Hunan University of Technology and Business” together, and the 2026 Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony concluded successfully in a passionate and uplifting atmosphere.
Before the ceremony began, a graduation-themed music video (MV) was played on site. The College Student Art Troupe performed a series of graduation songs, warmly wishing all Class of 2026 graduates bright futures, steady progress, and promising future.
The event was attended by all members of the HUTB Academic Degree Evaluation Committee, heads of all university functional departments, deans, CPC secretaries, and deputy CPC secretaries of each teaching school, graduating class advisors, instructors, class advisors, as well as parents and alumni representatives. Together, they witnessed the graduates embarking on a new journey in life.
(Written by Zhang Gaoyang and photo by Fan Huaijun, Wu Yin, Tang Sini and Xu Yiqian)
