On the morning of June 19, the 2025 Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony of Xi’an Shiyou University was held in the gymnasium of Yanta Campus. Party and administrative leaders of the University Chang Jiang, Wang Jinfu, Zhang Mu, Wang Huiqiang, Cheng Yongqing, Su Wenfu, Zhang Rongjun, and Zhao Jian attended the ceremony. More than 3,000 people including relevant administrative departments, heads of various colleges (departments), faculty representatives, alumni representatives, 2025 graduates and their families gathered on-site to witness this significant moment. The degree conferral ceremony was presided over by Zhang Juntao, Member of the University Party Committee and Vice President, while the commencement ceremony was hosted by Chong Yuhong, also a Member of the University Party Committee and Vice President.
The ceremony began with the solemn national anthem.
During the ceremony, Party Secretary Chang Jiang and President Wang Jinfu accepted two graduation gifts on behalf of the university: the “Inch of Heart” Fund donated by the Class of 2025 undergraduate graduates, and a scroll titled “Forged by the Spirit of Petroleum, Chasing Dreams with Innovation — A Spacetime Dialogue of Xi’an Shiyou University”, presented by a student team from the School of Humanities. The scroll is crafted in traditional Chinese “dragon scale” binding.
President Wang Jinfu delivered a heartfelt speech to the 2025 graduates. On behalf of the university, he extended warm congratulations and best wishes to the 6,317 graduates who have successfully completed their studies and obtained their degrees. Representing 180,000 alumni worldwide, he welcomed these newly minted alumni as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. President Wang reviewed the university’s recent advancements in discipline development, talent cultivation, scientific research, campus culture, and service support. He also outlined the university’s future development plans and shared the inspirational story of alumna He Jing—who progressed from morning runs on Xiangshan to conquering the world’s highest peaks over 18 years, transforming mountaineering into a lifelong journey of self-transcendence. Drawing on this story, he delivered a keynote titled “Exploration, Iteration, Transcendence”, encouraging graduates to:
Explore — to measure the world with a thirst for knowledge.
Exploration means stepping out of one’s comfort zone, overcoming fear, and bravely venturing into the unknown. It is a leap from the “realm of the known” into the “domain of the unknown”. Lifelong learning is the true measure of one’s life dimension. He urged graduates to explore the Earth’s depths and unlock the dormant energy codes with the light of science and technology.
Iterate — to evolve and reshape the self.
Iteration is the continual refinement that follows exploration—a necessary path to fight against entropy and achieve upward growth. Graduates are encouraged to build a lifelong growth flywheel through an iterative mindset and decode the fundamental architecture of the petroleum industry through independent innovation.
Transcend — to define the future by breaking boundaries.
Transcendence is the qualitative leap that goes beyond existing limits, representing a shift from the “individual self” to the “greater self,” and from industry focus to civilizational progress. In an era full of uncertainties, graduates must forge a stable life trajectory and redefine the future of the energy industry with low-carbon technologies.
President Wang concluded with a heartfelt message: standing at the intersection of AI and human civilization, may our graduates grow like diamonds—strong, resilient, and brilliant. In the “core furnace” of energy technology breakthroughs, be capable of withstanding the intense pressure at 200°C underground, while also radiating the dazzling spectrum of intelligent energy. Explore the unknown, iterate the self, and transcend all limits.
Zhang Mu, Deputy Party Secretary of the University, announced the Decision of the Xi’an Shiyou University Alumni Association on Appointing the Class of 2025 as Grade-level Alumni Council Members.
Cheng Yongqing, Deputy Party Secretary, announced the Decision on Commending Outstanding Doctoral and Master’s Theses and Supervisors for the 2024–2025 Academic Year.
Zhang Rongjun, Member of the Party Committee, Vice President, and Vice Chairman of the Academic Degree Evaluation Committee, announced the Resolution on Awarding Doctoral and Master’s Degrees to 1,606 Graduate Students including Zuo Xiongdi.
Zhang Juntao, Member of the Party Committee and Vice President, announced the Decision on Commending Outstanding Graduates of the Class of 2025.
Zhao Jian, Member of the Party Committee and Vice President, announced the Resolution on Awarding Bachelor’s Degrees to 4,711 Students including Hu Zhimiao.
Vice President Chong Yuhong presided over the commencement ceremony
University leaders, members of the Academic Degree Evaluation Committee, and distinguished guests presented honorary certificates to award recipients, issued appointment letters to the newly elected alumni council representatives, and bestowed exclusive graduation badges and commemorative crude oil seal souvenirs to outstanding graduates.
Distinguished alumnus Liu Hua, who graduated from our university in 2004 and holds the positions of Deputy Chief Engineer and Director of the Natural Gas Research Institute at the Sinopec Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, offered an inspiring message to the graduates. Drawing on his own experience, he encouraged the students with three key messages:
Keep the Petroleum Spirit in mind– Learn and carry forward the Petroleum Spirit. Uphold the mission of ensuring national energy supply and safeguarding energy security as top priority and noble calling.
Embody the Spirit of Diligence and Action – Aspire high, but stay grounded. Let your dreams take root in the soil of practical work and let your youth shine through the sweat of perseverance.
Exercise Self-discipline at All Times – Cultivate strong inner order. Let self-discipline serve as an anchor, keeping your mind steady amidst the clamor; as a sail, steadying your course through turbulent waves; and as a rudder, empowering you to master your choices when faced with temptation.
He urged the graduates to embrace the tides of the era and write a magnificent chapter of life worthy of this great age with their vibrant youth.
Professor Huang Fenglin, a nationally recognized Model Teacher and a second-level professor from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, addressed the graduates as the faculty representative. In his speech, he reflected on personal growth, looked ahead to the responsibilities of the times, and passed on the torch of spirit and values. He offered the following advice:
Forge a Deep Love for the Nation and a Strong Sense of Responsibility – Dedicate your passion to where the country needs you most. Uphold the spirit of striving forward regardless of circumstances, persevere in the down-to-earth work style of “Three Honesties and Four Strictnesses”, respect scientific principles, and hold reverence for professional duties. Be pioneers in your fields and create extraordinary achievements from ordinary positions.
Embody the Spirit of Scientists and Innovative Character – Maintain keen insight and a strong sense of curiosity.Respect scientific principles while daring to push technological boundaries and pioneer new frontiers. Carry forward the perseverance and calm dedication of the older generation of scientists, and believe that great success comes from enduring effort and persistent dedication. Create value through both exploration and steadfastness.
He encouraged graduates to stay true to their original aspirations, continue lifelong learning and iteration, and pursue excellence through grounded effort and meaningful action.
With youth as their companion, they journey forward in song. Three student representatives shared heartfelt reflections:
Feng Xinyu, a graduating undergraduate from the School of Foreign Languages (Translation Class 2101),
Xue Le, a 2022 Master’s student in Chemical Engineering and Technology from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
Li Ding, an international student from Tajikistan at the School of Materials Science and Engineering.
They warmly recalled their time at the university, expressing deep gratitude and best wishes to their alma mater.
Teachers’dedication illuminates like candles, nurturing generations of students. In a segment honoring teachers, graduate representatives presented flowers to faculty members, administrative staff, and support personnel, expressing heartfelt appreciation and respect for their dedication and silent contributions. They thanked them for cultivating talent with craftsmanship, preserving tradition with unwavering commitment, and passing on the torch of knowledge with passion and care.
With firm voices and powerful conviction, the graduates collectively took a solemn oath:
Grateful to our parents for raising us, and to our teachers for guiding us; Inheriting the spirit of the Iron Man, continuing the legacy of petroleum; In the name of youth, we pledge our service to the motherland: Diligent in learning, brave in taking on the mission of our times; Striving constantly for self-improvement, we march toward a great journey!
President Wang Jinfu, in the presence of the university’s Academic Degree Evaluation Committee members, turned the tassels and conferred degrees individually to the attending undergraduate, master, and doctoral graduates, followed by group photo sessions to mark the moment.
As summer reaches its peak and all things flourish, the graduation song echoes gently as the graduates set sail on their next journey. We wish all graduates success in their future endeavors — ride the waves, seize the momentum, and write brilliant new chapters in life!
