Shandong University (SDU) held its 2026 undergraduate commencement and degree-awarding ceremony on June 24, celebrating the achievements of this year's graduates as they prepare to begin a new chapter in their lives.

Addressing the ceremony, SDU President Li Shucai, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, congratulated the graduates on completing their studies and encouraged them to pursue their ambitions with a spirit of innovation, resilience, and responsibility.

Reflecting on the students' years at SDU, Li said they had grown alongside the country's development and witnessed rapid technological advancement and industrial transformation. He urged them to align their personal aspirations with the country's modernization drive, challenge conventional approaches, and strive to overcome future challenges.

"As you embark on a new journey, carry forward the university motto of being 'noble in spirit, endless in knowledge', strengthen your abilities through practice, and make meaningful contributions to the nation's development," Li said.

Alumni representative Shen Zuojun, a 1989 mechanical engineering graduate and an international member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning, make effective use of artificial intelligence, and develop the ability to identify and solve real-world problems.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Wang Chunyu from the School of Software reflected on her days at SDU and pledged to apply her knowledge and dedicate herself to serving the country.

Leaders of Shandong University confer degrees on graduates at the degree-awarding ceremony. [Photo/Shandong University]

Li Shucai, president of Shandong University, delivers a keynote speech congratulating the Class of 2026 on their graduation and expressing hope that they will contribute to society. [Photo/Shandong University]

Graduate representatives perform at the graduation ceremony to bid farewell to their campus lives. [Photo/Shandong University]