International students taking selfies at the commencement. Photographer / Song Yidai
Thousands of students and their families thronged at Communication University of China on June 28, as the university’s commencement brought together a ton of graduates, special guests, university staffs and others to celebrate the Class of 2019.
The 2019 Commencement held at CUC on June 28, 2019.
The attendees were welcomed by Chair of University Council Chen Wenshen, University President Liao Xiangzhong and other university officials.
Chair of University Council, professor Chen Wenshen
University President Professor Liao Xiangzhong waving hand to the students.
Teachers from different schools of the university arriving at the ceremony.
The Commencement began with the powerful rhythm of the Chinese National Anthem. Vice President Professor Liu Yanping and Professor Zhang Shuting announced the results of degree conferral.
Vice President Professor Liu Yanping announcing the results of undergraduate degree conferral.
Vice President Professor Zhang Shuting announcing the results of graduate degree conferral.
President Liao Xiangzhong delivered the commencement address, whereas the dignitaries such as honorary graduate renowned TV hostess Wang Hao and graduate representatives also gave their speeches.
“We need you to lead and to explore,” Liao told the throngs of graduates seated in a sea of cardinal and black. “Media is no longer just an application in social operation, but an operating system. How’s that for pressure, graduates?”
In what has been a world of media convergence and filled with identity crisis of media workers, the high moments for the commencement cut through as Liao dug for a deeper meaning for “Fight on!”
Accountability to “social responsibility” and the courage to lead, “The structure of the entire media-based society will require graduates to grasp the changes and opportunities, and have a strong spirit of innovation,” he said, urging graduates to “fight on” for finding ways to make their contributions to the society.
“It is imperative to keep in mind the responsibilities of media workers in the new era,” he said.
International students at the ceremony.
As the representative of all staff members, professor Li Lihong from School of Theater, Film and Cinematic Arts delivered a congratulatory speech. While expressing his congratulation to all the graduates, he also reminded the students that they should always keep the school motto - “integrity” - in mind, always be curious and improve themselves through constant practice.
Professor Li Lihong from School of Theater, Film and Cinematic Arts delivered a congratulatory speech.
Famous TV hostess Wang Hao, a 2000 alumna of CUC, also delivered a speech at the commencement. She recalled her college years at CUC with deep affections, and told every graduate to embrace the world with love and gratefulness. 
TV hostess Wang Hao, a 2000 alumna of CUC, delivering a speech at the commencement.
Graduate representatives, including undergraduate Qian Kunpeng from School of Television and international student representative Yu Zhongmei from School of Broadcasting and Anchoring also delivered their speeches at the commencement.
Qian Kunpeng, undergraduate student representative.
Yu Zhongmei, graduate student and international student representative.
During the commencement, Vice Chairman of the University Council professor Wang Dapin announced the resolution of commending outstanding graduates, including “2019 Outstanding Graduate of Beijing”, “2019 Outstanding Graduate of CUC” and “Outstanding Leadership Award”.
Vice Chairman of the University Council professor Wang Dapin announcing the resolution of commending outstanding graduates.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of CUC. To further enhance the connections between the alumni and the University, a new agenda was set up - 209 graduates from different schools and majors were appointed as special alumni liaisons.
Outstanding graduates receiving the awards.
The representatives of liaisons posting with the letter of their appointment.
Talented CUC singers and performers gave their shows at the ceremony with joyful beats celebrating the Class of 2019. They were joined by the audience who swayed their bodies and sang along with the music. All the singing, dancing and talent shows brought the ceremony to a climax. Later on, the graduates sang the school song A Row of Young Poplar in the Campus, which might be the last time they sang it together.
Graduates paid tributes to their parents through singing and modern dance.
Cheerleaders of CUC gave their performance.
Traditional Chinese calligraphy performance.
Rap performance.
Professor Li Lihong and 4 graduates gave a film dubbing performance.
Singing the song “CUC, My Home Forever”.
CUC orchestra performing the school song.
At the end of the ceremony, President Liao Xiangzhong and other university leaders conferred degree certificates on all graduates.
The Commencement was live broadcasted via CUCTV and new media platforms. Audiences both within and outside of CUC were able to watch the ceremony via CUC official website, screen media on campus, Live channel of CUC TV station, CUC official social media channels, and major new media platforms, including Weibo, Bilibili, Net Ease, IQiYi.com and CUCTV.com.
A live broadcasting team made up of over a hundred students led by about 20 teachers made it possible that students, their families and anyone who didn’t made it to the scene could also witness this unique moment online.
Editor: Huo Minhan, Arshad Bhatti
