On the morning of June 20, the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University held its 2025 Commencement Ceremony at the Tsinghua Auditorium.

More than 150 graduates, along with faculty members and school leadership, gathered to mark this significant occasion. Dean Zhou Qing’an, Party Secretary Shi Anbin, Vice Deans Hang Min, Zhang Li, and Zhang Zheng, Deputy Party Secretary Jiang Qiaolei, and faculty representatives attended the ceremony. Vice Dean Zhang Li presided over the event.

Group photo of the 2025 graduates

In the opening address, Dean Zhou Qing’an extended heartfelt congratulations and reflections to the graduating class. Facing an era marked by uncertainty, he emphasized three essential capabilities for media professionals: imagination, narrative power, and the ability to act. “This era has no shortage of thinkers or doers, but what it truly needs are thinkers who act,” he said. 

Dean Zhou Qing’an delivers opening remarks

Following the address, degrees and honors were announced across all programs, including recognition of outstanding graduates and thesis award recipients, with awards presented by faculty and invited guests.

Master’s graduate representative Zhang Yueyi delivers speech

PhD graduate representative Wen Sanmei, drawing on both her academic journey and overseas fieldwork, expressed gratitude to mentors, peers, and her homeland. She reflected on how her research in international communication strengthened her resolve to bridge cultures and bring stories to where they are most needed.

PhD graduate representative Wen Sanmei delivers speech

International student representative Hannan Gilliani highlighted the inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment of the School, thanking faculty for cultivating critical thinking, ethical journalism, and global perspectives.

International graduate representative Hannan Gilliani deliver speech

Associate Professor Chen Shuang, the faculty representative, offered three hopes for graduates: to embrace emotional honesty, to value genuine offline connection amid a media-saturated world, and to find personal meaning within broader societal narratives.

Faculty representative Chen Shuang gives remarks

Rick Dunham, Director of the Global Business Journalism Program and senior visiting scholar, spoke as the international faculty representative. He commended the School’s global vision and encouraged graduates to stay optimistic and apply their skills in journalism to meet future challenges.

International Faculty representative Rick Dunham gives remarks

Distinguished alum Deng Xianlai, a 2012 graduate and Washington-based correspondent for Xinhua News Agency, shared memories of his time at the School and recounted his role in international academic forums. He stressed the importance of confident communication and cultural storytelling, urging graduates to continue representing China on the world stage.

Alumnus representative Deng Xianlai gives remarks

The ceremony also featured musical performances, with faculty singing “At the Crossroad where Fenghuang flowers bloom” to bid farewell to graduates.

Faculty performance

As a farewell gesture, graduates presented symbolic gifts to the School, while Dean Zhou returned the favor with commemorative seals, encouraging them to carry the spirit of Tsinghua Journalism into the world.

Gift exchange between graduates and the School representatives

The 2025 commencement concluded with the resonant school anthem, bringing the ceremony to a heartfelt close.