On June 10, 2025, the Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP) at Fudan University held its 2025 Graduation Ceremony with great pomp, bringing together faculty, students, and guests from around the world. The event celebrated the graduates’ academic growth and conveyed heartfelt wishes for their future endeavors.

Catching Up and Reminiscing Campus Days

At 9:30 a.m., graduates, dressed in academic gowns and accompanied by family and friends, arrived at the venue. Students and faculty engaged in conversations and captured memorable moments in photos. Before the ceremony, all graduates joined faculty for a group photo, marking a memorable conclusion to their time at IGPP.

Grand Opening and Guest Remarks

The ceremony began promptly at 10:00 a.m. with the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China, creating a dignified atmosphere. The host introduced attending guests and outlined the program.

Sharing Reflections on Growth

A short video highlighted the graduates’ academic and campus life at IGPP, showcasing their engagement in classrooms, participation in projects, and contributions to the vibrant life of Shanghai.

Student representatives then delivered speeches. Meltem Kuru reflected on gaining knowledge, friendships, and unforgettable experiences at Fudan, while Jianhao Zhai expressed gratitude to teachers and family and pledged to continue striving forward.

On behalf of the faculty, Professor Xin Ye encouraged graduates to maintain independent thinking and a sense of public spirit. Professors Iain Begg and Timothy Hildebrandt from LSE also sent congratulatory messages via video.

Conferring Degrees and Honoring Excellence

During the degree conferral and tassel-turning ceremony, graduates’ names were announced individually as faculty members turned their tassels, symbolizing their transition to a new stage of life. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause.

The ceremony also recognized outstanding graduates with awards such as the Shanghai Outstanding Graduate Award, the Fudan University Outstanding Graduate Award, the International Student Academic Achievement Award, and the Best Thesis Award.

Dean’s Address and Formal Closing

Dean Yijia Jing of IGPP delivered closing remarks, urging graduates to uphold their ideals in an era of constant change: “Times are ever-changing, but it is only unwavering belief and a strong sense of mission that can carry us further.” The ceremony concluded to the Fudan University anthem.

结语

The 2025 IGPP graduates leave Fudan having honed their academic skills and experienced deep engagement with global perspectives. They are now poised to embark on journeys across the world, contributing to a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.