On the evening of June 17, the 2025 International Student Graduation Gala was grandly held in the Lecture Hall of the Library. Vice President Chen Qun attended the gala and delivered a speech. More than 100 people, including leaders of relevant schools, counselors, and all international student graduates, participated in the gala together.
In his speech, Chen Qun extended sincere blessings to the 2025 international student graduates, expressing gratitude for the support from their families, friends, and teachers. He recalled the students' learning experiences—from online studies to campus life—highlighting their growth and achievements in professional competitions and cultural practices. Chen hoped they would serve as bridges for friendly exchanges between China and other countries, share authentic China stories through personal experiences, maintain a lifelong passion for learning, and contribute professional expertise to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Ye Donggui, an Indonesian international student, spoke as the graduate representative, expressing gratitude to teachers for their guidance, families for their support, and classmates for their friendship. He recalled the transformation of overcoming cultural and linguistic challenges upon first arriving in China, wishing fellow students to always maintain their enthusiasm, cherish their gains, and embrace the future.
Zawani, a student from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reflected on the challenges and achievements of pursuing a master's degree in China. He sincerely thanked professors for their unwavering support, shared study tips with current students, and announced the good news that he would continue to pursue a doctoral degree at North China University of Technology. He expressed hope to keep advancing in academic studies, challenging himself, and starting a new chapter in life.
Chen Qun presented certificates to teachers and students who won awards in various competitions of the previous academic year, and took group photos with the awardees.
Band Seven ignited the scene with Phoenix + Train to the Clouds, Dreams Requiem in the Ninth Heaven; Moren, a student from Lesotho, sang Flowering Clouds, weaving a beautiful vision of study abroad with her light voice; Zawani from the Democratic Republic of the Congo brought the rap Attention: Backing Up, whose rhythm was full of youthful vitality; Chinese student Aibibai showed the charm of traditional art through the ethnic dance Coming for You; Dada and Cynthia from the DRC co-sang Memories, carrying precious fragments of study abroad; Fouad from Côte d'Ivoire sang Friends, conveying the treasure of transnational friendship and the touch of walking together; Asuka Tokushima from Japan performed the calligraphy Bright Future to send sincere blessings to graduates; Moyang from Bangladesh played the piano solo Childhood, outlining the purity of study abroad life with agile notes; finally, Cynthia from the DRC sang Congratulations to ring out the joy of graduation.
During the performance, award-winning video showcases were interspersed, witnessing the international students' journey of chasing dreams.
The graduation gala was a vivid microcosm of international students' campus life. The artistic performances integrated diverse cultures—from passionate band music to lyrical melodies, dynamic rap to traditional art. Every scene told the story of international students' growth at North China University of Technology and their reluctance to part, drawing a romantic conclusion to their campus years and opening a new chapter in life.
