On June 27, Dalian Maritime University held the “DMU Moments” 2025 Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony in the gymnasium. Attendees included university leaders Shan Hongjun, Luo Zhongshan, Zhao Youtao, and Zhao Baogang, along with representatives from the Academic Degree Evaluation Committee, Wang Jianzhong, a distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1989 and a leading figure at the Polar Research Institute of China; heads of relevant departments and offices, faculty representatives, student affairs staff; the Class of 2025 graduates and their families.

Accompanied by a majestic march, four members of the university honor guard entered the venue bearing the university flag, marking the official opening of the ceremony.

The entire audience rose to sing the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China in unison.

President Shan Hongjun accepted the graduation gift on behalf of the university from the graduates and presented them with graduation mementos. This year, the graduates presented the university with a gift of a bronze floor tile engraved with the “Learning Philosophy of Dalian Maritime University” — “Having an in-depth quest for the acquisition of truth; Fostering moral integrity for the benefit of all; Striving hard for the service of homeland and the people; Achieving excellence for the development of maritime industry” — along with an image of the new university library. The gift symbolizes the Class of 2025’s commitment to upholding the DMU learning spirit and advancing with determination in the great journey of national rejuvenation. As a token of lasting connection, the university gifted each graduate a specially designed graduation ring. The outer band features the university emblem and the English abbreviation of its name, while the inner band is engraved with the university motto and the graduate’s unique student ID number—serving as a lifelong keepsake and a personal symbol of their time at DMU.

President Shan Hongjun delivered a keynote address titled “Uphold Convictions and Strive Hard for Excellence: Rising to the Call in the Great Journey of National Rejuvenation”, offering heartfelt words to the Class of 2025. He encouraged students to possess the profound confidence to “remain unflustered amidst turbulent clouds,” and to serve the country with wholehearted dedication. He urged them to demonstrate unwavering perseverance, like “iron-willed resolve in the face of daunting barriers,” and to take root in their respective fields with enduring commitment. He also emphasized the importance of courageous struggle, citing that “the most magnificent views lie atop perilous peaks,” and called on graduates to strive for excellence through self-reliance and determined action. President Shan expressed his hope that students would develop the vision to think critically and comprehensively, breaking free from the confines of conventional thought and limited perception. He encouraged them to construct broader cognitive frameworks and integrate their own life stories into the grand narrative of the times. He also urged them to cultivate resilience like reed grass, looking outward to broaden their horizons, and inward to enrich their inner world—maintaining a mindset that is composed, open-minded, and optimistic. With this inner strength, they can persevere with grit, determination, and an unyielding spirit. Moreover, he called on students to embrace the future with capability and courage, maintaining a lifelong commitment to continuous learning. He encouraged them to inherit and carry forward the wisdom of the past, to proactively engage with the era of intelligent technology, to challenge the impossible, and to bravely explore uncharted territory—becoming pioneers and pillars of their respective fields. In closing, President Shan encouraged graduates to always remember the university’s motto — “Gathering knowledge from myriad sources, extending virtue to the boundless seas.” — and to carry forward the DMU spirit of “Resolve, Rigor, Diligence, Innovation.” He called on them to embody the learning philosophy of Dalian Maritime University: “Having an in-depth quest for the acquisition of truth; Fostering moral integrity for the benefit of all; Striving hard for the service of homeland and the people; Achieving excellence for the development of maritime industry. He concluded with a powerful call to action: face the waves with courage, stand at the forefront of the tide with ambition, and rise to the demands of the times with resolve and brilliance — to write their own extraordinary chapter through dedication and hard work in the journey toward building a stronger nation and realizing national rejuvenation.

Luo Zhongshan, Secretary of the Commission for Discipline Inspection, read the official commendation for the Outstanding Graduates of the Class of 2025. He then presented honorary certificates to the award recipients and gifted them a “Qingfeng DMU” integrity-themed letter and commemorative bookmark, symbolizing the university’s hopes that graduates will carry forward the values of integrity, diligence, and upright conduct as they embark on their next journey.

Vice President Zhao Youtao presided over the ceremony and, on behalf of the 15th Academic Degree Evaluation Committee of the university, announced the official resolution to confer degrees upon the graduates of the Class of 2025.

Vice President Zhao Baogang, on behalf of the university, formally retired and sealed the undergraduate cohort flags for preservation as a cherished memento.

Professor Li Wenhua from the Marine Engineering College delivered a heartfelt speech as the faculty representative. Speaking as a mentor, a fellow traveler, and a torchbearer of the maritime cause, he offered his sincere message to the graduating students. He encouraged them to take their expertise as an oar, cultivating a lifelong ability to learn and building strength to forge ahead through waves; to treat their choices as a rudder, aligning their personal aspirations with the nation’s future to chart a clear course in life; and to embrace setbacks as an anchor, honing resilience and drawing the blueprint of a magnificent personal journey.

Wang Jianzhong reflected on his cherished memories from his student days at DMU and his more than 30 years of dedication and perseverance in polar research. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his alma mater for instilling in him the courage and strength to sail into the wind and explore the unknown. Sharing his personal motto — conviction, self-discipline, love of learning, and readiness for action — he encouraged the graduates to stay true to their aspirations, honor the teachings of their alma mater and the guidance of their families, embrace their responsibilities to both family and society, maintain discipline, remain eager to learn, and be quick to put knowledge into practice. He urged them to seize their youth, venture into the deeper blue, and strive to fulfill their life goals.

Shao Jingxia, parent of graduate Li Jiashu, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates’ families. She shared her original aspiration and sense of fulfillment as an educator, and spoke warmly of the remarkable growth and transformation her child experienced while studying at the university. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the school and its faculty, she hoped that the graduates would enjoy good health, uphold integrity, and develop the ability to recognize and pursue happiness. She encouraged them to align their life goals with the needs of the nation and to strive to become vessels of courage and purpose — forging ahead through the waves as pioneers of the new era.

Sun Chuning, representing the undergraduate graduates, reflected on her four years of study at DMU and shared her aspirations as a soon-to-be member of the Graduate Volunteer Teaching Group heading to Nyingchi, Tibet — carrying with her the spirit of "DMU Blue." She called on her fellow graduates to set sail with the inclusive mindset of “embracing all rivers” and anchor themselves in the shared commitment of “standing together in adversity.” She encouraged them to leave their mark as DMUers in the great journey of the new era, embodying the values and character nurtured at their alma mater.

Zhao Enzhong, speaking on behalf of the graduate students, reflected with deep emotion on his eleven-year academic journey at DMU. He recounted the personal growth and achievements gained at different stages of his studies, and expressed his commitment to embodying the "the Learning Philosophy of DMU" through concrete action. He pledged to cultivate unwavering perseverance and a spirit of never giving up, and to shoulder his responsibilities with courage in the cause of building a strong nation and realizing national rejuvenation.

The graduate representatives also presented bouquets to representatives of parents, faculty and staff, as well as alumnus Wang Jianzhong, as a gesture of gratitude and respect.

The video DMU · Moments Collected revisits key milestones—such as thesis defenses, job hunting, and examinations—from the perspective of the Class of 2025. It reflects on cherished memories from dorm life, classes, and training groups, capturing students’ experiences in military training, academics, research, and practical work. With its heartfelt narration and emotional depth, the video resonated strongly with the graduating class.

The instrumental ensemble piece Into the Ocean conveyed heartfelt wishes and high hopes for the Class of 2025, symbolizing the aspiration for graduates to become surging waves, merging into the tide of a nation advancing toward maritime strength. Seventy-six elementary students from the school affiliated to Dalian Maritime University, together with DMU students and graduating class advisors, sang Jade Plate and When That Day Comes, their resolute voices solemnly declaring that the Class of 2025 is ready to fulfill its youthful promise wherever the motherland needs them most. As the ceremony drew to a close, the graduates sang their original farewell anthem Goodbye, DMU, expressing deep affection for their alma mater and sincere best wishes for its future.

Gong Shuo, representative of the graduating class, led all members of the Class of 2025 in a solemn graduation oath.

The commencement ceremony concluded with the entire audience singing the university anthem in unison, accompanied by heartfelt blessings and best wishes.

Following the ceremony, the degree conferral session officially commenced. University leaders turned the tassels for each member of the Class of 2025 and posed for commemorative photos.