On June 18, the 2026 Dalian Maritime University (DMU) Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony themed “DMU Footprints” was grandly held in the university gymnasium. Present at the ceremony were university leaders Xu Minqiang, Shan Hongjun, Luo Zhongshan, Zhao Baogang and Zeng Qingcheng; distinguished guest Elaine Chao, the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Co-Chairman of Foremost Group; representatives of the University Degree Evaluation Committee, heads of relevant university departments and units, faculty representatives, student affairs administrators, graduates of the Class of 2026 and their parents.

As the majestic march played, four student honor guards bearing the university flag marched into the venue, marking the commencement of the ceremony.

All attendees sang the National Anthem of the People’s Republic of China in unison.

On behalf of DMU, Party Secretary Xu Minqiang accepted a tribute presented by graduates and handed out graduation gifts to them. This year, the graduates presented bronze commemorative floor tiles to the university as a gift. Engraved on the tiles are texts and patterns embodying the Lingfeng Spirit, which reflect the graduates’ resolve to carry forward DMU’s fine traditions and shoulder the responsibilities of the times. DMU prepared a custom graduation ring for each graduate. The outer side is carved with DMU emblem and the English abbreviation of the university name, while the inner side bears DMU’s school motto and exclusive student ID number as a graduation souvenir.

President Shan Hongjun delivered a speech titled “Illuminating Your New Life Voyage with the Light of the DMU Spirit: ‘Steadfastness, Rigor, Diligence, and Enterprise’”, addressing the graduating Class of 2026. Using the imagery of an anchor, a ship’s bell, a propeller, and a helm, he encouraged the students to anchor their hearts in steadfastness—rooted in love for their country and commitment to their field, striving to contribute to national rejuvenation and maritime advancement; to ground themselves in rigor—upholding sincerity, pursuing excellence and truth, and walking every step of life with integrity and resilience; to build their careers on diligence—embracing innovation, staying grounded, integrating knowledge with action, and constantly improving to become future leaders of the industry; and to sail far with enterprise—daring to break new ground, aiming high, and working tirelessly to turn their dreams into reality, writing their own remarkable chapters in life. He expressed his hope that the graduates would always bear in mind the university motto of “Embrace all rivers of knowledge and benefit the world with virtue,” uphold the university tradition of “solidarity in times of hardship, scientific navigation, and patriotism at heart,” promote the DMU spirit of “Steadfastness, Rigor, Diligence, and Enterprise,” actively practice the “four-for” learning philosophy of DMU students, shoulder their missions with courage and perseverance, and forge great and solid achievements in the waves of the new era, creating extraordinary lives worthy of the nation and the times.

Ms. Elaine Chao fondly recounted the legendary journey of her father, Dr. James S.C. Chao, from his studies in a rural village in Jiading, to his seafaring career, and then to his founding of the Foremost Group overseas from scratch. She noted that over forty years ago, her parents, Dr. James S.C. Chao and Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, established a scholarship at Dalian Maritime University. Over the decades, this scholarship has supported countless outstanding students, who, carrying forward the hopes and expectations of their predecessors, have made significant contributions to the high-quality development of the maritime industry and global trade. Ms. Elaine Chao encouraged the graduates to carry forward traditional Chinese virtues and advised them to stay confident in a rapidly changing world and convey China’s voice to the world.

Luo Zhongshan, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, read out the commendation notice for the Outstanding Graduates of the Class of 2026 and presented honorary certificates and “Integrity at DMU” letter bookmarks as gifts to the representatives of the Outstanding Graduates.

Vice President Zhao Baogang, on behalf of the university, took back the undergraduate class flags and sealed them for preservation.

Vice President, Zeng Qingcheng presided over the ceremony and, on behalf of the 15th University Degree Evaluation Committee, read out the resolution on conferring degrees upon the graduates of the Class of 2026.

Professor Zhao Hong from the College of Marine Electrical Engineering delivered a speech as the faculty representative. In her address, she encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, shoulder responsibilities with courage, and let conscience and conviction guide their future paths.

Hu Lixia, parent of student Yu Qi, spoke on behalf of the graduates’ parents. She shared her child’s journey of growth and learning at DMU, expressed gratitude to the university and its faculty, and offered her best wishes for the graduates to grow into healthy, responsible individuals ready to take on the missions of the era.

Liu Tianyi, the undergraduate student representative, looked back on his four years of study at DMU, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the university, teachers, fellow students, and parents, and called on his fellow graduates to bravely embrace the challenges ahead.

Han Xiaoling, the postgraduate student representative, fondly recalled her ten years of study at DMU, took stock of what she had gained and achieved, and affirmed that she would continue to carry forward the professional competence, pragmatic approach, and sense of responsibility she acquired at DMU as she forges ahead in the future.

Graduate representatives also presented flowers to the parent representatives, faculty and staff representatives, and Ms. Elaine Chao.

During the ceremony, a graduation-themed video, With This Youth, We Journey Across Mountains and Seas, was screened, taking the graduates on a nostalgic journey through their growth at DMU.

That was followed by performances including the instrumental ensemble What the World Bestows on Me, the songs In Pursuit and Farewell, Brightest Star! and the original graduation-themed song We Will Sail Toward the Starlight, all conveying warm wishes to the graduates and their deep affection for their alma mater.

Li Xinhang, a graduate representative, led all graduates of the Class of 2026 in taking a solemn oath.

The commencement ceremony drew to a close with all attendees singing the university anthem and offering heartfelt blessings.

Following the ceremony, the degree conferral ceremony officially commenced, during which university leaders turned the tassels for each graduate of the Class of 2026 and posed for photos with them.

For the first time, the university set up a themed interactive zone entitled “Mountains and Seas as Witness, Gratitude Along the Way,” which featured activity areas including the “Gratitude Memory Path,” the “Gratitude Confession Wall,” and the “Gratitude Gramophone.” Through immersive interactive experiences, the zone guided graduates in expressing their gratitude, further deepening their affection for the university and enhancing the ceremonial significance of their graduation.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

Wishing you a joyful graduation and a bright, successful future.