With the COVID-19 pandemic making in-person graduation ceremonies impossible, IIIS launched its first online Commencement on June 19, to honor the graduating Class of 2020. The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Jianyang Zeng and attended by Prof. Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, IIIS Dean, IIIS faculties, alumni, students, and their families.

Addressing the graduates, Professor Andrew Yao said: “After all your hard work and studying, this is an important moment to celebrate your incredible achievements we are all proud of. We usually think of the Commencement as college’s end, but it actually means the beginning. Your time here has not only given you the opportunity to grow your knowledge and showcase your ability, but also to encounter challenges. In a society full of changes, do not fear uncertainty, instead you should embrace uncertainty. I’m sure you all will chart a fulfilling future to better yourself and the life of our country.”

The ceremony also featured addresses by Prof. Yang Yu, IIIS Assistant Professor, and Prof. Zhihe Wang, IIIS alumnus, now at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and graduation speeches by Jiawei Li from Yao class 2016, Lixiang Hong and Yao Lu from IIIS graduate program.

This year saw 58 graduates and 10 students were granted with Outstanding Graduates Awards at the ceremony.