It is on this day that the graduates of 2017 gathered, rejoiced, and, most of all, celebrated, June 19, IIIS Commencement Day. Over 80 graduates, their parents, IIIS faculty and alumni attended it at the Lecture Hall, FIT Building. Prof. Andrew Yao, Dean of IIIS, Prof. Cong Zhentao, Director of Student Affairs Office, Prof. Li Jian, President of IIIS Graduate Academic Committee, and Dr. Lou Tiancheng, IIIS alumnus, were invited to address and the ceremony was hosted by Yin Zhangqi, tutor of YaoClass 2013.

“For most students, the journey to graduation is challenging but rewarding,” Prof. Yao told the graduates, “Dedication to the pursuit of knowledge with a balanced life is still important after graduation.” In the others’ address, the graduates were also encouraged to use their degrees in a world that needed it and influence the society as a whole.

Lou Tiancheng, a high-profile alumnus of IIIS, also returned as a founder and CEO of Pony.ai to speak. Looking back on the path taken, he shared his study experiences at IIIS and urged the graduating students to go out into life and make a difference with their enthusiasm.

After that followed YaoClass Meeting where the student work report was presented and the awards were granted to recognize the outstanding students.

As is tradition, the Commencement and YaoClass Meeting concluded with the Old Anthem of Tsinghua. This year, 33 bachelor degrees, 12 master degrees and 15 doctor degrees were conferred to IIIS students.

(By Yuying Chang, Photo by Xiang Li)