(Correspondent: Wu Dandan)

As warm midsummer breezes arrived and the song of farewell drew near, the School of Management held its “Face-to-Face with the Party Secretary and Dean” symposium for representatives of the Class of 2026 on June 17 in Conference Room 425. The event formed part of the School’s “Looking Back and Looking Ahead” series for graduates.

Members of the School’s leadership team, faculty representatives, counselors for graduating undergraduate and postgraduate students, and representatives of the Class of 2026 gathered to recall their years of youth, celebrate the bonds between teachers and students, and discuss future development. The symposium was chaired by Wu Dandan, a counselor for graduating students.

In her remarks, Zuo Hui, Secretary of the School’s Party Committee, observed that welcoming new students and seeing students graduate are two of the School’s happiest occasions. Enrollment symbolizes the emergence of new hope, while graduation represents the harvesting of hard-earned achievements. Although it was difficult to say goodbye, she expressed confidence that faculty members and students would meet again.

Zuo offered the graduates three sincere expectations. First, they should understand themselves and maintain a clear sense of direction. There is no need to pursue speed at every stage of life, she noted; moving forward steadily and building a solid foundation are far more important than rushing ahead without reflection.

Second, they should give their utmost and continually surpass themselves. Upholding the conviction that “the greatest principles are often the simplest, and practical action must come first,” they should draw strength from sustained effort and strive to become better versions of themselves.

Third, they should remain true to their convictions and preserve their inner strength. As long as they carry ideals in their hearts, they need not fear the challenges ahead. She encouraged all graduates of the School to remain faithful to their original aspirations and allow their distinctive strengths to shine.

The discussion was both warm and enthusiastic. Graduate representatives spoke actively and sincerely, recalling memorable moments from their years at the University and expressing gratitude for the School’s attentive cultivation, the earnest guidance of their teachers, and the companionship of their fellow students.

They thanked the School for providing diverse platforms supporting academic advancement, research and innovation, student activities, and personal development. Drawing on their experiences in study, daily life, and practical activities, they shared reflections on talent cultivation, teaching management, academic culture, and campus services. They also offered practical recommendations for the School’s high-quality development, expressing throughout their remarks a deep attachment to campus life and reluctance to leave.

Members of the School’s leadership team and faculty representatives also offered heartfelt guidance and best wishes. On behalf of the School, Zhang Zongxiang extended sincere congratulations and good wishes to all graduates who had successfully completed their studies and were preparing to embark on new journeys.

Xiong Chan encouraged the students to have the courage to embrace an ordinary life and accept themselves. She advised them not to fear the opinions of others or pursue perfection deliberately, but instead to strive to live authentically.

Luo Qiong reminded the graduates that the road ahead would be long and encouraged them not to panic when encountering difficulties, but to proceed calmly, confidently, and steadily.

Faculty representative Jiang Juncheng encouraged the students to cherish their dreams while remaining grounded and to strive to become people who make meaningful contributions to society. Chang Aimin advised them not to lose their sense of direction after entering society, but to perform every responsibility conscientiously and diligently. Cheng Peng encouraged the graduates to pursue lifelong learning, retain the ability to make their own choices, face life’s uncertainties with composure, work earnestly, and treat others with sincerity.

Every piece of advice conveyed profound affection, and every expectation pointed toward the future. At the conclusion of the symposium, all participants gathered for a group photograph, capturing a warm moment shared by faculty members and students and preserving a treasured memory of their youth.

The symposium brought faculty members and students closer together and provided an opportunity to hear graduates’ views. It also offered valuable references for improving the School’s educational work and enhancing the quality of its programs.

May all members of the Class of 2026 carry with them the School’s blessings and their teachers’ guidance, answer the call of the times in the name of youth, pursue expansive horizons, realize their ambitions, and make the most of their finest years.

(Reviewed by Zuo Hui and Luo Qiong)