The Graduation Ceremony of Dual-Degree Program of 2020 Cohort in Environmental Science
In the midst of summer in June, when peaches and plums fill the air with their fragrance, on June 17th, the first graduation ceremony of the undergraduate education program in Environmental Science, jointly held by our university and the University of Arizona, was successfully conducted, with 82 students on the verge of embarking on a future as vast as the mountains and seas.
President Wu Putao, Vice President Charles Wang of the University of Arizona, Dean Marc Louis Miller of the College of Law, Director Joan Curry of the Environmental Science Department, all faculty members of the Micro Campus, Director Li Guolong of the Department of Party Committee and Student Affairs, Deputy Director Dai Wu of the Academic Affairs Office, Deputy Director Qiao Zhe of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, all leaders and relevant faculty members of the College of Resources and Environment, and nearly a hundred parents of students jointly attended the graduation ceremony, which was presided over by Yan Dezhu, the Party Secretary of the College of Resources and Environment.
In addition, President Renata Apergenova of North Kazakhstan University and relevant leaders from the Arizona College of Engineering at Hebei University of Technology also witnessed the degree-conferring ceremony together.
President Wu Putao extended warm congratulations on behalf of the university to the first cohort of students who had successfully completed their studies and expressed sincere gratitude and heartfelt blessings to the faculty and staff, as well as parents, who had diligently nurtured and patiently accompanied the students' growth. President Wu stated that the Sino-foreign cooperative education program in Environmental Science was born out of the university's strategy for internationalization and is bound to make significant contributions. He affectionately addressed the 2024 graduates with the following messages: First, to firmly hold on to their ideals and beliefs, always keep the "big picture" of the nation in mind, and be ambitious new youth of the new era. They should develop their talents through overcoming difficulties, work hard in practice, continuously hone their skills, and shine their youth in the great cause and tide of national strength and national rejuvenation. Second, to maintain a positive mindset and healthy physique, cultivate the good habit of lifelong learning. They should continuously enrich their foundation for growth, persist in showcasing their talents in the fields they love and excel in, while also maintaining a learning spirit and humble attitude to constantly improve themselves and achieve a life of greater height, realm, and taste. Third, to deeply cultivate a sense of patriotism and progressive character, vigorously inherit and promote the spirit of patriotism, integrate personal aspirations and family happiness into the great cause of national prosperity and national rejuvenation, and live up to the mission of the new era's youth. Fourth, to continuously broaden their international horizons, exercise the spirit of scientific exploration, enhance their innovative and creative abilities, and make due contributions to the progress and development of human society, striving to become international talents with a global vision who can participate in international affairs and competition. Fifth, to always remember the university's philosophy of "serving the nation's foundation, solving people's livelihoods, and valuing science" and the school motto of "Integrity, Simplicity, Courage, and Perseverance," strengthen their love for the school and the country, never forget the university's teachings and cultivation, continue to care for and support the university's construction and development, and often come back to visit!
Vice President Charles Wang of the University of Arizona affectionately reminisced about the scene of witnessing the grand launch of the dual-degree program four years ago and expressed immense pride and excitement for the growth of the 82 students after more than 1,500 days and nights of hard work. "At this very moment, you may be looking back on the past four years. You can still vividly recall those nights and days of struggling with assignments, projects, quizzes, midterms, and finals. But today, you look more confident and stronger than ever before, because the pain and hardships you have experienced, the challenges you have faced have shaped you into stronger individuals!" Charles Wang said emotionally.
Dean Tian Xiaohong of the College of Resources and Environment extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduates on behalf of all faculty and students of the college. He introduced the basic situation of the project's development and student training since its inception and affectionately addressed the graduates: Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey in life. He hopes that everyone will meet future life challenges with a strong will, an open mind, and excellent abilities, always uphold the school motto of "Integrity, Simplicity, Courage, and Perseverance," and in their future studies and lives, not regret their efforts, not leave any regrets, and not fear tests, bringing glory to their alma mater, adding brilliance to themselves, and contributing to national development.
Director Joan Curry of the Environmental Science Department at the University of Arizona extended sincere blessings to the graduates, stating that graduation is an important milestone in life. She hopes that each student will learn to be grateful, strive hard, and collaborate, regarding this period as a precious asset in life, and meet the future with a better mindset and state, continuously writing new chapters in life.
Liu Siyu, an outstanding graduate of the 2024 class who will further her studies at the National University of Singapore, expressed deep gratitude in her speech for the meticulous cultivation of her alma mater and the earnest teachings of her teachers. She reminisced about the bits and pieces and unforgettable moments of her four years of college life, calling on all students to continue exploring the future with a positive attitude, pursue their life ideals with perseverance, put their youth vows into practice with concrete actions, interpret the responsibilities and commitments of Northwest A&F University students, cherish their alma mater, and pursue their dreams with confidence, contributing to the national strategy. After the meeting, the University of Arizona also held a degree-conferring ceremony for the 82 graduates.
Currently, there are 336 students in the Environmental Science International Program, among whom 48 have won national-level competition awards, 36 have won provincial-level competition awards, and more than 50 have participated in high-level international talent training and innovation practice projects. The employment rate of the first graduating class of 2024 has reached 75%. Among them, 22 students have been admitted to well-known domestic universities and research institutions such as Fudan University, Xiamen University, the Environmental Development Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Third Institute of Oceanography of the Ministry of Natural Resources; 32 students have been admitted to top international universities such as Imperial College London, the National University of Singapore, Carnegie Mellon University, and Cornell University; 8 students have signed employment contracts with domestic enterprises and institutions, such as the Xiongan Branch of China Construction Bank in Hebei, China Railway No. 2 Bureau Group Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou Water Supply Investment Holdings Co., Ltd., China Construction Installation Group Co., Ltd., and SAIC-GM Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd.
