he School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA) at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) held the first virtual commencement ceremony for international students on June 18, 2022, celebrating 19 international students from 16 countries, with 18 master’s degrees and 1 doctoral degree.

Dean Guo Shuyong, Party Secretary Zhang Shaoduo, Deputy Dean Jin Jiyong, Professor Carlos De Cueto Nogueras, Dr. Indira P. Ravindran, Associate Professor Zhang Lei, Assistant Professor Wang Kai, and Assistant Professor Sheng Chunhong attended the ceremony.  

The celebration kicked off by Professor Jin Jiyong who welcomed and introduced guests for the ceremony. Noting that this year’s graduating class had their own educational journeys challenged by the global pandemic, he praised graduates’ perseverance and resilience. 

In his commencement address, Dean, Professor Guo Shuyong paid tribute to professors and staffs who prosper the programs’ development, and stressing the school’s value and dedication to international relations. He emphasized that China will continue to promote world multi-polarization, democracy in international relations, and diversification of development approaches.

Guo urged the graduates to embrace flexibility while exploring their futures in unexpected ways, and advocated students to commit themselves to deepening and strengthening their countries’ relations with China, to devote to a peaceful and stable international community. 

Professor Carlos De Cueto Nogueras, the guest speaker, encouraged students to pursue finding their love and passion in life, and to accept failure as an opportunity to grow and develop.

Subsequently, Dr. Indira P. Ravindran spoke warmly of her journey with the school and how she witnessed SIRPA has become an excellent program, and that is why students should be proud and pass the life forward to future generation. 

Following the guest speakers are speeches from three students Jana Rollerova, Diana Maria Ghinea, Mitu Poddar representing their own program China Studies English, International Relations Chinese, and International Relations English respectively. Each of them shared their experience of studying in China, thanked their professors and classmates, and sincerely hoped all graduates find their own path in the future to become a better individuals. 

Then the Dean’s Award was announced by Associate Professor Zhang Lei, and recipient Prince Adom Amissah gave his testimonial speech. He admonished fellow graduates to set aspirational goals and meet challenges as it cometh with invisible opportunities. 

The exciting moment came with the virtual degree conferral by Party Secretary Zhang Shaoduo, who even wrote a very fitting and opportune poem:

Online we meet,
In the pandemic we take the heat.
In a world open split,
We must stand on our own feet,
Critical thinking & open-minded. 

Right after the conferring of degree, student Sabrina Tamica Dumont read an inspirational poem “A New Beginning” by Joanna Fuchs; student Varvara Serzhenko sang a heartful and touching song “Hope” by Anna Herman, and student Rachel Sun sang the department song which is composed by her. 

At last, Professor Jin Jiyong concluded the graduation ceremony by motivating students to always try their best and it is the process that matters. He also added that the school is always there for the graduates and they are always welcome to come back for visits. Last but not least, group photos were taken and all the attendees have together created an unforgettable memory at the virtual graduation ceremony. With best wishes from all the faculty members, families, and friends, the graduates set off to their new journey ahead.