The graduation ceremony for the 2023 class of the HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College at Hainan University (HAITC) was held at Hainan University (HNU) on May 26.

The event was attended by Gao Diangong, a member of the standing committee of the CPC HNU committee and vice-president of the university, Kelly S. Bricker, director and vice-dean of the HAITC, and Katherleen Anderick, inaugural director and first vice-dean of the college.

Kelly S. Bricker, director and vice-dean of the HAITC, speaks at the graduation ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

Wang Lin, dean of the HAITC, speaks at the graduation ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

Xu Yuhua, a teacher representative of the HAITC, speaks at the graduation ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

The ceremony began with speeches extending warm congratulations to the graduating class and highlighting the accomplishments made by the students during their college journey.

Students were commended for their attainment of professional knowledge, various skills, and personal growth. The cultivation of qualities such as self-confidence, independent thinking, a proactive attitude, and a spirit of support for others, fostered during their studies, will serve as a solid foundation and assurance for their future endeavors in society.

Gao Diangong, a member of the standing committee of the CPC HNU committee and vice-president of the university, speaks at the graduation ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

Addressing the ceremony, Gao expressed his expectations for the graduating class. He said that while their campus life was coming to an end, he believed that all the graduates would remember the patriotic dedication, hard work, and spirit of reform and innovation that HNU has upheld throughout its 65-year history.

Gao expressed his hope that the graduates would progress hand in hand with their alma mater, contributing to a glorious future together.

During the ceremony, speeches were also delivered by alumni representative Cao Xu, graduate representative Zhou Keyu, and current student representative Zhou Rujun.

Cao answered questions about HAITCers’ future development and encouraged them to strive for success in their future studies and careers. Zhou Keyu shared personal reflections on growth and expressed heartfelt gratitude and best wishes on behalf of all the graduating students to the teachers, parents, and fellow students. Zhou Rujun shared her own learning experiences and conveyed deep blessings to the graduates.

Outstanding graduates were recognized and honored during the ceremony.

He Yingmin, secretary of the CPC HAITC committee, emphasized the role of the alumni association as a bridge between the alma mater and its alumni, and expressed her commitment to providing support and fostering communication among the alumni at the appointment ceremony for the new council members of the HAITC alumni association.

She encouraged the alumni to share their experiences for future generations, and participate in the development of the college.

Teachers and students at the HAITC pose for a group photo. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

Dean Wang Lin flips the tassel on a graduate’s cap at the graduation ceremony, signifying the completion of his academic journey. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

Dean Wang Lin (R) poses for a photo with a graduate. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]