On the afternoon of June 23, the auditorium of Ningbo University’s Meishan Campus was filled with warmth and youthful energy. Under the theme of “Youth Never Fades, Dreams Sail Toward the Deep Blue,” the Faculty of Maritime and Transportation held a grand graduation farewell ceremony for all graduates of the Class of 2026. College leaders, including Dean Shu Yaqing, Party Secretary Liu Zhongxiu, Vice Deans Ye Xiaofei and Zhu Xinbo, Deputy Party Secretary Zhang Bin, as well as heads of departments, program coordinators, class advisors, graduate supervisors, professional faculty members, administrative and academic support staff, and all graduates gathered together to witness this solemn and heartwarming moment. Zhu Jinhong, President of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, General Manager of Ningbo Yongshang Waipoqiao Catering Management Co., Ltd. and an alumnus of the 1992 Marine Engineering program, as well as Shao Yilong, General Manager of Ningbo Haifu Technology Co., Ltd. and an alumnus of the 1996 Marine Engineering program, were also invited to attend the ceremony and send their best wishes to the graduates.

The farewell ceremony began with the energetic opening dance performance “Forever Young” by students. The dynamic dance movements ignited the atmosphere and demonstrated the vitality and enthusiasm of students of the Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, adding a passionate prelude to this celebration of youth.

Amid warm applause, Dean Shu Yaqing delivered a speech. On behalf of the Faculty, he first extended his warmest congratulations to all graduates who had successfully completed their studies and expressed sincere gratitude to the teachers who had devoted themselves to education. He encouraged graduates by emphasizing that professional expertise is the foundation for personal development. Regardless of how times may change, solid professional competence will always remain the strongest foundation for their future. He hoped that students would align their personal development goals with the direction of the times and establish their own value and path wherever the industry needs them most.

To express their gratitude to the university and the Faculty, Zheng Shenyuan, a student majoring in Logistics Management from the Class of 2022, and Xie Wenhao, a student majoring in Marine Engineering from the Class of 2022, presented carefully prepared graduation commemorative gifts on behalf of the Class of 2026 graduates. Dean Shu Yaqing accepted the gifts on behalf of the Faculty. These gifts carried memories of four years together and represented a lasting sense of belonging.

Subsequently, Party Secretary Liu Zhongxiu and Vice Dean Ye Xiaofei presented honorary certificates to outstanding graduate representatives, recognizing their excellent performance during their studies and encouraging them to continue achieving excellence through professionalism and fulfilling their responsibilities through action.

During the graduate representative speech, Zhang Erzhuo, a student majoring in Transportation Engineering from the Class of 2023, took the stage on behalf of all graduates of the Class of 2026 to share his farewell thoughts. He recalled his years of study at Meishan Campus, expressed gratitude for the guidance of teachers and the companionship of classmates, and stated that no matter where the future leads, graduates will always remember their identity and responsibilities as members of the Faculty of Maritime and Transportation community and contribute their youthful strength to building a strong maritime nation and a strong shipping industry.

During the graduation gift presentation, Vice Dean Zhu Xinbo and Deputy Party Secretary Zhang Bin presented gifts to graduate representatives. The gift was a personalized seal engraved with each graduate’s name. Although small in size, the seal carried deep affection and expressed the Faculty’s sincere expectations for every student to move forward steadily and achieve success.

Faculty representative Guo Haipeng from the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering delivered his message to the graduates. He recalled the university years shared with students and encouraged graduates to remain down-to-earth, continue learning, and maintain kindness and responsibility. During the solemn and warm flower presentation ceremony, graduate representatives presented flowers to their mentors as a tribute of gratitude. Behind each bouquet were the care and guidance provided by teachers throughout their years of study.

Alumni represent the continuation of the Faculty’s spirit. During the farewell ceremony, Zhu Jinhong, President of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, and Shao Yilong, General Manager of Ningbo Haifu Technology Co., Ltd., jointly presented appointment certificates to the 2026 alumni liaison representatives, encouraging them to fulfill their responsibilities and serve as a bridge between the university and its alumni.

As an alumni representative, Shao Yilong shared his life experiences. After graduating from the Marine Engineering Management program of the Faculty of Maritime and Transportation in 1996, he went to the frontline of ocean shipping. His four years of working at sea became the most valuable experience in his professional career. Drawing on his 30 years of career experience, he encouraged younger students: “Professional knowledge is the most reliable anchor in life. Never underestimate what you have learned. The ocean never disappoints those who pursue their dreams with passion and move forward with determination.”

At the farewell ceremony, teachers and students performed together, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and emotion. Hu Huan, a student majoring in Marine Engineering from the Class of 2022, performed the guitar song “Red Bean,” expressing the gentle memories of youth through heartfelt melodies. Yu Qingze, a teacher from the Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, performed the guitar song “Stranger in a Foreign Land,” conveying the warmth of teachers and students accompanying each other during their years of study away from home. The familiar melody resonated throughout the venue. Xu Tunan, a student majoring in Transportation from the Class of 2023, sang “The Last Page,” bringing the story of youth to its conclusion while opening the prelude to a new chapter. At the end of the ceremony, all counselors came on stage to sing “Into the Sea,” conveying their deepest expectations through song.

After the farewell ceremony, graduates took group photos to preserve their memories of youth amid the sea breeze and sunshine of Meishan Campus. We wish all graduates of the Faculty of Maritime and Transportation Class of 2026 will carry the unique qualities of maritime professionals—rigor, resilience, and responsibility—set sail and pursue their own journeys toward the stars and oceans.