On the afternoon of May 27, our school held a graduation ceremony in the gymnasium for the class of 2022 who could not participate in person in the degree awarding ceremony due to the 2022 pandemic. More than a thousand graduates traversed across mountains and rivers to return to campus and officially complete their last “class.”
Present were the head of Fort Hays State University Tisa Mason, Provost Jill Arensdorf, Distinguished Alumni representative and founder of Beijing Pop Mart Culture and Creativity Co., Ltd., Chairman Wang Ning; Vice President of Public Affairs Chen Xiaoyun, Senior Manager of Public Affairs Liu Fupeng; Chairman of the Advisory Council of the World Federation of University Presidents Enan Galaly; Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the U.S.-China Business Association and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Exchange, Wu Gaolin; Jeff Willis, Director of the International Department of the Kansas Department of Commerce, and Jian Shumei, Director of Greater China Affairs, were invited to attend the ceremony. Dr. Shawn Chen, the Founder and Chairman of the Board of SIAS University, along with all other members of the school’s leadership team in attendance at the ceremony.
On behalf of the school, Dr. Shawn Chen once again sent good wishes to the graduates of 2022. Dr. Shawn Chen earnestly exhorted the graduates to break the bounds of convention, eagerly seek to renovate themselves, continue to uphold the reputation of SIAS reforms and innovation, and continue to strive with their utmost for a better life. Dr. Chen also wished the graduates a bright and promising future.
In his keynote speech, Wu Gaolin encouraged the graduates to optimize the time of their youth, set ambitious goals, seize the moment, and pursue their dreams with great courage.
Subsequently, Wang Longtian, Dean of the School of Humanities and Law, awarded the appointment letter of “Distinguished Professor” to Ms. Ling Hewlett, President of the World Intellectual Property Innovation Alliance, Executive Director of Xiangyong Intellectual Property Exchange, and Vice President of U.S.-China Business Association.
Lu Xuwei, teacher representative, shared his story with SIAS in relation to the school anthem, motto, and ethos. He also spoke of the value of a sound environmental education, cultural education, and physical education. He offered his wishes to the graduates that they might set sail and fully pursue their dreams.
Liu Yansong, the graduate representative, expressed his gratitude to his alma mater, sharing the lessons he learned, life experiences, and personal growth during his time at the school. He said that he would continue to uphold the spirit of the school’s motto of “East Meets West: Integrating Knowledge and Practice."
