On May 27, Sias International University held the Graduation Ceremony for the academic year 2017/18 at the Basketball Arena. In addition to a number of chief guests, members of the Sias leadership were also present, as well as the heads of all departments and schools at Sias.
The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthems of China and the United States. Then, Dr. Shawn Chen introduced the guests and delivered a speech. He congratulated the graduates of the class of 2018 and thanked the parents and teachers. He encouraged students to remain perseverant in the face of difficulties, adapt to an era of change, and combine their professional development with social responsibility.
The chief guests then delivered a series of speeches. President of Zhengzhou University, Zhang Qianhong, congratulated the teachers and students. He said that in an era where competition is intensifying, young people need to have a broader, more international vision. The President of Fort Hays State University, Dr. Tisa Mason, said that she was proud of the achievements of the graduates, and said that she hoped that students would have a positive attitude, and learn to be modest and respect others. This, she said, would go a long way to ensuring peace in their lives. Shane Bangerter, a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, spoke of the common goals of Fort Hays State University, and Sias International University for their students. He said that every student could contribute to change if they combined their knowledge with practice.
Teachers' representative, Zhang Chunling, said that graduates should always keep an open mind, be willing to think independently, and stick to their ideals and work towards them. Modesty, an attitude of learning, gratitude, strength, and courage, she said, were all important for the graduating students to deal with hardships, setbacks, and failures in the future. Student representative, and outstanding graduate, Wang Miao, delivered the final speech on behalf of the graduating class of 2018.
Following the speeches, the guests presented awards to students across different categories, including those students with dual degrees from Fort Hays State University and Sias, third, second, and first-ranked students, outstanding graduates, and provincial level award winners. Dr. Shawn Chen and Dr. Tisa Mason also awarded 4 students scholarships for Master's degrees in the United States. The 2018 Graduation Ceremony was officially closed by the Vice President of Zhengzhou University, Zhang Qianhong.
