On the morning of September 14, ZJUI 2025 Convocation was held in the Auditorium of International Campus, Zhejiang University. Faculty, students, and parents gathered together, filled with dreams and expectations, to embark on a new chapter.
Attendees included John Coleman, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at UIUC ; He Lianzhen, Vice Chair of Zhejiang University Development Committee, Co-Chair of ZJUI Joint Management Committee; Li Min, Chief of International Campus; Wu Yingcai, Executive Vice Dean of the International Campus; Qu Haidong, Vice Dean of International Campus; Chen Liang, Vice Dean of International Campus; Chen Xiqun, Vice Dean of the College of Civil Engineering and Architecture; Wang Wei, Vice Dean of the School of Information Science & Electronic Engineering, as well as heads in the relevant departments of the campus. From UIUC, Philippe Geubelle, Executive Associate Dean of the Grainger College of Engineering, Jonathan Makela, Associate Dean attended. Lee Der-Horng, Dean of ZJUI, Jin Jianming, Executive Dean, and Vice Deans Wang Hongwei and Ong Wee-Liat attended. Faculty representatives and parents of new students were also present.
▲Opening Remark by Prof. John Coleman
John Coleman emphasized that ZJUI, jointly built by Zhejiang University and UIUC, combines the academic traditions and strengths of two world-class universities. He encouraged students to embrace challenges, seize opportunities on this global platform, and grow into versatile talents with vision, responsibility, and interdisciplinary skills.
▲Welcome Speech by Prof. Wu Yingcai
Wu Yingcai warmly welcomed the new students and expressed gratitude to UIUC and parents for their support. He noted that the International Campus, as a model of global collaboration, is committed to cultivating outstanding engineers. He urged students to challenge themselves, embrace cross-cultural learning, and dedicate their talents to building a sustainable future.
▲ Speech by Prof. Philippe Geubelle
Philippe Geubelle introduced the Grainger College of Engineering’s academic strengths, alumni network, and talent development approach. He highlighted the value of interdisciplinary learning and hands-on practice, encouraging students to build teamwork skills, think innovatively, and combine engineering knowledge with social responsibility.
▲ Speech by Prof. Lee Der-Horng
Lee Der-Horng shared three key messages: Discover Your Purpose, Stay Curious, Lead with Responsibility. He encouraged students to make the most of ZJUI’s multicultural and interdisciplinary resources, pursue innovation with courage, and develop leadership through collaboration and problem-solving.
▲Representative Speech by Undergraduate Student
▲Representative Speech by Student's Parent
Ren Xiangyi, Student Representative from the Class of 2029, expressed her honor in joining the ZJUI family and her commitment to “Seeking Truth, Pursuing Innovation.” Xu Yaran, Parent Representative, encouraged students to stay true to their aspirations and embrace challenges with confidence.The new students also presented lively performances, filling the hall with energy and drawing enthusiastic applause. In a heartfelt gesture during the Thanking Parents segment, students pinned badges on their parents to express gratitude for years of love and support.
▲ Performance by Students
▲Thanks to parents: Badge Wearing
▲Faculty Introduction
The convocation concluded with interactive exchanges between the UIUC delegation and the Class of 2029 on topics such as professional development and interdisciplinary learning. Students engaged actively, and the discussions further inspired them to embrace the future with broader perspectives and stronger determination.
