On the morning of May 31, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Commencement for the Class of 2026 undergraduates of the Zhejiang University-University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Institute (ZJUI) was held at the Academic Auditorium of International Campus, Zhejiang University. A delegation from UIUC joined faculty, students and their families in celebrating this important milestone.

Keynote speeches were delivered by Professor Wang Lizhong, Executive Vice President of Zhejiang University, and Professor Charles L. Isbell, Jr., Chancellor of UIUC. Distinguished attendees included Professor He Lianzhen, Vice Chairman of the Development Committee, Zhejiang University, Professor Gu Zhen, Associate Vice President of Zhejiang University and Dean of International Campus, Zhejiang University, Professor Li Min, Chief of International Campus, Zhejiang University, Professor Rashid Bashir, Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering, UIUC.

Professor Jin Jianming commenced the certificate conferral ceremony. Professor Philippe Geubelle, together with members of the UIUC delegation, presented degree certificates to the graduates. The ceremony was also attended by heads of Zhejiang University Offices, the International Campus, and Collaborative Colleges at Main Campus, as well as ZJUI faculty members and parents. The event was chaired by Professor Wu Yingcai, Executive Vice Dean of International Campus and Dean of ZJUI.

This year’s graduating class includes the sixth cohort of students in Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering, as well as the seventh cohort in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. In addition to receiving degree certificates from UIUC, the graduates will also be awarded degrees from Zhejiang University. Many will continue their studies at some of the world’s leading universities, and carrying forward their youthful energy to building a global community with a shared future.