The Nanchang University Queen Mary School Graduation Ceremony and Banquet for Class 2024 Successfully Held

The 2024 graduation ceremony and degree conferral of Nanchang University Queen Mary School, was held at 2:00 PM on June 19 in the Nanchang University Music Hall. Distinguished guests included Professor Yeguang Chen, President of Nanchang University(NCU) and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Professor Jianqiang Du, Vice President of NCU; Professor Colin Bailey, President of Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering; Professor Wen Wang, Vice President of QMUL and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering; as well as leaders from various departments of both universities, members of the Queen Mary University Management Committee, Academic Committee, and faculty representatives. The ceremony was presided by Professor Zhijun Luo, Dean of Queen Mary School.

In his speech, Professor Yeguang Chen commended the joint efforts of both the Chinese and British partners, highlighting the remarkable achievements of the project. He emphasized that the students of Queen Mary School, having received a combined education via Eastern and Western methodologies with a focus on both clinical practice and research, have developed a novel mindset and the ability to adapt. He encouraged the graduates to continue exploring and thinking innovatively in the medical field, actively solving problems, and unlocking their potential. He also advised them to match their personal dreams with the needs of the times, so as to contribute their wisdom and strength to human health.

Professor Colin Bailey, in his speech, first extended warm congratulations to the new graduates and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and families who have supported their growth. He noted that the collaborative Joint Programme combines the strengths of higher education in both China and the UK, offering an advanced educational model that equips students with excellent scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and a unique international perspective. Through understanding global affairs and applying their knowledge to the global community, these students possess a rare skill set essential for the future economic and social development of both China and the world. Professor Bailey also reported the latest rankings of QMUL. In the most recent QS World University Rankings, the University is ranked 120th globally, with its research quality ranking 14th worldwide and 5th in the UK. These rankings reflect the world-renowned quality of education and research at QMUL, motivating us to strive for greater heights.

During the subsequent award and degree conferral segment, leaders from both sides presented certificates of honor to outstanding graduates. These included the Nanchang University Excellent Graduate Award, the Queen Mary University of London President's Award, and the College Award. The presidents of both universities turned the tassels and awarded degrees to the graduates one by one.

Following the degree conferral ceremony, Professor Mark Maconochie, representing the faculty, offered parting words of advice to the graduates. Parent representative Mrs. Yu Yao, Professor of Oncologist at Xi’an Jaotong University, expressed gratitude and affirmation for the school’s outstanding educational achievements, and graduate representative Changqin Pu shared fond memories of the five years at Nanchang University Queen Mary School and extended sincere well-wishes to his classmates. Finally, Dean Luo encouraged the graduates to be passionate about their careers, and compassionate and loving towards patients and those in need. He urged them to strive for excellence in their life journey but to never claim to be the best, as having new goals to pursue is crucial to success.

After the graduation ceremony, students, faculty, and parents enjoyed a banquet. Performances carefully arranged by the graduates marked the beginning of the banquet, and a surprise birthday cake for students with June birthdays brought the banquet to a close. Subsequently, impromptu speeches by teachers and students filled with memories of university life followed. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, with students taking photos with their respected teachers and expressing their gratitude. The event concluded with the faculty members greeting the attending parents.

The graduation ceremony was also broadcast live online. There were over 500 attendees including leaders, relevant unit heads, faculty representatives, students, and parents attending in person. During the ceremony, more than 50,000 audiences, including graduates, parents and alumni in site, and others remotely through the live broadcast platform  witnessed the unforgettable occasion.

As we bid farewell to the Class of 2019, we continue to aim for the skies, just like the great Peng bird soaring high. Over the past 11 years, from 2013 to 2024, both the Chinese and British partners have adhered to the principles of openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit, jointly exploring the integration of basic biomedical sciences and clinical medicine. They have incorporated research and critical thinking skills training into the clinical medicine curriculum, aiming to cultivate medical students with solid medical knowledge, research skills, patriotism, and an international perspective. Chasing dreams across mountains and seas, towards a future of medical excellence! May the new graduates follow their hearts to realize their dreams and make the most of their youthful years.