On June 17, Jilin Animation Institute hosted its 2026 graduation ceremony amid light summer drizzle. Zheng Liguo, Chairman and President of the institute, Yue Wu, Party Secretary, Executive President Liu Zhenhua and other school leaders attended the event. Deans of all schools, faculty representatives, parents from across the country and graduates gathered to witness this solemn occasion, with Wang Xiaoyan, Deputy Party Secretary and Vice President, presiding over the ceremony.
The ceremony opened with the national anthem, followed by a medley performed by graduates, counselors and teachers, recalling campus memories and sending warm wishes to all seniors. Liu Zhenhua issued official documents approving graduation and bachelor’s degree conferral for the Class of 2026, as well as minor bachelor’s degrees. Yue Wu announced the recognition of outstanding graduates. Other leaders read out commendations for outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship students, decisions to collect excellent graduation works, and appointments of alumni liaisons. School leaders presented graduation certificates, honorary certificates and appointment letters to student representatives, acknowledging their four years of hard work and conveying the alma mater’s expectations.
Liu Zhenhua issued official documents
The tassel-turning degree conferral session stood as the most symbolic part of the day. The Chairman and President of JAI, Zheng Liguo, deans and members of the Degree Evaluation Committee shifted the tassels on graduates’ mortarboards to formally award degrees. Many graduates took creative photos with President Zheng: some displayed collections of competition awards, some held banners bearing affectionate slogans, and a veteran student saluted in military uniform, filling the scene with warmth and touching moments.
Speeches by Representatives
Parent representative Zhao Liping, mother of graduate Xu Chuhan, shared her daughter’s growth during college. She recounted late nights debugging code for an immersive interactive project and spoke highly of how the institute cultivated both her child’s professional expertise and noble character.
Zhao Liping's speech
Faculty representative Wen Lijun, Executive Dean of the School of Film, sent parting words. She encouraged graduates to retain passion and craftsmanship, pursue bold innovation, and delivered a unique film-industry blessing: “Lights up, slate clapped, Action! Your brand-new life film officially rolls.”
Wen Lijun's speech
Undergraduate representative Jiang Lai spoke of seniors as inspiring role models, excelling in competitions, commercial projects, postgraduate studies and entrepreneurship, embodying the school motto and core spirit of “Innovation, Creation, Excellence, Entrepreneurship”. She vowed to carry forward the institute’s spirit alongside fellow undergrads.
Jiang Lai's speech
Graduate representative Zhao Xiaoxian from the School of Games shared her gratitude for the school’s industry-education integration system. She has secured a position at Tencent Games, working on character animation and dynamic effects, crediting systematic training, real-world internships and school-enterprise employment support for her smooth transition into the gaming industry.
Zhao Xiaoxian's speech
In his speech March Toward the New Galaxy, Embark on a Grand New Journey, Liu Zhenhua congratulated all graduates and thanked faculty and parents. He reviewed the institute’s 26 years of development, noting that the motto “Self-respect, Self-improvement, Innovation, Creation” and the four “I-C-E-E” core spirits have become ingrained in every student.
Keynote Address by Executive President Liu Zhenhua
Against the backdrop of sweeping changes in the global cultural and creative industries, he put forward three expectations for graduates: embrace lifelong learning and cross-disciplinary breakthroughs; uphold the school motto and inherit outstanding traditional Chinese culture; foster patriotism and take responsibility for boosting the cultural and creative sector. He urged them to carry forward the institute’s spirit and craft brilliant chapters in building a strong cultural nation.
The ceremony closed with all attendees singing the school song Dynamic World, echoing the enduring spirit of Jilin Animation Institute. After the ceremony, leaders, teachers and students took group photos to preserve precious memories.
As the saying goes, united we burn bright, scattered we shine as stars. Every graduate carries the institute’s spirit and mission into the wider world. The alma mater will always stand firmly behind them, welcoming them back anytime. May all graduates of the Class of 2026 march forward with passion, fulfill their potential everywhere, and enjoy a bright and peaceful future.
