"Where there are Chinese people, there is Chinese medicine, and there are alumni from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine." On the morning of June 28th, the 2024 Graduation Ceremony and Degree Awarding Ceremony of GZUCM were held at the College Town Campus. As the university marks its 100th anniversary, nearly 5000 graduates with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are embarking on new life adventures, with the well wishes of their mentors and friends.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Professor Zhou Daihan, a National Medical Master, Professor Ouyang Huiqing, a renowned TCM expert, along with the university's Party Secretary Chen Wenfeng, Deputy Party Secretary and President Wang Wei, Deputy Party Secretary Qiu Yahong, Vice Presidents Pan Huafeng, Lin Bin, Zhang Zhongde, Liu Zhongqiu, Wang Hongbin, and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Committee Lin Yijiao. The ceremony was presided over by Qiu Yahong.
For a century, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine has passed down the legacy of traditional Chinese medicine, continuously innovating and advancing. This year marks the centennial anniversary of the founding of GZUCM. Over the past century, each generation of its members has infused their work with passion, duty, compassion, and an ability to adapt, ensuring their efforts resonate with the times and the nation. At the graduation ceremony, President Wang Wei delivered a speech titled "Becoming Spirited, Rooted, Action-Oriented, and Inclusive Youth of the New Era," encouraging the students graduating on the university's 100th anniversary to "remember the responsibilities and missions entrusted by the Party and the country. Stay true to your original aspirations and dreams, use the 'Eight Principles of Syndrome Differentiation' to navigate current challenges, adapt to the changes of the era, and become spirited, rooted, action-oriented, and inclusive youth of the new era."
President Wang Wei's Graduation Speech
Wang Wei encouraged the students to be the spirited youth of the new era. He urged them to shape their character with the Party's innovative theories and use the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine to guide their paths toward a resilient and promising future. In addition, he reminded the graduates of the school's mottos: "True sages govern a country and enlighten the people well" and "Enriching morality and learning, serving the world with sincerity." He called on them to align their personal goals with the country's destiny, integrate their dreams with a passion for health and wellness, and contribute to building a healthier China and improving the well-being of its people. The president encouraged the students to be deeply rooted in their heritage, with traditional Chinese medicine as their foundation, and embrace the responsibility of safeguarding and advancing this cultural treasure, advocate for its global promotion, and use their education at GZUCM as a gateway to a future brimming with opportunities. He also urged them to be proactive, fostering a spirit of lifelong learning, and becoming creators of knowledge and contributors to society. Emphasizing resilience, determination, and a positive outlook, he encouraged them to cultivate their skills, overcome challenges, and experience profound personal growth, making their youth vibrant and impactful. Finally, he urged the graduates to be open-minded and inclusive, with a steadfast and resilient approach to life, an open and tolerant worldview, and a broad-mindedness that embraces diversity. In this way, they will be able to nurture personal growth, support others, and strive for significant achievements.
Professor Zhou Daihan, a renowned national medical master, delivered a speech on behalf of the faculty
Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, tracing its roots back to the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine established in 1924, has nurtured numerous outstanding talents for the development of traditional Chinese medicine and global health sectors. Among them is the esteemed national TCM master, Professor Zhou Daihan. During the graduation ceremony, Professor Zhou Daihan, speaking on behalf of the faculty, was deeply moved by the occasion and expressed heartfelt hopes and expectations for the graduating students. He emphasized the importance for students to cultivate virtue, pursue extensive knowledge, and sincerely benefit others. He stressed that while they should diligently study and delve into medical knowledge, they must also prioritize cultivating moral character as the fundamental foundation for every practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. He encouraged them to approach patients with a sincere attitude, using their superb medical skills to alleviate suffering. Furthermore, Professor Zhou urged the students to practice compassion and treat patients with loving kindness and respect, and care deeply for their well-being, which are crucial for ensuring recovery. He advocated for a lofty medical aspiration, urging them to embody the spirit of socialist China, integrating modern technology with traditional wisdom while maintaining an innovative spirit. He concluded with a call to action, rallying both faculty and students to work hand in hand towards the university's goals for the next century, the flourishing development of traditional Chinese medicine, and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
At the graduation ceremony, Professor Zhou Daihan donated 1 million yuan to establish a scholarship, contributing to the construction of a high-level university.
Wang Ruihong, a Doctoral student, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating class
Wang Ruihong, representing outstanding graduates and a doctoral candidate specializing in TCM Internal Medicine at The Second School of Clinical Medicine reflected on his nine-year journey from undergraduate to doctoral studies at the university. He encouraged fellow students to embrace ambitious goals, remain down-to-earth, uphold the legacy of Chinese medicine and contribute to its ongoing development. He also expressed the importance of being grateful and shouldering the responsibilities of their generation.
Yan Jiali, a Master's student, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating class
Representing the graduating class, Master's student Yan Jiali majoring in Acupuncture and Tuina from Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation shared her experience. She eagerly responded to the call to serve where the country and people needed her the most by participating in the 2022 National University Volunteer Service Western Plan, serving at the People's Hospital of Qiemo County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. She recounted her memorable experiences there and encouraged everyone to join in carrying forward the mission of the Western Development Plan, the legacy of a century of traditional Chinese medicine, and the vision for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Jian Yashan, the undergraduate international student delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating class
Jian Yashan, an outstanding graduate representative and undergraduate student of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Pakistan, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school and college for creating an excellent learning platform, to the teachers for their dedication and guidance, and to his fellow students for their companionship throughout his journey. He also pledged to carry the ethos of "Enriching morality and learning, serving the world with sincerity" back to his homeland, using his expertise and compassion to protect the health of the Pakistani people, enabling them to benefit from Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is dedicated to contributing to the promotion and development of Traditional Chinese Medicine culture.
Dr. Liu Yuxiang, alumni representative and Head of the Emergency Department at Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital delivered a speech
Liu graduated in 1999 and currently serves as the head of the Emergency Department at Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. She has been honored with titles such as "Labor Model of Guangdong Province," "Advanced Individual in Fighting Against COVID-19" by the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants' and Workers' Democratic Party, "Outstanding Physician of Shenzhen," and was a recipient of the Second Shenzhen Physician Award. In 2023, she was selected as one of the inaugural leading talents in the Pengcheng Qihuang Project to support traditional Chinese medicine in Shenzhen. Dr. Liu offered several valuable pieces of advice to the graduates: Commit to Continuous Learning: Dedicate to studying classics, learning from experienced mentors, practicing extensively, and gain a deep understanding of the core principles of medicine. Embrace Medical Ethics: Use both medical skills and ethical principles to earn the trust and respect of patients. Courageous Innovation: Be bold in innovation while honoring tradition, dare to explore new treatment methods that integrate traditional Chinese medicine theory with modern scientific advancements, thereby infusing Traditional Chinese Medicine with greater vitality. Cultivate Humility: Always maintain a humble attitude, learn from others and strive for continuous self-improvement.
Chen Wenfeng, Party Secretary of the university delivered a speech
Chen Wenfeng highlighted in his speech that over the past century, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine has consistently upheld its rich academic tradition. It has served as the cradle for renowned physicians, a stage for masters, and a gathering place for distinguished scholars. Leading figures in the field have guided us in the ongoing journey to revitalize traditional Chinese medicine, blending innovation with steadfast adherence to its roots. Alumni from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine have rooted themselves in various corners of the globe, making remarkable contributions to the continuity and advancement of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and to the promotion and dissemination of China's rich traditional culture.
During the centennial graduation ceremony, Party Secretary Chen Wenfeng delivered a heartfelt message to the Class of 2024: "You should be grateful to your parents. As you tread the path ahead, always remember their nurturing care, and repay their hopes and sacrifices with your achievements and happiness. Show gratitude to your teachers too—no matter where you go, stay in touch with them, for their wisdom and experience will be invaluable assets on your life's journey. Above all, appreciate the opportunities of this great new era. Uphold and promote the school's commitment to revitalizing Traditional Chinese Medicine, and embrace the noble tradition of striving for the nation and its people. Integrate your personal aspirations into the larger goals of the Party and the nation, allowing your youth to shine brightly in service to your country, your people, and your heritage, and creating a remarkable story that defines your generation. In this new era and on your new journey, stay loyal to the Party, work together for a strong nation and national rejuvenation, and create new and greater miracles together. I wish you all a smooth and peaceful journey ahead. Take some time to be with your loved ones, cherish moments with your children, and revisit your alma mater often!"
The ceremony also included the recognition of outstanding graduates from the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine's Class of 2024 and the presentation of appointment letters to representatives of the alumni liaison for Class of 2024.
