Beijing, June 30, 2024 – The 2024 graduate commencement ceremony of Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University (VSPH) was held on the afternoon of June 30 at the Mingli Building. Attendees included Dean Margaret Chan, Executive Vice Dean Liang Wannian, Vice Dean Huang Cunrui, Assistant Deans Zhang Min, Cheng Feng, and Yin Qi, Head of the Graduate Student Affairs Group Li Guanqiao, faculty representatives, the entire Class of 2024, and their families and friends. The ceremony was hosted by the Chairperson of VSPH, Wang Kaibo.
Prof. Huang Cunrui announced the list of 2024 graduates and extended congratulations to them.
Du Yanrong, a representative of Master of Public Health program (MPH) graduates, reflected on her memorable experiences at Tsinghua. She highlighted the diverse opportunities provided by the school, including volunteering at the Beijing Winter Olympics, summer professional practices, and overseas exchanges, which enriched and gave meaning to their academic journey. She credited the school's rigorous academic approach, innovative thinking, and emphasis on teamwork for guiding her through challenges and fostering personal growth. She expressed her commitment to continue her journey toward enhancing social welfare and equity.
Waleed Ali S. Alqarni, a graduate of the International Master of Public Health program (IMPH), expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and his family and friends for their support throughout his studies. He shared his pride in his academic journey at VSPH, which, he noted, laid a solid foundation for addressing real-world public health issues. Alqarni urged his fellow graduates to internalize Tsinghua University's values, embrace responsibilities with courage and faith, and aspire to become leaders and innovators in global health to create a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable world.
Associate Professor Zhu Jiming, the class advisor for the MPH Class of 2024, gave remarks on behalf of the faculty team. He congratulated the graduates and reminded them that, as the first cohort of MPH students at VSPH, they witnessed the school's growth and were pivotal in its progress. He emphasized that Tsinghua students bear significant responsibilities and should apply their knowledge to public health efforts, contributing to social welfare and harmonious development.
In the following, Executive Vice Dean Liang Wannian announced that Li Xuan was awarded as the "Outstanding Master's Graduate of Tsinghua University" and Suo Jingdong was awarded as the "Beijing Outstanding Graduate of 2024".
Dean Margaret Chan, addressing the ceremony online, congratulated the graduates and expressed deep appreciation to their families and teachers for their unwavering support. In her remarks, she underscored that the commencement marks a crucial milestone in the graduates' academic careers. Beyond acquiring professional knowledge and practical skills, graduates have gained a profound understanding of the critical role of public health in promoting social welfare and equity. She emphasized that in today's world, characterized by unprecedented challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, geopolitical tensions, and inequity, public health demands innovative solutions and resilient leadership. She encouraged the graduates to be bold in their pursuits, compassionate in their interactions, and steadfast in their commitment, as their work will extend beyond health, influencing policy, promoting social justice, and empowering communities. She urged them to go forth with courage and determination to shape a brighter future.
The ceremony concluded with all attendees singing the Tsinghua University anthem, marking a successful end to the event.
