The class of 2020 celebrated graduation at UNNC on the 1st and 2nd July. About 1,400 final-year students attended the four celebration events inside the D. H. Lawrence Auditorium. Comprehensive epidemic prevention measures were in place, while absent students watched the events via a global live broadcast.
In his speech, UNNC Provost Nick Miles said that despite the impact of Covid-19, not for one second did UNNC ever contemplate abandoning its students. “We were determined that Covid-19 would not rob you of your chance to shine, to share your successes with your friends and family and to forge memories that would last a lifetime.”
Professor Miles stated that the pandemic had actually led to a general recognition that we all have a duty to the broader societies we live in, to our fellow students and citizens. “So that we’ll strive to be better individuals, less self-focused and more appreciative of – and more dedicated to preserving – all the benefits of a healthy, well-functioning society,” he said.
“You are the extraordinary class of 2020 – a year that the world will never forget,” he continued. “Take pride in this year, own it, as it exemplifies your spirit, endeavour, courage and ability to overcome adversity – all traits that will serve you well, no matter what you choose to do in life.”
The graduation memories for the class of 2020 will be entirely unique. Due to the very short time span between final exams and the celebration events, the degree certificates were not presented on the spot. The three faculties and the alumni association prepared unique graduation gifts. Friends and family of students unable to attend sent their best wishes via various social media channels. One parent wrote: “Today you are about to embark on a new journey to create a better life for yourself! We believe in you and bless you!”
According to latest statistics, as of 26th June 2020, 1,565 or 97.39% of the Chinese undergraduates responded to the survey. This year, 77.91% of the final-year students sought further study both overseas and domestically, among which 30.70% were accepted by world top10 universities, such as Stanford University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, and University of Chicago. Among those directly employed, 77% of them were offered jobs by Fortune 500 or leading world or Chinese companies in the industries they represent, such as Huawei, Nestle, HSBC, Unilever, ByteDance, Nelson, Tencent, Tesla.
Juncheng Shen, a student of Finance, Accounting and Management, travelled to Shanghai immediately after attending the graduation celebration to start his new job at HSBC. Recalling the undergraduate study experience, he said that he was very grateful to UNNC for the skills he had learnt. For Juncheng – as well as all others – graduation is the start of another chapter in their life journey.