On June 27, the 2026 Graduation Ceremony and Launch Ceremony of the Department of Electrical Engineering (DEE) at Tsinghua University was solemnly held in the University Auditorium. Gathering for the occasion were all students graduating from the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Electrical Engineering program of Weiyang College, postdoctoral researchers completing their appointments in 2026, representatives of students graduating from the Electrical Engineering program of the Shenzhen International Graduate School in 2026, DEE faculty members, invited guests, and graduates' families and friends. Together, they witnessed the graduates embarking on a new journey and setting sail toward a new chapter of their lives. The ceremony was hosted by Zhang Yiwen, an undergraduate of 2026, and Liu Zhizhen, a doctoral graduate of 2026.

At 2:00 p.m., with all faculty members, students, guests, families, and friends rising to sing the national anthem together, the Graduation Ceremony and Launch Ceremony officially commenced in a solemn yet festive atmosphere.

All Faculty Members, Students, Guests, Families, and Friends Sing the National Anthem

Zheng Zedong, Party Secretary of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Delivers a Speech

Zheng Zedong, Party Secretary of the Department of Electrical Engineering, delivered the opening address. On behalf of the Department, he extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests, families, and friends, offered his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the graduates, and expressed his sincere gratitude and highest respect to the alumni and friends from all sectors who have long supported the Department's development, as well as to all faculty and staff members for their dedicated contributions to talent cultivation. Reflecting on the academic journey and personal growth of the students graduating in 2026, Zheng noted that the graduates had developed the ability for lifelong learning and the resilience to overcome challenges amid an era in which artificial intelligence and digital computing are becoming deeply integrated into the power engineering discipline and industrial transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. Along diverse paths of personal development, they learned to cultivate inner strength and identify their own directions. Through scientific research collaboration, departmental service, social practice, and athletic competition, they completed the transformation from students into builders of a new era.

Zheng then introduced the graduation and employment statistics for the students graduating in 2026. This year's graduating class comprises 124 undergraduate students from the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Electrical Engineering program of Weiyang College, 46 full-time master's students, and 66 full-time doctoral students. In addition, 51 postdoctoral researchers successfully completed their appointments. Among the undergraduate graduates, 89.5% will pursue further studies, while a total of 108 graduates have secured direct employment. Of those entering the workforce, 81.5% have joined the electric power and electrical engineering sectors. Graduates of the Department are distributed across 17 provincial-level administrative regions throughout China, with 54.4% taking positions outside Beijing and 13.2% choosing employment in central, western, and northeastern China. He pointed out that the electric power and electrical engineering industries remain the primary destination for DEE graduates, reflecting the strong sense of responsibility among Tsinghua electrical engineering students to devote themselves to China's energy and power sector and to contribute on the nation's most important stages.

In closing, Zheng encouraged the graduates to "aspire to great ambitions, embrace great stages, and accomplish great undertakings," urging them to continue striving for self-improvement and to maintain their passion for hard work throughout the new journey ahead.

Zheng Zedong, Party Secretary of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Delivers a Speech

Alumnus Representative Ruan Qiantu Delivers a Speech

Ruan Qiantu, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Senior Consultant of State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, and a 1986 alumnus of the Department of Electrical Engineering, attended the ceremony and delivered a speech. He fondly recalled participating in his own graduation ceremony and bidding farewell to Tsinghua University forty years ago, and reflected on his professional journey from a frontline technician to a senior executive in the electric power industry. He remarked that, regardless of the time, place, or position, saying "I graduated from Tsinghua" has always signified not only honor, but also responsibility.

Speaking under the theme "Cultivate Virtue and Purpose, Regardless of East or West; Illuminate the Nation with a Spark of Light," Ruan drew on his decades of experience in the power industry to share his understanding of the Tsinghua spirit and the original aspiration of electrical engineers. He noted that the power industry is not only a public utility but also an industry of last resort. It requires unwavering commitment during moments of national celebration and steadfast perseverance in the face of storms and adversity. The true character and integrity of electrical engineers, he said, are embodied in their day-to-day dedication and meticulous professionalism, always taking the mission of safeguarding the lights of countless households as their own responsibility.

To the graduates about to embark on a new chapter, Ruan offered three heartfelt messages: remain true to your original aspirations and be your authentic self without blindly following the crowd; dedicate yourselves to practical work, devote a lifetime to mastering one endeavor, and uphold your original aspirations with the spirit of craftsmanship; and cherish your commitment to the nation, shoulder the responsibilities of your generation, and illuminate the country's future with your own spark of light. Finally, he wished the students graduating in 2026 every success, encouraging them to live up to Tsinghua's education and to the aspirations of their youth, using their own small rays of light to illuminate the mountains and rivers of their homeland.

Announcement of the List of Graduates

Lu Chao, Deputy Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, announced the list of undergraduate graduates. Shen Chen, Chair of the Departmental Degree Committee, announced the list of master's and doctoral graduates. He Jinliang, Chair of the Departmental Academic Committee, announced the list of postdoctoral researchers completing their appointments.

Lu Chao, Deputy Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Announces the List of Undergraduate Graduates

Shen Chen, Chair of the Departmental Degree Committee, Announces the List of Graduate Students

He Jinliang, Chair of the Departmental Academic Committee, Announces the List of Postdoctoral Researchers Completing Their Appointments

Graduate Representatives Deliver Speeches

Deng Kang, representing the undergraduate graduates, looked back on the years shared by the classmates of the "Class of 2022" as they grew together through classroom learning, laboratory research, student leadership, and campus life. He reflected that they had learned rigor, collaboration, and patience, while also learning to shoulder responsibilities whenever the times called upon them. He said that after graduation, his classmates would embark on different paths with new identities, continuing to explore the unknown, solve real-world problems, and begin new chapters in life. Yet the story of their class would not end today—it was merely turning from one page in Tsinghua Garden to the next chapter, one that would unfold across a far broader horizon.

Deng Kang, Undergraduate Graduate Representative, Delivers a Speech

He Ningyi, representing the master's graduates, shared two profound lessons she had gained during her years at Tsinghua. The first was rediscovering herself through inward reflection and gaining the confidence to move forward. The second was broadening her horizons through outward exploration and finding the place where she wished to devote herself. She said that Tsinghua had given its students both the vision to look toward the stars and the determination to keep their feet firmly on the ground. Looking ahead, she planned to return to her hometown in southwest China, embracing her new journey with humility and an open mind. She encouraged her fellow graduates to remain humble without lacking confidence, courageous without being reckless, and to move toward a broader world carrying with them the clarity and composure they had gained at Tsinghua.

He Ningyi, Master's Graduate Representative, Delivers a Speech

Lu Ruike, representing the doctoral graduates, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his parents, family members, and teachers. He candidly observed that this graduation truly marked his entry into society, where he would face new rules and new challenges. He shared his personal aspiration: first, to become an ordinary person who genuinely understands the thoughts and feelings of those around him; then, to continue exploring new directions while preserving his ideals amid the realities of life. He remarked that pursuing a doctoral degree is itself a form of long-term training in living alongside what often appears "unrealistic." He wished his fellow graduates the ability to adapt to society while still looking up to see the moon and continuing to walk steadfastly toward their ideals.

Lu Ruike, Doctoral Graduate Representative, Delivers a Speech

Yin Lijuan, representing the postdoctoral researchers completing their appointments, shared how she had continually stepped beyond her comfort zone, gradually transforming herself from a "student" into a "scholar" through participating in academic conferences, supervising students' research, applying for research grants, and taking on responsibilities within her research team. She said that the resilience, sense of responsibility, and passion for scientific research cultivated during her postdoctoral experience would provide lasting strength for the future. Whether she continued in research and education or pursued opportunities in industry or the public sector, she would remain committed to contributing to the development of China's energy and electric power sector while upholding the responsibilities of a Tsinghua electrical engineer.

Yin Lijuan, Representative of Postdoctoral Researchers Completing Their Appointments, Delivers a Speech

Special Guest Academician Jovica Milanović Delivers a Speech

Academician Jovica V. Milanović, Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tsinghua University and special guest at the ceremony, reflected on his collaborations with colleagues at Tsinghua in research projects, academic exchanges, and the work of international professional organizations. He remarked that the academic rigor, creativity, and dedication demonstrated by Tsinghua scholars had left a profound impression on him.

Addressing the students graduating in 2026, he offered four pieces of advice. First, embrace uncertainty by developing the ability to make sound decisions despite incomplete information and to adapt quickly to change. Second, cultivate systems thinking by learning to understand complex problems from multiple perspectives. Third, never stop learning, continually maintaining the capacity to question, reflect, and reinvent oneself. Fourth, build bridges by assuming responsibility and broadening mutual understanding through cross-border and interdisciplinary collaboration. He encouraged the graduates to remember why they had chosen the electric power profession in the first place: building power systems enables children to study at night, hospitals to save lives, industries to innovate, and the world to move toward a cleaner, more economical, and more sustainable future.

In closing, he left the graduates with a simple yet powerful message: "Tomorrow—go and change the world."

Special Guest Academician Jovica Milanović Delivers a Speech

Representatives of the Faculty and Parents Deliver Speeches

Faculty representative Yu Xinjie delivered a speech entitled "Your Value and Mine." Beginning with the profound changes brought about by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, he observed that AI is reshaping scientific research, education, and the workplace, while also prompting everyone to rethink the value they themselves create. To the graduates preparing to enter the next stage of their lives, he offered three important reminders. First, closely follow the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and actively engage with emerging technologies. Second, diligently master the established rules, practices, and professional experience required in their new positions. Third, in light of technological progress, re-examine the value of their work and the way they perform it from fresh perspectives, striving to become "the people who take the first step and lead transformative change." He expressed his hope that the graduates would first gain a thorough understanding of how their new workplaces operate, and then devote their intelligence and creativity both to the broader advancement of science and technology and to excellence in their own professions, thereby creating new value amid an era of profound transformation.

Faculty Representative Yu Xinjie Delivers a Speech

Parent representative Mr. Luo Mianzhi expressed his sincere gratitude to Tsinghua University and to all the faculty members of the Department of Electrical Engineering for their dedicated efforts, while warmly congratulating every graduate on successfully completing their studies. He reflected on the journey of parents over the past four years as they accompanied, cared for, and watched their children grow. He thanked Tsinghua University and the Department of Electrical Engineering for instilling in the students rigorous academic standards, solid professional foundations, and a deep commitment to serving the nation. He encouraged the graduates to remain grounded, never fear an ordinary beginning, and transform what they had learned into meaningful contributions to the country and society. Whether in times of success or adversity, he urged them to preserve the light within their hearts, cherish their youth, and live up to the expectations of their era.

Parent Representative Mr. Luo Mianzhi Delivers a Speech

Appointment of Class Alumni Representatives

The ceremony continued with a series of appointments and award presentations. Kang Chongqing, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and President of the Department of Electrical Engineering Alumni Association under the Tsinghua Alumni Association, announced the list of students graduating in 2026 alumni representatives appointed to serve as class alumni coordinators. The appointees are: Xu Tianrui, Jiang Qilong, Xuan Songyuan, Jia Peilin, Liu Hanze, Wang Yenan, Xu Yuyan, Wei Hongyi, Shi Qingyuan, and Yin Lijuan. Liang Xidong, Dean of Weiyang College, and Kang Chongqing presented certificates of appointment to the appointees.

Appointment of Class Alumni Representatives

Presentation of the Department of Electrical Engineering Student Career Development Contribution Award

Zheng Zedong announced the recipients of the 2025–2026 Department of Electrical Engineering Student Career Development Contribution Award and presented certificates to the awardees. The recipients are: Liu Weidong and Wei Yingdong.

Presentation of the Department of Electrical Engineering Student Career Development Contribution Award

Recognition of Graduates Who Served as Undergraduate Political Counselors and Graduate Student Moral Education Assistants

Yu Zhanqing, Deputy Party Secretary of the Department of Electrical Engineering, announced the names of graduates who had served as undergraduate political counselors or graduate student moral education assistants: Wang Xinjie, Wang Yenan, Feng Zihao, Cheng Zhikai, Lü Ruike, Zhuang Weijian, Liu Yilin, Liu Zhizhen, Xu Yuyan, Yang Zixuan, Zhang Dongheyu, Lin Qiuqiong, Zhou Boying, Zhao Boyuan, Tang Mingrui, Cheng Xiang, Huang Zhuo'er, and Wei Hongyi. Guo Qinglai, Director of the Office of the CPC Party School of Tsinghua University and Deputy Head of the Organization Department of the University Party Committee, together with Yu Zhanqing, presented certificates of recognition to the honorees.

Recognition of Graduates Who Served as Undergraduate Political Counselors and Graduate Student Moral Education Assistants

Recognition of Outstanding Graduates

Chen Laijun, Deputy Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, announced the undergraduate recipients of the titles Outstanding Graduate of Tsinghua University, Excellent Graduate of Tsinghua University, and Outstanding Graduate of Beijing. Deng Kang, Zhang Bowen, Qiu Hengjun, Hua Haizhou, and Liu Hanze were named Outstanding Undergraduate Graduates of Tsinghua University. Luo Binghui, Chen Ruoxu, Jia Peilin, Meng Rujin, Fang Xiaolei, Xu Tianrui, Zhang Yiwen, Xu Haoran, Ruan Jinghan, Kuang Tianyi, and Hu Yucheng were named Excellent Undergraduate Graduates of Tsinghua University. Deng Kang, Qiu Hengjun, Hua Haizhou, Zhang Bowen, Li Jiazhao, Wang Hanlu, Hong Yuliang, and Zhao Yiyang were named Outstanding Graduates of Beijing. Cheng Lin, Deputy Director of the State Key Laboratory of New Power Systems, and Chen Laijun presented honorary certificates to the award recipients.

Recognition of Outstanding Undergraduate Graduates

Wu Wenchuan, Deputy Party Secretary of the Department of Electrical Engineering, announced the master's and doctoral recipients of the titles Outstanding Graduate of Tsinghua University, Excellent Graduate of Tsinghua University, and Outstanding Graduate of Beijing. Wu Yulun and Wang Yenan were named Outstanding Master's Graduates of Tsinghua University. Zhang Shuailong, Li Zeyuan, Jin Yuxuan, and Wang Ziyuan were named Excellent Master's Graduates of Tsinghua University. Lv Ruike, Shi Qingyuan, and Wang Zongze were named Outstanding Doctoral Graduates of Tsinghua University. Li Siyun, Bai Ruihang, Wu Yifan, Chen Siyuan, Jia Hongyang, and Xiao Yikang were named Excellent Doctoral Graduates of Tsinghua University. Tang Mingrui, Yang Zixuan, Shi Qingyuan, Lü Ruike, Jia Hongyang, and Bai Ruihang were named Outstanding Graduates of Beijing. Yu Xinjie and Wu Wenchuan presented honorary certificates to the award recipients.

Recognition of Outstanding Graduate Students

Recognition of Outstanding Graduate Degree Theses

Sun Kai, Deputy Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, announced the recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Degree Thesis Awards. Tang Mingrui, Wu Yulun, and Zhang Shuailong received the Outstanding Master's Degree Thesis Award of Tsinghua University. Bai Ruihang, Hui Yannian, Jia Hongyang, Li Siyun, Lü Ruike, Shi Qingyuan, and Wang Zongze received the Outstanding Doctoral Degree Thesis Award of Tsinghua University. Zhu Guiping, Director of the Mathematics Foundation Teaching Center of Tsinghua University, and Sun Kai presented honorary certificates to the award recipients.

Recognition of Recipients of Outstanding Graduate Degree Thesis Awards

Kang Chongqing, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Delivers a Speech

Following the award presentations, Kang Chongqing, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, took the podium to deliver a speech. He extended his warmest congratulations to all graduates and expressed his highest respect and heartfelt gratitude to the faculty members who had devoted themselves to guiding the students, as well as to the families, friends, and alumni who had continuously supported their growth and development. Reviewing the Department's achievements during the 2025–2026 academic year in faculty development, disciplinary advancement, scientific research, and education, while also highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of the students in academic study, scientific research, innovation competitions, volunteer service, athletics, and class and student organization development, he remarked that the graduates were entering society at a pivotal moment in the transformation of the global energy sector. They were not only witnesses to this historic transition but would also become the principal force driving future industrial innovation and technological breakthroughs. The years they had spent studying diligently and pursuing knowledge together in the Department of Electrical Engineering would become the enduring source of confidence that would sustain them as they rode the waves of the future.

Kang Chongqing, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Delivers a Speech

Kang offered his farewell message through three pairs of key concepts drawn from electrical engineering. First, "maintain synchronization while exploring asynchronization." He encouraged the graduates to keep pace with the times, nurture lofty aspirations, and align their personal ideals with the broader development of the nation. At the same time, they should break through conventional paradigms, uphold fundamental principles while pursuing innovation, open new frontiers with courage, and write their own chapter of youthful endeavor through a strong sense of responsibility. Second, "connect in series while balancing in parallel." He urged the graduates to stay committed to long-term goals, advance steadily through persistent dedication, and remember that lasting achievements are built through consistent effort accumulated over time. At the same time, they should integrate diverse strengths, broaden their horizons for personal growth, learn from others through collective wisdom, embrace different perspectives, and achieve deeper insight through openness and inclusiveness. Third, "store electric power and unleash computing power." He encouraged the graduates to uphold the perseverance embodied in the saying, "Advance one small step every day; no effort is ever wasted," steadily accumulating strength through diligence and practical action. At the same time, they should preserve the bold spirit captured by the ancient maxim, "A true gentleman conceals his talents until the right moment," daring to take the lead, integrating knowledge and information, inspiring wisdom, and striving to remain at the forefront of innovation.

Kang Chongqing's Farewell Message to the Graduates

In the closing of his speech, Kang presented the graduates with a farewell couplet built around the paired concepts of "source" (源) and "load" (荷)—two terms fundamental to electrical engineering:

First Line: Following the green source to this place, over years we sought the origin together—exploring energy sources, illuminating the source of wisdom, pioneering new sources, and comprehending the source of all things; through the principles of electricity and carbon we traced the fundamental origins of nature, recalling the countless moments when thoughts flowed back to our roots.

Second Line: Bearing a full load as we depart, today each embarks upon a new journey—shouldering foundational responsibilities, striving toward new heights, understanding load reduction, mastering load transfer; beneath the moon and stars we carry the weight of family and nation, and when we reunite, we shall speak together of the gratitude we carry within our hearts.

He concluded by reminding the graduates that wherever life might take them, they would always remain graduates of the Department of Electrical Engineering. Tsinghua University and the Department would forever be their home, and they would always be welcome to return.

Kang Chongqing Presents His Farewell Couplet to the Graduates

Singing the University Anthem

As all faculty members, students, guests, families, and friends rose once again to sing the Tsinghua University Anthem, the 2026 Graduation Ceremony and Launch Ceremony of the Department of Electrical Engineering drew to a successful conclusion amid the resonant singing.

All Faculty Members, Students, Guests, Families, and Friends Sing the University Anthem

The cicadas sang beneath the midsummer sun as time shimmered in the warmth of the season. Graduation is not a farewell. From this day forward, a new generation of Tsinghua electrical engineers will carry with them the guidance of their teachers, the blessings of their families and friends, and the friendships forged with their classmates as they journey together toward broader horizons. Upholding Tsinghua University's motto, "Self-Discipline and Social Commitment," and the spirit of the Department of Electrical Engineering, "Be Rigorous in Scholarship and Upright in Character," they will set forth from Tsinghua to answer the call of the times, contribute to the building of a strong nation in energy and science and technology, journey across mountains and seas, and continue to move steadfastly toward the light.