GTIIT Commencement for Bachelor Degree Graduates 2021 was held successfully at the Auditorium of GTIIT North Campus this afternoon. 149 graduates from the Class of 2021 enjoy this glorious moment of their life with their parents, distinguish guests, faculty and staff.

Guests attending the meeting included: Prof. Zhao Zhongxian, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Laureate of the 2016 National Top Science and Technology Award; Mr. Peleg Lewi, Consul General of Israel in Guangzhou; Dr. Frieda Law, representative of the Li Ka-Shing Foundation; Prof. Jiang Hong, Chairperson of GTIIT Board; Mr. Huang Huiyang and Prof. Wang Quan, members of the Board of Directors of GTIIT; Prof. Hao Zhifeng, President of Shantou University; Mr. Yu Hong, Vice President of Shantou University; Prof. Liu Wenhua, Vice President of Shantou University and Former Acting Chancellor of GTIIT; Prof. Gong Xingao, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chancellor of GTIIT; Mr. Eran Gal-Or, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director General of GTIIT; Prof. Dganit Danino, Dean of Undergraduate Studies of GTIIT; Prof. Eliahu Aljadeff, Head of Mathematics with Computer Science Program and representatives of GTIIT staff.

Relevant leaders also attended the graduation ceremony. Leaders of the Technion and representatives participated in the ceremony online. Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion, and Prof. David Gershoni, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT, sent their best wishes to the graduates online.

The ceremony was presided by Lin Danming, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT. On this special day, he represented GTIIT to express his great gratitude to those who have made contributions to the construction and development of GTIIT. "We would like to thank the Chinese and Israeli governments, and the governments of Guangdong Province and Shantou City for their strong support. We would like to thank the Li Ka-Shing Foundation for its great contribution. We would like to thank all parties involved in GTIIT, and the great efforts from GTIIT staff, students and parents. The development of GTIIT is inseparable from you!”

The memorable moment for GTIIT and the graduates

Graduates from Materials Science and Engineering Program, Chemical Engineering Program and Biotechnology and Food Engineering Program of GTIIT dressed in bachelor gowns and received their bachelor degree certificates and medals. Prof. Gong Xingao, Chancellor of GTIIT turned tassels for all graduates and took photos with them. For the graduates, today will be an unforgettable day; for GTIIT, it is a day destined to go down in history.

Prof. Dganit Danino, Dean of GTIIT Undergraduate Studies introduced the performances of the graduates. “10% of the 149 students that graduated today have a GPA of over 90. About 70% of the graduates have received offer letters from famous universities, and 12 students joined the GTIIT-Technion master program. You were motivated, determined, and dedicated, and we saw you opening up and flourishing - young and shy when coming to school, and here you are now; open and confident to ask questions and speak up. Confident in the education and knowledge in your hands, confident to move forward to your next destination.” 

Science is the same language between China and Israel

Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion addressed an online speech. “China and Israel, the two ancient nations, that share the values of knowledge, scholarship, and innovation for thousands of years, have bridged across geography and language to create the marvel that we celebrate today. Dear graduates, today marks your entrance into a unique and prestigious club, the Technion alumni. Always remember us in your hearts and carry this memory with you knowing that we are here for you as you continue to go from strength to strength.”

GTIIT will always be your home

“Thank you, Mom and Dad!” All the graduates stood up and expressed their gratitude for their parents.

Prof. Gong Xingao, Chancellor of GTIIT expressed his congratulations to the Class of 2021 who successfully completed their studies and his best wishes. “You are the first cohort undergraduate students, also the founders, builders, and practitioners of our culture, and the authors of the first chapter of our history. For me, you are the utmost achievement since the establishment of GTIIT! Today, you will leave the university and embark on the new journey as an alumnus. Please dream big and aim high. Take the knowledge you learned and the innovative qualities you built at GTIIT in your future pursuits of science. As the chancellor, I believe that GTIIT alumni will live up to their names and shine like sun, wherever and whenever you are.”

Take the responsibility and be a better man

Prof. Zhao Zhongxian, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Laureate of the 2016 National Top Science and Technology Award, delivered a speech as a special guest. "Graduation from university is a pivotal moment in one's life to fill their passions, aspirations and start a career. But the future will be full of opportunities and challenges, both for work and further study." He encouraged the students to pursue their dreams bravely, and to strive to become pioneering leaders and researchers in science and technology with a sense of social responsibility.

Love you and thank you, my GTIIT

Cai Hanfeng, a graduate from Biotechnology and Food Engineering Program, delivered a speech as the representative of the Class of 2021. “I am so proud to become one of the Class of 2021 students of GTIIT. This is a place where we learn to think independently and critically. We were encouraged to ask questions. Our doubts were always answered with patience and inspiration by our professors. Our opinions and ideas were never judged without a thorough investigation. I am so grateful to meet such excellent people, to learn from their research, from their cultures and even make friends with them. This offered me a global perspective and enabled me to take a glimpse of the world from here in Shantou.”

GTIIT is a jewel in the crown of China-Israel relations

“I am so proud of you!” Mr. Peleg Lewi, Consul General of Israel in Guangzhou expressed his congratulations to GTIIT’s first cohort of graduates in Chinese. “GTIIT is a jewel in the crown of China-Israel relations and represents the close friendship between the two peoples. You, the young generation, are the hope and future of China. The open way of learning skills and innovative mind is the key to the unknown world. I wish all of you to implement your ideas and dreams with the tools you gained in GTIIT, in your professional future and personal life.”

The representative of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a video recording to send his best wishes to GTIIT’s first cohort of graduates. "Congratulations to the Class of 2021! GTIIT is the great cooperation between China and Israel in the field of education. Israel will continue to support the development of GTIIT, and I hope the university will gain even more brilliant achievements."

Wish all of you a promising future

The song "The intersection of phoenix flowers" expressed students' farewell feelings to GTIIT and their friends. The performance "Blooming flowers and full moon -- perfect conjugal bliss" expresses the best and sincere wishes from GTIIT to the graduates.

When GTIIT Chorus sang the Israeli song " Evening of Roses” and the Chinese song “The Moon Represents My Heart”, scenes flashed on the big LED screen, presenting the pictures of the first cohort of GTIIT graduates in the past four years. The happiness, the difficulties, the friendship…all of these are unforgettable memories.

Four years have passed and a new life journey is about to begin. Best wishes to GTIIT’s first cohort of graduates!

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs