Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) Commencement for Bachelor Degree Graduates 2022 was held at the Gym of GTIIT South Campus on the afternoon of July 11. 212 graduates marked the end of their four years in university and opened a new chapter of their lives.

Guests attending the ceremony include: Ms. Wang Xuezhu, Vice Mayor of Shantou Municipal Government; Mr. Peleg Lewi, Consul General of Israel in Guangzhou; Prof. Gong Xingao, Chancellor of GTIIT and Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof. David Gershoni, Vice Chancellor of GTIIT; Prof. Jiang Hong, Chairperson of GTIIT Board and Party Secretary of Shantou University (STU); Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology; Mr. Huang Huiyang, member of GTIIT Board and former Vice Director of Standing Committee of Shantou Municipal People’s Congress; Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, Special Envoy of the Technion President to GTIIT and member of GTIIT Board; Prof. Hao Zhifeng, President of STU; Mr. Yu Hong, Vice President of STU; Prof. Moris Eisen, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of GTIIT; Mr. Eran Gal-Or, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director General of GTIIT; Prof. Frida Lo of the Li Ka Shing Foundation; Prof. Chen Junjiang, Deputy Director of Jihua Laboratory; Dr. Michael Tsalka, Israeli pianist; representatives of Shantou government, faculty and staff of GTIIT and STU.

The commencement was hosted by Prof. Lin Danming, Pro-Vice Chancellor of GTIIT. 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel, and is also the first year that GTIIT’s main campus has been put into use. On this special day, he expressed his heartfelt thanks to all people who contributed to the construction and development of GTIIT. “We’d like to appreciate the kind care and strong support from both nations, from provincial and municipal governments, from Li Ka Shing Foundation, from all parties in cooperative education, from all parts of the society, and from faculty, students, staff, and parents. Without you, GTIIT wouldn’t be here.”

Stand on the shoulders of giants

Prof. Uri Sivan, President of the Technion, expressed his wishes to graduates. He mentioned that GTIIT has become a powerful bridge between China and Israel on the shared language of science and scholarship. “You are leaving GTIIT equipped with one of the best entrance tickets to the world, and have just joined the glorious family of the past and present scientists and engineers. Always remember that you are the blessed ones and that with this blessing comes a great responsibility.” He hoped graduates to contribute to human and scientific development for the greater good.

The stage shines for you

Prof. Dganit Danino, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, mentioned that among 212 students that graduate today, more than 90% are already enrolled to graduate studies overseas. Up to now, the students have received 473 offers from 120 prestigious universities. “In the cross-cultural environment and rewarding top level high education, you overcame difficulties and advanced. We saw your growth from young and shy when coming to school, and you are now open and confident to ask questions and speak up. You are ready to move forward to your next destination!”

Never underestimate our hearts of dreams

Shao Yuanchuan, the graduate from Chemical Engineering program, delivered a speech on behalf of class 2022 graduates. “Four years ago, we came to this brand-new campus with great dreams bearing in hearts. It was you, my dear professors, your passion and dedication to work that influenced us, giving us the courage to pursue our dreams. And it was your rich knowledge and open minds that encouraged us and led us to the right way. Four years later, we received offers from our dream graduate schools and companies. We are no longer merely dreamers. We are doers! Our new chapter is about to start, and I hope GTIIT will be proud of us one day!”

Education bridges mutual friendship

Mr. Peleg Lewi, Consul General of Israel in Guangzhou, said that GTIIT, as the first Sino-foreign cooperative university in China that has introduced high-quality higher education resources from Israel, reflects the mutual friendship between the two nations. “This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Israel-China diplomatic relations, and GTIIT is the best example of this friendly and deep relation.”

Chancellor Gong bestowed the Award of Outstanding Contribution to Sino-Israel Cooperation on Consul General Peleg Lewi.

Ms. Yifat Shasha-Biton, Minister of the Israeli Ministry of Education, sent her congratulation speech online. “One of the main pillars of the innovation cooperation between our great countries is education, and the best example of education cooperation is you, the academic staff and the students of GTIIT. I take pride in this special partnership, between the Israeli academy and the Chinese academic system.”

Uphold the motto of GTIIT, scale new heights in innovation

Prof. Gong Xingao, Chancellor of GTIIT and Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences, addressed the graduates at Commencement. “Currently, our country urgently needs talents equipped with scientific knowledge. I hope you will all be full of patriotism and always bear a sense of mission and responsibility in mind, uphold the motto ‘Dream it, Do it’, spare no effort, go forward with no fear, and let hard work paint a bright backdrop for your life. With the education of innovation and the spirits of Chutzpah, I hope all of you will have the sense of urgency, break the shackles and dare to challenge the conventional ideas fearlessly, and break new grounds for innovation.”

Towards a flourishing future, together atop the peaks

Impressive chorus performance by GTIIT students with photos of graduates on the screen hooked audiences into memories and people. Jasmine, We’ve Got So Much Left to Say, Dream It Possible, Ocean of Stars, and the Moon Stands for My Heart, all songs brought strong feelings and memories to mind.

Dear GTIIT Class of 2022,

Happy graduation!

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs