Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) held its 2026 graduation ceremony and degree-conferral ceremony on June 14, celebrating more than 7,000 undergraduate, master's and doctoral graduates as they prepare to begin a new journey.
Yao Jianglin, Party secretary of HZAU; Yan Jianbing, president of HZAU and chair of the university's Academic Degree Evaluation Committee; Jin Meilin and Zhang Xianlong, scholars from the Chinese Academy of Engineering; and other university leaders attended the ceremony. The event was presided over by Vice-President Li Dapeng.
In his address, Yan explained the meaning of Shishan Zhujie, a bamboo-themed graduation gift symbolizing integrity, resilience and growth. He encouraged graduates to take root like bamboo, stay strong in adversity and keep the country and its people in their hearts.
Before the ceremony, graduates walked the red carpet with their classmates and families, taking photos around the campus they had called home for several years. After the national anthem rang out, Cheng Yunjiang, secretary-general of the Academic Degree Evaluation Committee and a professor of horticulture, announced the university's decision to confer degrees.
Liu Xiaolei, a professor of the College of Animal Sciences & Technology, encouraged graduates to stay grounded and devote their passion to the needs of the times.
Staff representative Shi Dongwei said the university would always welcome you and stand as your solid support, while graduate representative Wang Jiaqi urged classmates to grow at their own pace and gather strength for the future.

HZAU celebrates the Class of 2026 at its graduation and degree-conferral ceremony. [Photo/new.hzau.edu.cn]