On the afternoon of July 5, 2025, Stirling College's Graduation and Degree Conferral Ceremony was held in the studio of the Student Activity Center. Lord Jack McConnell, Chancellor of the University of Stirling, and Zhu Ming, President of Chengdu University, attended the event to confer degrees upon the graduates.

Anthony Preston, HM Consul-General to Chongqing, joined the ceremony virtually. Neville Wylie, Deputy Principal (Internationalisation), and Kirstie Blair, Deputy Principal (Academic) and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the University of Stirling; Tanya Ramon, Senior Advisor of the British Council; Wang Lasha, Director of the Foreign Cooperation and Exchange Division of the Education Department of Sichuan Province; Jing Shiyong, Deputy Director of the Chengdu Municipal Education Bureau; and Peng Xiaolin, Vice President of CDU attended the event.

The ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem, and all attendees rose to their feet to sing the national anthem of the People's Republic of China.

Zhu Ming, on behalf of the college, expressed gratitude to the guests in attendance and congratulated the first graduates of Stirling College on their successful completion of studies.

Looking ahead, he encouraged students to pursue their dreams with determination, adhere to Chengdu University's motto of Self-love, Self-cultivation, Self-respect and Self-improvement, anchor their lives in patriotism, and fulfill the vow of "Let the Party rest assured; we will strengthen the country." They should have the courage to break boundaries with interdisciplinary thinking in the face of AI advancements and industry changes, becoming leaders with comprehensive competitiveness. Moreover, they should build bridges for international exchanges, using their global perspective gained at Stirling College to tell China's stories to the world and turn differences into a source of innovation. Zhu Ming wished the students to have passion in their hearts, clear eyes, and firm steps, and ride the waves to make steady progress in the vast ocean of the times.

Jack McConnell, on behalf of the University of Stirling, congratulated all the graduates. He mentioned that the graduation ceremony was the most solemn occasion of the year at the University of Stirling, and it was highly significant for graduates to share this important life moment with their classmates, faculties, guests, relatives, and friends. He presented the university's internationalization progress and the work of its alumni around the world.

Zhu Ming and Lord Jack McConnell jointly conferred degrees on the graduates.

Representatives of graduates from the three majors delivered speeches. Yang Xin, a student majoring in Leisure Sports, said, "I'm eager to bring my knowledge back to my motherland and make a positive impact on the world through practical actions." Xu Yuquan, a student majoring in Data Science and Big Data Technology, expressed his gratitude to the faculty, saying, "Your profound knowledge and unwavering enthusiasm have guided us into the world of data science. Your words and actions will be our lifelong treasure." Niu Zhiying, a student majoring in Network and New Media, extended his best wishes to all graduates: "May your stories always shine brightly!"

Anthony Preston congratulated the students on their successful completion of studies. He pointed out that the establishment of Stirling College was an important manifestation of China-UK educational cooperation and integration, and also a bridge for cross-cultural exchanges. He hoped that the students would showcase their talents on the global stage with the knowledge and friendships they had acquired at the college.

The principals of the Alumni Affairs Office and the Alumni Association read out Chengdu University's response regarding the establishment of a alumni station at Stirling College, CDU. The establishment of the alumni station symbolized a long-lasting bond with graduates. Zhu Ming presented the station with a license, and Peng Xiaolin issued appointment letters to alumni liaison officers, who will also serve as ambassadors for the University of Stirling.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Lee Zhuang, Executive Director for Internationalisation and Partnerships of the University of Stirling, as well as representatives from various departments and schools of our university. These included officials from the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, Academic Affairs Office, Finance Office, College of Physical Education, College of Computer Science, College of Literature and Journalism, and Stirling College along with representatives of the parents of graduates.

Editor: Min Xiuling   Executive Editor: Lyu Jia