On the morning of June 27, 2026, Chang'an Dublin International College of Transportation (CDIC) held the Joint Degree Conferment Ceremony and Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026. Niamh Moore Cherry, Vice President of University College Dublin (UCD), along with representatives from both universities, faculty members, college staff, graduates and their families attended the ceremony. Paul Fanning, Director of UCD China International Institute and Irish Dean of CDIC, presided over the degree conferment ceremony, while Zhang Yanping, Deputy Secretary of the College's General Party Branch, hosted the graduation ceremony.

During the degree conferment session, all graduates and guests stood and sang the national anthem. Zhang Shengzhong, member of the Academic Degree Evaluation Committee of Chang'an University, Director of the Academic Affairs Office, and member of the Joint Management Committee of CDIC, conferred Chang'an University degrees upon the graduates. Niamh Moore Cherry conferred University College Dublin degrees upon the graduates.

In her address at the graduation ceremony, Niamh Moore Cherry stated that Chang'an University and University College Dublin have deeply cooperated based on their disciplinary strengths in transportation and environmental policy. The college has introduced advanced international teaching models, focusing on cultivating students' critical thinking and international perspectives to empower them for global development. She noted that the university adheres to an international development strategy of "absorbing global advantages and delivering Irish characteristics," expressed gratitude to students for their contributions to international cooperation and cross-cultural exchange, and invited all graduates to join UCD's global alumni network of over 300,000 members. She looked forward to witnessing their continued growth and achievements, and wished all graduates a bright future ahead.

Zhao Liang, Secretary of the College's General Party Branch, on behalf of the university, extended warm congratulations to the students who have successfully completed their undergraduate studies. He also offered sincere congratulations on UCD's ranking among the QS World Top 100 in 2027. He recalled the Class of 2026's growth through bilingual teaching, overseas study programs, and social practices during their four years at the college. He highlighted the graduates' outstanding achievements in further studies and high-quality employment, and fully affirmed their dedication and responsibility. He urged graduates to remember the mottos of both universities, maintain a down-to-earth and resilient mindset, find their own pace of development, integrate personal ideals with the development of the times, let personal aspirations resonate with national development, and contribute youthful energy to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Gu Chenyan, a graduate who will pursue a master's degree at Tongji University, spoke on behalf of all graduates, expressing heartfelt gratitude to teachers from both universities, families, and classmates. She reflected on her four years of international education, cherishing the precious time of learning from Chinese andinternationalteachers and striving alongside classmates. She stated that the Class of 2026 will carry the professional competence and international vision bestowed by the college to various places, dedicate themselves to their industries, serve the country, and write a glorious chapter of youth worthy of the times.

Li Cheng, Deputy Dean of the college, announced the decisions to recognize outstanding graduates and award scholarships for overseas study and language proficiency improvement. Representatives of thedepartments and leaders of colleges presented honorary certificates and scholarships to student representatives.

Dear students,

The bell of graduation has ceased to ring,

But your brand-new journey officially begins.

May you carry with you the professional skills and broad vision cultivated over four years,

Pursue your dreams with a sincere heart,

Write your glorious chapters with practical actions.

The road ahead is long—youth shall strive for self-improvement!

May the Class of 2026 soar towards the vast galaxy of stars,

And shine brightly in the boundless world!

Contributed by: Yang Jiarui

Translated by: Cui Lu

Photography by: Chang'an Dublin International College of Transportation

First review: Hao Yu

Second review: Zhang Lixiong

Final review: Zhang Yanping, He Yanfei

Web Editor:Cui Lu