Cheers to Success: Class of 2025 Celebrates Postgraduate Milestones at School of Graduate Studies Graduation Dinner
On 9 May 2025, the School of Graduate Studies at Lingnan University hosted its Graduation Dinner to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its postgraduate graduates. The event drew an impressive crowd of over 380 attendees, including students, distinguished guests, faculty, and staff.
The festive evening commenced with warm opening remarks from Prof S. Joe Qin, President of Lingnan University. He congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and encouraged them to leverage their newfound knowledge and skills not only for personal success but also to make meaningful contributions to their communities, in keeping with Lingnan’s motto: “Education for Service”.
Prof Sam Kwong Tak-wu, Associate Vice-President (Strategic Research) and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, followed with a heartfelt welcoming speech. He urged graduates to embrace the spirit of innovation and inquiry that has defined their time at Lingnan, while upholding the values of service, integrity, and leadership championed by the university.
Ms Qi Jinyan, a graduate from the Doctor of Policy Studies programme and the student representative for the Class of 2025, took to the stage to deliver an inspiring speech. She reflected on her academic journey at Lingnan and expressed her deep gratitude for the guidance and support from the School of Graduate Studies and the university as a whole.
The evening continued with toasts from university management and distinguished guests, followed by a sumptuous gala dinner. The atmosphere was electrifying, heightened by lucky draws and captivating student performances. Students from various programmes, including the Master of China and Regional Development Studies, Master of Housing Policy and Management, Master of Science in Humanitarian Technology and Inclusive Business, Master of Social Sciences in Comparative Public Administration, Master of Social Sciences in Health and Social Services Management, and Master of Social Sciences in Organisational Psychology and Education Management, showcased their talents on stage. During the performances, handmade flowers were presented to teaching staff as a token of the appreciation for their unwavering dedication, hard work, and mentorship.
As the dinner progressed, Ms Yilia Xu Yuying, Chairman of the Lingnan University Postgraduate Alumni Association, introduced the association as a platform for graduates to stay connected and engage in a variety of activities.
Prof Yau Yung, Associate Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, delivered closing remarks, expressing his pride and admiration for the graduates while wishing them a bright future. The president and senior management then moved from table to table, raising glasses in warm toasts to the graduates. Students eagerly captured these moments in photos with the president, teachers, and senior management, creating lasting memories.
The evening concluded with a class photo session, where each programme gathered with their students and teachers, creating precious memories to cherish for years to come.
The School of Graduate Studies Graduation Dinner was an unforgettable celebration of achievement, camaraderie, and shared pride. This joyous occasion, filled with laughter and camaraderie, will surely leave the graduates with cherished memories to last a lifetime.
