On the morning of June 20, the 2019 Commencement of Heilongjaing University (HLJU) was held at the school stadium. Attending the commencement were all leaders of the university, leaders from each school and relevant departments, teacher representatives, alumni representatives and all the soon-to-be graduates of 2019. Prof. Tao attended the commencement at the invitation of HLJU and gave a speech as an outstanding alumna of the Department of Economics, HLJU, class 1979. She is now Director of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Alumni Association, Director of the China Center for Special Economic Zone Research (CCSEZR), Shenzhen University (SZU), President of Belt and Road Research Institute of SZU and also President of the Belt and Road Research Institute (Shenzhen) for International Cooperation and Development (BRRIICD).
Attendees are singing the majestic Chinese national anthem and impassioned school anthem while watching the rising Chinese national flag and school flag
Director Tao Yitao gives a speech on the commencement as an outstanding alumna
On the commencement, Prof. Tao, who graduated 40 years ago, movingly recalled her unforgettable memories at HLJU, and shared her life experiences with the soon-to-be graduates. She said to them: “Although age-wise, I am two generations older than you, yet we all are called the HLJU People.” She excitedly went on to say: “We, though living in different times, all have witnessed the astonishing growth and shared the glory of our Alma Mater, who nurture us and give us the strength to persist like a kind, awe-inspiring and wise mother. It can be said that, when this predestined love with her came into my life 40 years ago, I had never walked out of her eyesight and arms ever since. This is more an emotional attachment, a commitment to faith and a fulfillment to promise than a mere fate. Just like the air gives life to every living being, my love for “HLJL People” became a spiritual strength in my life that has not for a moment left me.”
Director Tao with Fu Honggang (left), President of HLJL and Wang Yongqing, Secretary of Party Committee of HLJL
Prof. Tao repeatedly expressed her thanks for the support and help from faculty and schoolmates of HLJU when she was in the school, and also deep gratitude towards Mr. Liu Hanle, who was her supervisor. She said: “While imparting me knowledge, Mr. Liu also taught me the principles of lives, which are a fortune that benefits not only my whole life, but also my daughter and students. When I myself later became a teacher, I felt more fortunate and also realized the responsibilities and mission of being a teacher. If it is a duty for a teacher or a university to equip students with the ability to create their own future by imparting them knowledge, it will be a mission for the teacher and university to mold students into a man of noble character. I’m indebted to our Alma Mater for teaching me how to create my own life and how to become a respectable and noble person.”
In the end, Prof. Tao gave best wishes to the soon-to-be graduates on the scene. She hoped that each of them can feel grateful towards the Alma Mater, commence a new future by being responsible for themselves, and stay proud of being a HLJU People forever. She also wished these soon-to-be graduates, who are about to embark on a new journey, to have a career they love and a happy life!
Prof. Tao’s lecture won loud applause from the soon-to-be graduates present. After the commencement, these graduates and their parents flocked to have a conversation with Prof. Tao and took photos with her. The 2019 commencement of HLJU came to an end amidst a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Director Tao with student reporters of HLJU
Director Tao with some of the soon-to-be graduates of HLJU
Director Tao with a young alumna
Director Tao with leaders of HLJU and alumni present
