Students celebrate graduation in Xi'an Jiaotong University

Wearing robes and chanting "go warriors", more than 6,000 students attended a graduation ceremony at the 117-year-old Xi'an Jiaotong University in the ancient city of Xi'an, capital city of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, on July 6.

The student assembly, where the ceremony was held, was filled with the excited faces of the graduates.

"I want to thank my alma mater, my teachers and parents, because they helped me be more diligent, rational, peaceful and inclusive," Zhao Diyi, a student who earned a bachelor's degree in materials physics said at the graduation ceremony.

Yan Jianqun (center), vice-president of Xi'an Jiaotong University, leads the graduates in a vow during the graduation ceremony on the campus in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, July 6, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

In all, 6,581 students earned the degrees on Saturday. According to the school's statistics, 3,352 students got bachelor's degree, 3,033 got master's degree and 196 got PhDs.

The graduates also enjoy a high employment rate amid the increasingly tough job environment. According to the university's vice-president, Cheng Guangxu, as of June 30, the employment rate of postgraduates hit 93.9 percent. The rate among undergraduates reached 90.9 percent.

More than 1,200 students chose to work in State-owned enterprises and well-known foreign-funded enterprises, accounting for 42.36 percent of the total graduates. A total of 913 students among them will work in Fortune Global 500 companies, according to Cheng.

A total of 491 graduates will work in the country's scientific research institutions, and 82 students will devote themselves to national defense.

A total of 337 undergraduates will continue their studies abroad, up 40 percent on last year.

"I really appreciate the school's education," said Wang Weizong, who earned a PhD in electrical engineering and will work in Qian Xuesen Laboratory of Launch Vehicle Technology for aerospace science and technology research.

In addition to the Chinese students, 13 foreign students from the United States, Canada, Pakistan, Thailand, Nepal, Iran and South Korea have also earned degrees in the first English-medium master's program at the ceremony.

Graduates attend the graduation ceremony in Xi'an Jiaotong University in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, July 6, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

R K Pan from the United States said Xi'an Jiaotong University is one of the best universities for management in China, and he has learned a lot here. He is confident in the future and is "willing to stay in Xi'an for work and further study".

Including the 13 English-medium master's program graduates, more than 140 foreign students from 26 countries and regions graduated this year from Xi'an Jiaotong University, said Cheng.

Cai Jingwei from Indonesia said she will continue her study in China and wishes to contribute to the promotion of the China-Indonesia relationship in the future.

The president of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Zheng Nanning, addressed the ceremony. He encouraged the students to have a great heart and always stay creative even in mundane work.

"The history and culture of the university have integrated into our life, which make our personality and beliefs mature, help our thoughts grow as well as infiltrate our mind and refine our spirit," Zheng said.

"You should believe in yourself and never give up when facing obstacles," Zheng encouraged the students, "and you should always be brave to do the best you can."