2025 graduate Hannan Gillani: "The world needs credible, ethical and courageous reporting more than ever"
- Rick Dunham
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
Global Business Journalism valedictorian Hannan Gillani of Pakistan was chosen to represent the international students at the Tsinghua School of Journalism and Communication commencement ceremony on June 20. Here is the complete text of his remarks:
Good morning distinguished faculty, honored guests, and my fellow graduates.
My name is Hannan Gillani, and standing here today, I am deeply humbled and grateful to represent the GBJ graduating class of 2025 at the Tsinghua School of Journalism and Communication.
When we first arrived at Tsinghua campus two years ago, many of us came from different corners of the world. Tsinghua welcomed us not just as students, but as future storytellers, critical thinkers, and global citizens. Here, we found a community that values rigorous scholarship, open-minded inquiry, and the power of diverse voices.
Journalism school’s legacy is rooted in journalistic tradition, yet it continues to build forward-thinking programs, like the one we graduate from today. We have been privileged to learn in an environment that blends the best of Chinese and international perspectives, where the boundaries between disciplines blur and where collaboration is not just encouraged, but expected.
Tsinghua also taught me the spirit of “行胜于言,” which means that actions speak louder than words, and that this mindset is what truly shapes success in both life and work. This guiding principle, along with our collaborative learning environment, was reflected in the hands-on experiences we had throughout the program.
Whether in the Bloomberg Lab, the Future Media Lab, or through internships at leading global organizations, we have gained practical skills and a global outlook that sets us apart.
Our professors have challenged us to question assumptions, to seek truth, and to tell stories with integrity. They have pushed us to master not only the fundamentals of journalism but also the latest tools in multimedia, data analysis, and new media practice.
But our journey was not without challenges. We navigated a rapidly changing media landscape, adapted to new technologies like artificial intelligence and learned to tell stories that matter in a world filled with noise. Through it all, we supported each other, forming friendships and networks that will last a lifetime.
As we graduate at a time when the world needs credible, ethical and courageous reporting more than ever. We are called to bridge divides, to promote understanding and to shine a light on the issues that shape our societies. The education we received at our school has prepared us not just to understand the world, but to make a meaningful impact wherever we go.
As I conclude my speech, I would like to thank my professors, my supervisor, and my classmates and friends for supporting me throughout this incredible journey. I sincerely hope that each one of us finds success and fulfillment wherever our paths may lead.
Thank you very much, 谢谢大家. (Xiexie, da jia.)
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