Dean Zhou Qing'an: Class of 2025 carved "a unique path to success" through pandemic-era challenges

Dean Zhou Qing'an: "Through challenges and changes, you supported each other, adapted to new realities, and never lost sight of your goals."

Here are the remarks delivered by Zhou Qing'an, dean of Tsinghua School of Journalism and Communication, to the commencement celebration of the Global Business Journalism program on June 20, 2025:

Distinguished guests, dear faculty, family and friends, and most importantly, dear graduates,

Good morning, and welcome to the 2025 Global Business Journalism Program Graduation Ceremony at Tsinghua University. It is an honor and a joy to stand here today as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025.

First, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Professor Rick Dunham, Co-Director of the GBJ Program, who has played a vital role in shaping this program for more than a decade. This year, as Professor Dunham enters his well-earned retirement, we honor not only his academic contributions but also his unwavering dedication, leadership, and passion for journalism education.

Dean Zhou: "We are proud of what you have achieved, and we have great confidence in what you will contribute to the world as journalists, storytellers, and global citizens."

We are also profoundly thankful to the international faculty and experts who have brought global insight and professional excellence into the classroom this year. To Professor Lee Miller, Professor Cary O’Reilly, Professor Pam Tobey, and Professor Wang Feng — thank you for generously sharing your knowledge and experience with our students. Your contributions have enriched the learning journey of this cohort in extraordinary ways.

A special thank you must also go to Bloomberg, whose continuous support has been crucial to the success of the GBJ program and the broader mission of our School of Journalism and Communication. We are especially honored to have Mr. John Liu with us here today to present graduation certificates. We are truly grateful for your commitment to our students and to the future of global business journalism.

Now, to the Class of 2025 — your story is one of resilience, perseverance, and success. You joined the GBJ program during the uncertainties of a global pandemic, becoming the smallest class in GBJ history. But what you lacked in numbers, you more than made up for in spirit, strength, and determination. Through challenges and changes, you supported each other, adapted to new realities, and never lost sight of your goals. Today, you stand proud and accomplished — each of you having carved a unique path to success.

As you now move forward into the next chapter of your lives, know that you carry not only the knowledge and skills you gained here, but also the spirit of Tsinghua — one of excellence, integrity, and service to the global community. We are proud of what you have achieved, and we have great confidence in what you will contribute to the world as journalists, storytellers, and global citizens.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! We celebrate you, we believe in you, and we will always welcome you back home here at Tsinghua.

Thank you.

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