GIFT Holds Inaugural Graduate Commencement Ceremony

The Global Institute of Future Technology, SJTU (GIFT) celebrated its first cohort of master's graduates at the Lecture Hall 515, Yue-kong Pao Library on March 27, 2026. Jun Ni (Dean), Tianshu Ge (Chairperson of GIFT Council), Sun Jin (Executive Dean), Weiliang Xia and Hua Bao (Associate Deans), Haibo Han (Deputy Chairperson of GIFT Council), industry partners, faculty and staff representatives, the Class of 2026 master's graduates and their families gathered to celebrate this important milestone.

The ceremony began with a video interview in which the graduates shared their growth and reflections on interdisciplinary and industry-integrated learning.

Following the video, younger students put on a “flash mob singing” performance, with faculty and students lighting up their phones to create a sea of stars as a farewell gesture and warm expectations.

During the ceremony, Associate Dean Weiliang Xia presented certificates to outstanding graduates at the municipal and university levels in recognition of their achievements.

Tianshu Ge, Chairperson of the GIFT Council, presented the appointment certificate to an alumni council member from the Class of 2026. A number of graduates also volunteered to serve as peer career mentors, offering guidance to younger students in fields such as clean energy, digital intelligence and health sciences.

The graduates presented a commemorative gift titled Puyuan·Setting Sail to the college.

Dean Jun Ni congratulated the graduates on completing their academic journey and recognized their spearheading roles in industry-led learning and research. He encouraged them to further develop visionary thinking and teamwork spirit, carry forward the values gained at the college, and grow into future-oriented talents who serve as a beacon of innovation and leadership in their respective fields.

Executive Dean Sun Jin read the list of graduates, and Dean Jun Ni conferred degree certificates and turned tassels for each graduate.

A special “Define the Future” session witnessed Dean Ni seal a time capsule containing a video of the graduates' visions for the future and letters they wrote to their decade-later selves.

The ceremony concluded with a group photo in front of the college building. As the first cohort of GIFT master's graduates, they will embody the college motto and strive to become pioneers in frontier interdisciplinary fields, remain grateful to their alma mater, while embracing the responsibilities of the new era.