In midsummer, as academic terms drew to a close, a new chapter began for the graduates of microelectronics. On June 24, the School of Integrated Circuits And Microelectronics of Northwestern Polytechnical University held its Class of 2026 Undergraduate Commencement and Degree Conferral Ceremony in the auditorium of the School of Automation. Dean Ma Binghe, Party Secretary Yang Nihua, alumni representative Chen Xiong, faculty representatives, and all Class of 2026 undergraduates and their parents attended the ceremony, marking the completion of the graduates’ undergraduate studies and their entry into careers serving the country in the integrated circuit industry.
The ceremony began with the national anthem. Associate Dean Yin Yue presided over the ceremony and the commendation session. Seventeen students, including Chen Zhengtian, were named “Outstanding Graduates of the Class of 2026.” Dean Ma Binghe and Party Secretary Yang Nihua presented certificates of honor to representatives of the outstanding graduates and posed for a group photograph with them. They congratulated all awardees and encouraged the graduates to carry forward the spirit of Northwestern Polytechnical University and to pursue further breakthroughs in chip science and technology.
Next, student representative Liang Gang delivered his graduation remarks. He looked back on his four years on campus, thanked the School for its careful cultivation, his teachers for their guidance, and his classmates for their companionship, and shared what he had gained and how he had grown while studying integrated circuits. He said that he would keep the university motto “Gong Cheng Yong Yi” in mind, commit himself to the chip industry, and use professional skills to take on the responsibility that the times place on those building a stronger country.
Faculty representative Associate Professor Ma Yanzhao then offered parting advice to all graduates. Drawing on the current state of the integrated circuit industry, he urged them to stay true to their original commitment to research, keep a rigorous and practical attitude toward scholarship, face technical challenges in the industry without flinching, remain grateful, and move forward on a steady and grounded path in life. Afterward, the graduates presented flowers to five faculty representatives—Wei Tingcun, Ma Yanzhao, Li Tianlun, Li Yuanting, and Tang Mengyu—in thanks to all faculty and staff of the School for their work over the past four years.
The ceremony also invited alumnus Chen Xiong to return and speak to the graduates. Chen Xiong graduated from the Microelectronic Science and Engineering program in 2013, is a national-level young talent, and now serves as a professor at the Faculty of Electronic Information Engineering of Xi’an Jiaotong University. Drawing on his own experience in study, research, and professional work, he analyzed the opportunities and challenges now facing the integrated circuit industry, and offered practical guidance on career planning and further study. He encouraged younger students to focus on core technologies, tackle critical “bottleneck” technical problems, and realize their value through practical work.
To keep alumni connections active and bring together industry and alumni resources, the School appointed four students—He Jiabao, Li Yang, Liang Gang, and Zhang Guanlin—as alumni liaisons for the Class of 2026. The liaisons are expected to serve as a link between the university and its graduates, share updates on the School’s development, and help gather alumni support.
Finally, Professor Ma Binghe delivered closing remarks. On behalf of the School, he congratulated all graduates. Against the broader context of China’s integrated circuit industry, he explained the School’s goal of educating students who can serve as chief designers and lead major projects, and urged the graduates to keep in mind the NPU tradition of serving the country, to align personal goals with the development of the national chip industry, and to build their careers in the field of integrated circuits. He also welcomed graduates to visit their alma mater often and to keep in touch with the School.
Faculty and students then stood and sang the Northwestern Polytechnical University anthem together, bringing the ceremony to a close. Afterward, the degree conferral for the Class of 2026 undergraduates was held: faculty members turned graduates’ tassels and presented degree certificates in turn.
Four years at NPU, and a working life in integrated circuits ahead. May the Class of 2026 keep the expectations of their alma mater and the advice of their teachers in mind, build their careers in key areas of integrated circuits, take on hard technical problems, and serve the country through their professional work.
