Tsinghua SEM has graduated 1013 students this summeras 179 undergraduates, 157 graduate students, 45 Ph.D. students, 380 MBAs, and 188 EMBAs have accomplished all the degree requirements and received graduation certificates and diplomas. 64 students from other departments of Tsinghua University received their second bachelor degrees in economics at Tsinghua SEM.

(Tsinghua SEM Commencement 2009)

The commencement was attended by Dean of Tsinghua SEM Qian Yingyi, Associate Dean Yang Bin, Chen Guoqing, Liao Li, Bai Chong-en, Xia Donglin, Zhu Yan and Zhao Dongqin. Yang Bin hosted the ceremony.

It’s the first time for Tsinghua SEM to hold a commencement in particular for SEM’s graduateswhich brings together graduates from all programs offered by the School.

Associate Dean Bai Chong-en briefed the participants on details of SEM’s graduates this year.

Wei hua, Zhao Cen and Xu Sen made presentations at the session respectively on behalf of students from SEM's undergraduate, post-graduate and MBA & EMBA programs. Student speakers reflected on their most memorable experiences at Tsinghua SEM and expressed their sincere gratitude to their teachers and classmates.

(Student speaker Wei Hua)

(Student speaker Zhao Cen)

(Student speaker Xu Sen)

Dean Qian Yiying delivered a commencement speech at the ceremony. In his address, Qian Yingyi narrated three stories which happened respectively in 1909, 1929 and 1959. All the stories are connected with Tsinghua alumni who graduated at earlier time and have made great contributions to the national and social progress. Among the students graduating from 1909, 1929, and 1959, there are first batch of students pursuing further studies at US sponsored by the Qing Government; there are well- known literary masters, scientists and diplomat, as well as state and government leaders.

(Dean Qian Yingyi delivers the commencement speech)

As Dean Qian remarked, “The real spirit of Tsinghua, as I think, which is different from other Chinese universities, is the spirit of ‘pursuing excellence’”. “And my graduation message for you is that ‘no matter what kind of career path you’ll experience, and no matter what kind of profession you will engage in, please remember the Tsinghua Spirit of "pursuing excellence"in your heart.'"

Dean Qian said in the end of his speech, “And my fourth story, as you know, is the story about you guys; it’s the story belonging to Tsinghua SEM’s graduates 2009, and the story has begun just now, ” “in the future days, when recalling the SEM’s history, your stories, will be as exciting as the three stories I told you today; as I believe, as long as you bear in mind the spirit ofTsinghua---‘pursuing excellence’, you will definitely attain the success.“

(Cocktail Party for 2009 SEM Post-graduates Commencement )

A cocktail party to celebrate SEM post-graduates’ commencement was held later at the Shunde Building.