Finishing undergraduate study is an important milestone for young adults. Receiving a higher degree is a notable accomplishment that proves lifelong learners’ persistence in the pursuit of knowledge. It would be fantastic for the achievers to celebrate their success and share the joy with friends and families before starting a new chapter in their lives or making advancement in their career goals. 

So CityU has decided that it will hold the Commencement (previously named as Congregation) from May to June, instead of November, starting this year. This move also deepens the University’s commitment to aligning with international norms. The very first Commencement for students from the Class of 2021 of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) was held on 26 to 27 May 2021. 

Dean of CLASS Professor Richard M WALKER, Associate Deans Professor Christine HUANG Yi-hui, Professor KIM Sungmoon, and Professor Hon CHAN were the presiding officers of the various sessions of the Commencement ceremony. In the opening remarks, the Dean and Associate Deans extended their heartiest congratulations to the Class of 2021. Noting that the world can become very volatile, as people have seen in the past year or so, they encouraged students to look at things differently, think differently and act differently, and create possibilities out of uncertainties. They reminded students to utilise the generic skills learnt at CLASS, including that of questioning, debating, analysing, evaluating, synthesising and communicating, in daily life and workplaces, and treat every event in life as an opportunity to learn about themselves and the world. “Be open and remind yourself that you have options and choices to deal with your life’s challenges. Embrace those new challenges. Each challenge can be an opportunity for you to grow and thrive,” a final piece of advice offered by Dean. The Heads/Acting Heads also delivered words of encouragement to students, and wished them all the best for their future endeavours.

Following the remarks, students walked across the stage and were individually recognised by the presiding officer, Heads/Acting Heads and faculty members of their departments. It officially marked the end of their university journey. Yet, as they all realised, another adventure is about to begin.