Our University Holds Commencement Ceremony 

for the Class of 2026 of the Early Childhood Education 

(China-Foreign Cooperative Program)

On June 26, the University held the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 of 

the Early Childhood Education (China-Foreign Cooperative Program), under the theme 

Carrying Forward 80 Years of Glory, Embarking on a New Journey. President Wang 

Sheng, Vice President Wei Xiaohui, University of North Alabama (UNA) Provost and 

Executive Vice President Brien Smith, UNA Vice President Hu Po, and Dean of the UNA 

College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering Ryan Zayac, along with other leaders from 

both universities, attended the ceremony. Also present were heads of relevant 

administration departments, faculty and student representatives from the School of 

Education Science, and parents. The ceremony was jointly presided over by Wei Xiaohui 

and Hu Po.

In his address, Wang Sheng extended warm congratulations to the inaugural graduates 

and fully recognized their outstanding achievements in postgraduate entrance 

examinations, academic competitions, scientific research, and overseas exchanges. 

Wang Sheng encouraged the graduates to strive to become educational ambassadors 

rooted in China, conversant with both Chinese and foreign cultures, and connected 

to the world on a broader life stage, and to be the most steadfast dream builders of 

the new era.

On behalf of the University of North Alabama, Brien Smith extended sincere 

congratulations to the first cohort of graduates. He noted that the ceremony was a 

significant manifestation of the long-term, close cooperation and mutual learning 

between the two universities, and expressed the hope that they would exert a positive 

and far-reaching influence in their respective professional fields and on an even 

broader world stage.

To the accompaniment of solemn and elegant award music, Wang Sheng and Brien 

Smith jointly presented the graduates with their graduation certificates from both 

universities.

Heads from the Student Affairs Department, the International Exchange and 

Cooperation Department, and the School of Education Science presented the 

Outstanding Graduate Award, the Excellence in U.S. Exchange Award, and the 

Academic Advancement Excellence Award respectively to students with outstanding 

academic and moral performance.

Dean Xie Guixin of the School of Education Science and Dr. Terri Garrison from the UNA 

Department of Early Childhood Education delivered speeches as faculty 

representatives. They fully affirmed the students' excellent performance over the past 

four years in overcoming academic challenges, tempering their willpower, and 

enhancing their professional competence. Student representative Wu Jiaqi looked back 

on unforgettable experiences from her four years of study, expressed heartfelt gratitude 

for the dedicated cultivation by faculty from both Chinese and American universities.

At the ceremony, in recognition of Terri Garrison's outstanding contributions to the 

Sino-foreign cooperative program and to celebrate her retirement, Brien Smith 

presented her with the Outstanding Contribution Award.

The graduation ceremony slowly drew to a close to the sound of lively and uplifting 

music. The first commencement ceremony for the first China-Foreign Cooperative 

Program concluded successfully. Carrying the profound expectations of their 

alma mater, the graduates will inherit the 80-year spirit of Huizhou University and 

embark with confidence on a new journey.

The successful holding of this ceremony marks a phased achievement in talent 

cultivation for the university's first China-Foreign Cooperative Program and has 

accumulated valuable experience for its future development.