On June 12, 2025, the graduation ceremony of Yantai University Trier College of Sustainable Technology took place. The ceremony marked a significant academic milestone as well as a moment of personal reflection for the bachelor’s and master’s students. They were the first cohort of bachelor’s students to graduate from the jointly established college. The entire ceremony program was designed by the graduates themselves, featuring various dance and vocal performances.

President Hao Shuguang of Yantai University delivered an inspiring speech, while President Dorit Schumann of Trier University of Applied Sciences joined the event online to extend her warm congratulations to the graduates. Both university presidents emphasized the importance of the German-Chinese academic partnership in cultivating globally competent professionals.

During the awards segment, Vice President Yao Chang recognized outstanding graduates, while Mr. Marco Angilella (IfaS) presented the awards for exceptional theses. Speeches delivered by student representatives and faculty members, including Mr. Zhang Xijun, celebrated the shared journey, the cultural exchange, and the academic development achieved throughout the collaboration.

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial awarding of the master’s degrees. Prof. Dr. Peter Heck led the traditional tassel-twisting ceremony, followed by the formal conferral of degrees by Vice President Wang Hongbo. This moment symbolized not only academic achievement but also a new beginning for the graduates.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Heck encouraged the graduates to embrace their role as global citizens and drivers of sustainable change. The ceremony concluded with a choral performance of “Try Everything,” reflecting the courage, perseverance, and ambition that will shape the graduates’ next chapter.