On 22 June, the 2026 Graduating Class Forum and Farewell Ceremony for ‘Western Plan’ Volunteers was held at the Qiantang Campus. Qian Tianguo, Secretary of the University Party Committee, sat in a circle with graduate representatives and representatives of students selected for the ‘Western Plan’ to reminisce about their time on campus, discuss their personal growth and development, and look forward to a bright future. Tang Yuantong, Deputy Secretary of the University Party Committee, chaired the forum. Representatives from relevant administrative departments, heads of various secondary colleges, and faculty members attended the event.

At the meeting, graduate representatives shared their personal career plans and their intentions to join the Western Development Programme. Whilst their career paths were diverse, their underlying aspirations were aligned: some were actively heading to the front lines in the western regions to participate in infrastructure development; some graduates from ethnic minority backgrounds chose to return to their hometowns to work and contribute to rural revitalisation; some graduates returning to university after military service were determined to put down roots at the grassroots level and serve the people; whilst others had been accepted onto postgraduate programmes or were planning to study abroad to further their education.Everyone expressed their commitment to upholding the university’s motto and carrying forward the spirit of the Water Conservancy Institute on their new journey ahead, remaining down-to-earth whilst striving for excellence, and bringing honour to their alma mater through practical action and tangible achievements.

Qian Tianguo extended his congratulations to all graduates who have successfully completed their studies and are about to embark on a new journey. Together with the graduates, he looked back on the university’s development, recounting the landmark achievements witnessed by Water University students over the past four years. He expressed gratitude for the mutual growth and support between teachers and students, and thanked the students for walking hand in hand with the university and growing together.He urged all graduates to keep the ‘greater good of the nation’ in mind and pursue their life’s purpose; to adapt to the changing times and seize opportunities for development; to commit to lifelong learning and hone their innovative abilities; to regard practice as the best classroom; and to transform themselves from ‘those who know how to study’ into ‘those who know how to create’.

Qian Tianguo emphasised that, wherever they may go, their alma mater will always remain a solid pillar of support and a warm haven. He hoped that the students would firmly establish a sense of belonging to the Water Resources Institute’s community, shine in their respective fields across all sectors of society, and fully demonstrate the spirit of the Water Resources Institute; he also encouraged them to continue caring for their alma mater, to return often, to actively offer suggestions and advice, and to join hands in writing a new chapter in the high-quality and distinctive development of the Water Resources Institute.

At the event, Qian Tianguo presented a copy of *Xi Jinping’s Seven Years as a Sent-Down Youth* to a graduate representative, encouraging the young students to read and reflect on it regularly, to study it deeply and gain a thorough understanding, and to seek true knowledge, clarify their direction and work pragmatically in their future careers and lives.

Chen Huhao, a graduate of the Class of 2019 and a volunteer who had completed his term with the Western China Volunteer Programme, drew on his three years of service in the west to share his insights and gains from taking root at the grassroots level, encouraging younger students to cherish their country and people and to hone their skills in the fertile soil of grassroots work.

Lecturers, form tutors and student counsellors offered parting words of advice and best wishes to the graduates, hoping that they would remain true to their original aspirations, set out on their future paths armed with the knowledge and character cultivated at university, and courageously shoulder the mission of the youth in the new era.

The meeting also provided an update on the university’s recruitment and selection process for the 2026 Western Development Programme.