At 8:20 PM , May 29th (Beijing Standard Time), the fourth commencement ceremony for NYU Shanghai Class of 2020 was successfully held online. Yu Lizhong, the founding chancellor of NYU Shanghai, announced his retirement, after congratulating the graduating students.

"As you have all graduated, I'm also graduating with you all.In three days, I will be officially retired. Today is the time for me to say goodbye to you. Ever since the preparation, establishment, and the development of NYU Shanghai, my heart has always been connected with this international university and the hearts of all the students" said Chancellor Yu during the ceremony.

“As the first Sino-US joint research university, NYU Shanghai has shown its incredible impacts since its founding.” Chancellor Yu recalled his memory at NYU Shanghai, saying “I feel deeply that NYU Shanghai is an active exploration on international collaboration of higher education in the age of globalization.”

Chancellor Yu also introduced his successor, Doctor Tong Shijun, a philosophy professor and the former Party Secretary of East China Normal University. Doctor Tong has taught citizenship education classes to Chinese students at NYU Shanghai.

Right after the announcement, words of appreciation to Chancellor Yu for his contribution to NYU Shanghai went viral on social media. Students, faculty and staff members shared feelings of regret regarding the departure of Chancellor Yu.

"Yu Lizhong joined NYU Shanghai from East China Normal University (ECNU), where he served as president from 2006 – 2012. As Chancellor of NYU Shanghai, he serves as Chairman of the Board of NYU Shanghai." NYU Shanghai’s official Website states "[i]t was under his leadership and forward-thinking global vision that ECNU embarked upon an ambitious path of growth and internationalization, cementing ECNU’s reputation as an institution of higher education with global impact."

Yu Lizhong received his undergraduate degree in Geography from East China Normal University (ECNU) and his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Liverpool. He also holds honorary doctorates from École Normale Supérieure and the University of Liverpool.

This article was written by Sicheng Fan. Contact via email at [email protected].Photo Credit: Photo edited by Alan Lecheng Chao