The campus is always a lively place when Congregation season starts! Families and friends of our newest graduates show up in full force with floral and soft-toy tributes, as they gather around campus to snap once-in-a-lifetime group photos with the graduates in their formal gowns and mortarboards.
Yet Congregation is also time for reflection for our graduates – a milestone moment that lets them think about how far they’ve come and where they will go next with their hard-won achievements.
Indeed, this sentiment was expressed by HKU President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Xiang Zhang, in his message to them, as he reminded them that their journey at HKU had been defined by an era of unprecedented global transformation. They pursued their studies through a time of public health challenges, rapid technological advancement, and shifting global dynamics – and yet they managed to persevere, adapt, and make the best of these circumstances.
“I commend you for your resilience and determination: they show us all your strength of character. The University is most proud of all you have accomplished,” he declared.
“As you prepare to step beyond our campus, you carry with you more than a degree from a leading university. You carry the enduring spirit of HKU, encapsulated in our motto: Sapientia et Virtus, meaning wisdom and virtue,” he added. “Use your talents not only to achieve personal success, but to uplift others, foster understanding, and contribute to transforming humanity’s future.”
There are over 7,500 students graduating from the University this summer, which will make its alumni body over 330,000 strong, worldwide.
To these graduates and all of HKU’s newest alumni, Professor Zhang offered this reassuring reminder: “While you navigate your future, you will always remain as part of the HKU family, for you are joining a global community of distinguished alumni who have built on their university learning and experiences and gone on to make a positive impact in the world.”
Again, our warmest congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are confident that you too will excel in your own ways and be a source of pride for the University.
Words from the Class of 2026
I’m grateful for my HKU experience because it challenged me to leave my comfort zone and seize all the opportunities that were presented to me. I am more confident in myself and in what I am capable of, both in my studies and also in my personal life. I had the opportunity to be a student ambassador in the Business School Masters. I met so many people I would not have had the chance to in other circumstances, and I am deeply thankful for that.
Without a doubt, the most memorable experience I’ve had during my HKU journey was my semester exchange at the University of Leeds in the UK, where I met some of the most extraordinary people and made lifelong friends from all across the globe! The amount of growth and opportunities that HKU has given me is beyond incredible, providing a safe space for me to explore who I am as a person and find my place in society.
HKU taught me how to be a leader of character: that I have everything I need inside of me to achieve greatness and lead. When I first came to HKU from Mauritius, I wondered whether a small islander like me could leave a mark in such a big place. Over the years, I learned a lot about myself, and it helped me grow more confident in who I am. Now, I realise that no matter what comes my way, I will be able to come through, and with assurance. One core memory at HKU was being a student ambassador at the high table dinner for the University’s 111th anniversary. It was a truly magical moment when I got to see and participate in the rich tradition and legacy of HKU and when I felt proud of being part of this community.
University isn’t just about sticking to studies, but having the courage to wander off the path to discover new routes and what truly drives you. It gave me the clarity I needed to figure out exactly what I want to pursue in the future. Lap-Chee College was where I met most of my friends and had some of the most unforgettable memories. Being a core member of the College’s ambassadorial team sharpened my collaborative, communicative, and organisational strengths. I was able to channel these skills directly into my research internships and coursework.
In my junior years, I was not very fluent in English and often lacked the confidence to express my perspectives in discussions. I worried that my thoughts were not good enough, so I usually chose to stay quiet. But HKU’s open and collaborative environment gradually changed me, and I learned to speak up, share my opinions, and appreciate different perspectives. HKU also helped me move beyond the mindset that an undergraduate should only focus on coursework. Through Lead for Life and the HKU Mentorship Programme, I met kind and experienced mentors who shared their challenges and encouraged me to think more broadly about my path. Looking back, HKU has shaped me from a quiet and coursework-focussed student into someone more open-minded, expressive, and willing to learn from the wider world.
