Celebrating the Class of 2026: NYU Shanghai Hosts a Commencement Dinner

On May 16, 2026, the NYU Shanghai family came together for a heartfelt Commencement Dinner where the community gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements, resilience, and bright futures of our Class of 2026.

NYU Shanghai Chancellor Tong Shijun

NYU Shanghai Chancellor Tong Shijun opened the evening with a warm welcome to almost 100 guests. The gathering brought together NYU President Linda Mills, Chair of the NYU Board of Trustees Evan Chesler, ECNU President Ma, and university leadership from NYU Shanghai, alongside the dedicated supporters, alumni, friends, and families who have walked hand-in-hand with our graduates throughout their academic journeys.

NYU Board of Trustees Evan R. Chesler

Emphasizing the profound impact of this global education, Chair of the NYU Board of Trustees Evan Chesler shared how deeply he was inspired by the graduates’ growth and adaptability in the face of a rapidly changing global landscape. He told the audience, “through these experiences, they have cultivated integrity, compassion, and an expansive mindset shaped by our global university community. They now possess the ability to listen with intent, to question with humility. Wherever they go next, they will bring knowledge they acquire here, and the spirit of NYU Shanghai with them, as they serve as vital connections between ideas, people, and cultures."

NYU President Linda G. Mills

The same sentiment was echoed in NYU President Linda Mills’ speech. She shared about her own deep, multigenerational connection to Shanghai—the city that provided a safe haven for her relatives during World War II. Reflecting on the graduates' readiness to embrace exciting new careers or postgraduate education, Mills highlighted the unique foundation the university provides, "it is deeply encouraging that at NYU Shanghai we have been able to provide our students their own incredible opportunities—opportunities to bridge divides, to take risks, and to develop, vitally, a deep and abiding sense of our shared humanity."

Students Panel, from the left to the right: Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs Diane Geng, Mathew Ponon and Theodore Tolan, Luciana Emerson, Sissi Wang, Athar Ali and Florence Zhang

The evening came to life during a student panel hosted by Diane Geng, Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs. Six recent graduates took the stage, sharing personal stories of how NYU Shanghai served as a launchpad for their passions and how they plan to carry these experiences forward.

From the left to the right: Diane Geng, Mathew Ponon, Theodore Tolan, Luciana Emerson

From the left to the right: Luciana Emerson, Sissi Wang and Athar Ali

Athar Ali, who is moving to London to begin his career in investment banking, fondly recalled how a simple spark of curiosity at a library Bloomberg Terminal evolved into a whirlwind of competitive internships, concluding most recently with an investment banking internship at Morgan Stanley. "I was able to do all this at NYU Shanghai with the professors and peers, who really push you to think beyond your capability. And I think when I think of my time now in London, it's not as a different chapter after commencement, but rather as a continuation of everything I have done," he shared.

Student on the Student Panel, Florence Zhang

Florence Zhang, a double major in Social Science and Global China Studies, highlighted how the university community championed her dedication to migration and population policy research. Her rich undergraduate journey spanned the First Year Fellowship Circle, the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Fund (DURF), research assistantships with notable faculty, and a milestone internship at the Library of Congress. "I wanted to pursue a career like this, where I am with scholars engaging in intellectual dialogue. When it came to my capstone and a wrap up of my 4 years, I knew I wanted to pursue a research career, especially in migration and population policy," she said.

Panelists Sissi Wang, Theodore Tolan, Luciana Emerson, and Mathew Ponon also reflected on their own distinct university experiences. They explained how the opportunities and experiences of the past four years have helped them learn to continue pursuing their passions, while remaining curious, embracing diverse perspectives, and extending deep empathy toward smaller groups in society.

Emily Zhuang’s Ballet Solo

Savanna Peng and Angela Xi’s Contemporary Dance Duet

Beyond academic and professional triumphs, the evening spotlighted the vibrant artistic talents nurtured within our close-knit community. The audience was treated to a stunning ballet solo and a contemporary dance duet performed by graduating students Emily Zhuang, Savanna Peng, and Angela Xi. The dancers expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the university's platform, which allowed them to bring their artistic dedication from the studio to life on the stage. "Beyond dancing, our dance program allows us to foster meaningful friendships, cultural exchange, and even a shared artistic language that transcends across dance and cultural backgrounds," Angela noted.

Special performance by Professor-at-Large Kong Xiangdong

Kong Xiangdong and Student Quartet, from the left to the right: Kong Xiangdong, Andrew Lu, Florence Zhang, Monica Luo and Johnson Wu

The evening's musical showcase brought a sense of magic to the room, featuring Professor-at-large Kong Xiangdong alongside a talented student quartet consisting of Florence Zhang, Andrew Lu, Monica Luo, and Johnson Wu. Together, they serenaded the guests with three beautiful pieces. To create a lasting memory for the Class of 2026, Professor Kong concluded the performance with a special, on-the-spot musical improvisation that captivated everyone present.

NYU Shanghai Vice Chancellor Jeffrey Lehman

Closing the memorable evening, NYU Shanghai Vice Chancellor Jeffrey Lehman looked toward the future, reflecting on how the Class of 2026 will transition from students into alumni while staying deeply connected to their roots. As they step out into the world, Lehman reminds them that they never truly leave NYU Shanghai, and that their global community always goes with them. He emphasized, “they are going to carry their identities as members of the NYU Shanghai family with them as they move on into the next chapters of their life all around the world."

More Dinner Photos Below: