Queens College of the City University of New York held its 102nd commencement ceremony on May 28th for the graduating class of 2026. Thousands of graduates of diverse backgrounds gathered with their families on the campus lawn, filled with excitement and gratitude, to mark this significant milestone in their lives.
Among the graduates were many individuals of Chinese descent, most of whom were local residents. Faced with the changes brought about by the AI (Artificial Intelligence) revolution, the graduates expressed a mix of “joy and worry.” Some viewed AI as a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency, while others noted that AI had replaced some jobs, leaving them still searching for their ideal positions.
Chinese-American President of Queens College, Frank H. Wu, encouraged the graduating students who are about to enter the workforce or further their studies, saying, “Remember, success is not only about personal achievements but also about making a positive impact on the lives of others. Always keep in mind the motto of Queens College: ‘We learn so that we may serve.'”
Wu urged the students, saying, “Earning a university degree is full of challenges, testing your determination – whether it’s late-night studying, balancing academic and family responsibilities, or enduring long commutes. You should take pride in your accomplishments and turn the joy and sense of achievement today into motivation for pursuing future goals.”
Notable alumna of Queens College from the class of 1951 and renowned art historian, Lucy Freeman Sandler, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the ceremony. In her speech, she reflected on the scenery of the campus when she first enrolled 79 years ago, describing it as a picturesque estate with a rural charm akin to Spain or the American Southwest.
In response to the impact of AI on employment, graduates in accounting professions broadly acknowledged that when used effectively, AI is a valuable tool that significantly enhances efficiency. However, graduates in design professions raised concerns about the legal ambiguities surrounding works created by Generative AI, where the plagiarism of designers’ works goes unpunished, posing a significant challenge to job opportunities in the industry.
Outstanding undergraduate student in Business Administration and Chinese-American student, Pei Shan Xu, took the stage to receive her degree and expressed her honor and pride, stating, “I am grateful for this honor because it is the result of four years of immense effort. With a GPA of 4.0, I am one of the top-performing students academically.”
Xu, who majored in accounting, has successfully been hired by the large accounting firm Eisner Amper. Regarding the impact of AI, she mentioned, “Currently, AI has not replaced accounting work, but many companies are integrating AI into their daily processes to enhance efficiency. However, AI cannot replace human thought and judgment, so many companies are developing their AI tools to assist employees. Personally, I have not been affected in my job search due to AI.”
Another Chinese-American graduate in accounting, Jenny Chou, has been employed by one of the Big Four accounting firms. She emphasized the positive role of utilizing AI, stating, “AI can make companies stronger. If used correctly, it acts like a powerful computer and can have a positive impact.”
Balancing work in a restaurant with completing her studies, accounting major Shu Mei Chen noted, “While AI analyzes financial reports faster than humans, there are tasks that AI cannot replace, such as the customer service role I currently hold, where interpersonal interactions remain essential. By mastering financial management knowledge, I can progress towards a career as a financial manager, adding value to my professional journey.”
However, graduates in design professions felt a greater impact from AI. Chinese-American graduate Charlotte expressed that she is still job hunting, citing the lack of comprehensive copyright regulations for Generative AI as a major issue, leading to the unauthorized use of creators’ works.
District Leader of Queens, Richard, encouraged students to embrace challenges, saying, “Maintain an open attitude towards knowledge and understanding, be open to change, and have the courage to seize opportunities. I believe that in whatever way, you will create value that is uniquely your own.”