Queens College in Flushing, New York, hosted its 2025 graduation ceremony on May 29th, where over four thousand graduates of different ethnicities and skin colors received accolades to kickstart their new journey in life.
This marked the 101st graduation ceremony for Queens College since its establishment in 1937. During the degree awarding segment, graduates moved the tassel of their graduation caps from right to left, symbolizing their official graduation and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
Chinese-American President Frank Wu delivered a speech, encouraging graduates to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the future. He emphasized the need for their talents, innovative spirit, and personal qualities in a world that values continuous learning, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence. Wu reminded graduates that success is not just about personal achievements but also about bringing positive changes in others’ lives, echoing the college’s motto: “We learn to serve.”
District leader Donovan Richards highlighted the uniqueness of Queens College, attributing it to the presence of many immigrant students. He advised graduates to keep an open mind, believing that every life path contains possibilities and hope, even when it deviates from one’s initial expectations.
Among the graduates of Queens College were many Chinese immigrant students and international students. Three outstanding Chinese graduates, Lin Tianming, Tan Miaoping, and Zhao Yuzhen, were recognized and honored as representatives during the graduation ceremony.
Taiwanese immigrant Zhao Yuzhen, a former music teacher with a Master’s in Public Administration, furthered her studies for two years and obtained a Master’s in Fine Arts due to her passion for the arts. She not only enhanced her professional skills but also broadened her artistic horizons. Zhao plans to combine music and pottery to establish a small studio producing ceramic musical instruments that engage the audience not only visually but also through touch and play.
She mentioned that Queens College’s spacious campus, large kilns, and high-quality equipment provided excellent support for her learning and creative pursuits.
This year, 30-year-old student Lin Tianming from Hong Kong, majoring in Music Composition, faced challenges of cultural adaptation and uncertainty about the future, particularly regarding potential impacts of immigration and visa policies under the Trump administration. Despite this, he expressed confidence and said, “I might face more difficulties, but I am not worried.”
Lin Tianming currently holds an Optional Practical Training (OPT) permit for international students, allowing him to work in the U.S. for one year. He plans to pursue music-related jobs and aims to secure a stable teaching position in music. Networking is crucial in his job search, especially as an international student, and his decision on whether to stay in the U.S. or return to Hong Kong remains undecided, depending on the opportunities available.