Congratulations, Class of 2026!

The 217th Congregation Celebrates the Achievements of HKU’s Newest Graduates

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.