There is something deeply moving about the moment when young people, just beginning their college journey, catch a glimpse of their own future in the bright, hopeful eyes of graduates dressed in their caps and gowns.
More than 2,000 BVU students gathered with excitement for the 2026 New Student Welcome Ceremony and the Commencement Ceremony honoring graduates receiving master’s degrees, pharmacy degrees, engineering degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. Held on the morning of October 10, 2026, at Hai Phuong Convention Center in Rach Dua Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, the event was filled with laughter, applause, and the tentative first steps of the Class of 2026, sharing the same space with the joy of soon-to-be graduates preparing to receive their degrees. Two pivotal milestones in young people’s lives came together in a single moment: one generation beginning its journey and another preparing to set sail toward new horizons.
Following lively opening performances that energized the auditorium and a solemn flag salute, the ceremony officially began in a warm atmosphere of connection and shared pride.
Passing the Torch of Tradition
Standing before thousands of eager young faces, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ba Hoang, President of Ba Ria–Vung Tau University (BVU), offered heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class and a warm welcome to the incoming Class of 2026. His words carried the wisdom of someone who had walked the path before them: college is not simply a place to acquire the knowledge needed to earn a living. It is also where students develop the character, resilience, and sense of responsibility to lead meaningful lives and make a difference in the world.
One of the most moving moments of the opening program was the traditional flag-passing ceremony at Ba Ria–Vung Tau University. As the university’s deep blue flag passed from one generation to the next, the gesture represented far more than a formal tradition. It symbolized the passing on of trust, responsibility, and youthful enthusiasm. From their seats in the auditorium, incoming students watched with shining eyes, embracing the beginning of a journey full of possibilities.
A Launchpad for New Beginnings
The excitement in the auditorium grew as the university announced awards recognizing students who had achieved outstanding results in national and international competitions during the 2025–2026 academic year, along with the university’s top incoming student and the top incoming student from each of its five faculties. The first steps of these high-achieving students were met with well-deserved, enthusiastic applause.
Congratulations to Our Seven Outstanding Student Achievers
- Nguyen Le Khanh Linh – Third Prize, National Student Science Olympiad.
- Tran Thi Kim Tram – Third Prize, National Student Science Olympiad.
- Huynh Trong Tri – Individual Gold Medal, 2025 National Youth Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Championship.
- Nguyen Ba Anh Quan – Silver Medal, National Student Vovinam Championship.
- Hoang Minh Hung – Silver Medal, National Student Vovinam Championship.
- Nguyen Bao Ai Vy – Bronze Medal, National Student Vovinam Championship.
- Bui Le Dang Khoa – Honorable Mention, 36th National Mechanics Olympiad, 2026.
Congratulations to the Top Incoming Students of the 2026 Admissions Cohort
- Nguyen Huu Cuong – University Valedictorian (Top Incoming Student).
- Nguyen Anh Phuong – Top Incoming Student, Faculty of Technology and Engineering.
- Tran Thanh Ngoc – Top Incoming Student, Faculty of Tourism and Health Sciences.
- Dang Thi Phuong Nam – Top Incoming Student, Faculty of Maritime Economics and Logistics.
- Le Thi Hong Ha – Top Incoming Student, Faculty of Languages and International Cultures.
- Nguyen Thuy Vy – Top Incoming Student, Faculty of Management and Law.
Sharing in the celebration, representatives of BVU’s corporate partners personally presented scholarships totaling more than VND 400 million. Their support represents more than financial assistance; it also helps open doors to future career opportunities, giving students a stronger foundation as they embark on their academic journeys. In recognition of this partnership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ba Hoang presented flower arrangements and letters of appreciation to the businesses that have continued to place their trust in BVU and invest in the next generation of talent.
Proud Tears and 580 Degrees Marking the Next Chapter
Following a dynamic Vovinam martial arts performance that brought energy and precision to the stage, the ceremony moved into its most anticipated segment: the commencement ceremony.
As the award recipients were announced, eight top graduates and four students who had graduated on schedule with honors stepped forward to receive commemorative medals, visibly moved by the recognition of their achievements.
Honoring Four Master’s Degree Valedictorians
- Pham Thi Hang – Valedictorian, Master of Business Administration.
- Le Thi An Na – Valedictorian, Master’s Program in English Language Teaching Methodology.
- Trinh Thi Hien – Valedictorian, Master’s Program in Information Technology.
- Tran Huu Huy – Valedictorian, Master’s Program in Oriental Studies.
Honoring Four Valedictorians of the Regular Undergraduate Programs
- Luu Gia Bao – Valedictorian, Hospitality Management.
- Nguyen Xuan Vy – Valedictorian, Pharmacy.
- Le Van Hiep – Valedictorian, Construction Engineering Technology.
- Nguyen Au Khanh Duy – Valedictorian, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology.
Recognizing Four Students Who Graduated on Schedule with Honors
- Nguyen Duy Luong – Pharmacy graduate.
- Vo Tran Trung Nguyen – Pharmacy graduate.
- Le Dinh Truong – Bachelor of Construction Engineering Technology.
- Huynh Tan Phuc – Bachelor of Hospitality Management.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, a student representative delivered a heartfelt tribute, their voice breaking with emotion. They expressed gratitude for the sleepless nights spent studying for exams, for the teachers who patiently guided them through every calculation and line of code, and for the parents whose quiet sacrifices had made this day possible. A bouquet of fresh flowers presented to the faculty conveyed the graduates’ deepest gratitude—a heartfelt expression of appreciation from students preparing to leave the university they had called home.
The ceremony then continued with the presentation of degrees to 580 master’s graduates, pharmacy graduates, engineers, and bachelor’s degree recipients as they took their places on the stage. In the audience, many parents discreetly wiped away tears as they watched their children receive their degrees from the university president. Each diploma represented years of hard work, sacrifice, and cherished hopes for the future.
The celebration concluded with group photos filled with smiles and cheers as graduates tossed their caps into the air. For the Class of 2026, the journey of self-discovery has only just begun. For the 580 graduates, the sails are already rais
