“You are the author of your own story — and that’s what makes us truly extraordinary.”
Caleb Leonard, a drummer, pianist and cross-country team captain from Arizona, United States, brought both warmth and conviction to his message when he spoke on behalf of the Class of 2029 at today’s convocation at Duke Kunshan University.
He was joined by about 600 students from 30 countries, including China, the United States, Italy, Ireland, Morocco, Vietnam and Brazil.
“I see eyes that have watched sunsets over the Grand Canyon… hands that have traced the intricate tiles of Samarkand’s ancient mosques… souls shaped by the vast steppe of Mongolia… voices that echo from the highlands of Ethiopia,” Leonard said.
“To be brave enough to say goodbye to the people and places you love, knowing that when you return, nothing may ever be the same. To step into a country thousands of miles from home with only a backpack on your shoulders and a dream in your heart.”
DKU welcomed its largest undergraduate class this year, up 20 percent from the previous year’s 500 and more than double its inaugural undergraduate class in 2018. About 390 are from China and 210 are international, a 40 percent increase from last year’s 150.
Selected from nearly 12,000 applicants representing 144 countries, the Class of 2029 set DKU records for both applications and enrollment.
Chancellor Yaolin Liu encouraged students to use their education for societal good in an era of challenges and opportunities.
“Learning is not only to elevate yourself, but also for those who will benefit from your efforts in future,” he said. “In the process, you will carry forward DKU’s proud mission — knowledge in the service of society.”
Executive Vice Chancellor John Quelch underscored the importance of character and engagement.
“The most valuable credential you leave with will not be a transcript or a diploma, but your strength of character,” he said. “Cultivate empathy, think critically, and engage deeply — these are the hallmarks of leaders who can navigate an interconnected world.”
DKU was established in 2013 as a joint venture between Duke University, Wuhan University, and the City of Kunshan.
At the convocation, Duke University Provost, Chief Academic Officer and DKU Board of Trustees Chair Alec D. Gallimore, and Wuhan University Vice President and DKU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Yufeng Yuan offered video messages.
Scott MacEachern, vice chancellor for academic affairs at DKU, read a letter from the Kunshan government, highlighting the city’s blend of innovation, cultural richness ying weand campus life for fostering student growth.
Kolleen Guy, associate professor of history and associate dean for Academic Services, told students that culture is not a static, abstract concept but something people actively create together — through dialogue, listening, and daily efforts to understand each other.
“At DKU, we are not just studying culture. We are building one. Together, we are shaping a community rooted in empathy, curiosity and connection,” she said.
Zhuo’er Chen, Class of 2028, described DKU as “an all-encompassing journey of self.”
“You are not just one version of yourself here — you are a constantly evolving self, shaped by every culture, every experience, and every connection you make,” she told the new students.
DKU graduated its fourth undergraduate class of 339 in May. More than 80 percent of DKU’s undergraduate students have gone on to pursue advanced degrees at world-renowned universities, with some earning prestigious scholarships such as the Rhodes, the Schwarzman, the National Science Foundation and the Erasmus Mundus program.
Graduates of DKU’s four-year program, which includes the opportunity to study at the Duke University campus in the U.S., receive degrees from both DKU and Duke, and join a global alumni network of over 200,000.
Words of encouragement for the Class of 2029:
“Choosing DKU means joining a vibrant and diverse community of scholars who live by Duke’s core values — respect, trust, inclusion, discovery, and excellence. Last year, Duke celebrated its centennial. Now, you will help shape the university’s second century.”
-Alec D. Gallimore, Duke University Provost, Chief Academic Officer, and DKU Board of Trustees Chair
“As the new generation of the DKU community, you are not only beneficiaries of cultural exchange but also ambassadors of fostering mutual understanding among civilizations. I hope you will delve deeply into the profound richness of Chinese culture while actively embracing the diversity of global civilizations, expand your horizons through the integration of Eastern and Western traditions, and hone your skills through the unity of knowledge and practice.”
-Yufeng Yuan, Wuhan University Vice President and DKU Board of Trustees Vice Chair
“Dear young students, it is our honor to walk this path of discovery with you. As the scroll of youth unfolds, may you flourish in this open, inclusive, innovative and exceptional city, transcending boundaries to leave indelible footprints and create the most cherished memories.”
-The Kunshan Municipal Government
