Valedictorian 2023 of Van Lang University: Inspirations

On August 20th, 2023, Van Lang University organized the commencement for the new Bachelors in Finance and Banking, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design and Piano Performance.

Over more than 1/4 century, the brand of Van Lang University has been built up by the affirmed value of each student and the sharing spirit between all generations. Until now, after 28 years of development, Van Lang University has formed a close solidarity community, a perse​ver​ant spirit and people who follow three core values: Morality-Will-Creativity in every moment of life.

Graduated with Very Good degree and the high GPA of 3,57, Tran Quoc Bao, the new valedictorian of the Interior Design major, represented the new bachelors to share the journey inspired by his brother, an alumni and lecturer of the Faculty of Art and Design at Van Lang University. He also hopes to become an inspiration for the next generations.

" My name is Tran Quoc Bao, the valedictorian of Course 25 in Interior Design.

I still remember in 2019, I was honored to represent all Course 25 freshmen with the speech at the Convocation Ceremony at Military Zone 7 Stadium.

Today, once again at Trinh Cong Son Hall, I feel really lucky to represent the new bachelors and deliver a speech at the commencement. This time, I believe that I've become more mature and braver than I was on the stage 4 years ago.

When it comes to my journey at Van Lang University, I prefer to talk about the people who inspired me. Fortunately, there were always some really special people, who fueled my fire and helped me to orient and be steadfast throughout each stage on my path.

Eight years ago, my brother was a student of course 17 of Graphic Design who was preparing for his commencement, and he led me to Campus 2 to see the booth exhibition of graduation projects. At that moment, that trip built up a dream to pursue a career in Design. When I was in high school, after learning more about Van Lang University combined with my brother's advice, I decided to choose Van Lang to fulfill my dream. So, thanks to my brother for being the first to inspire me to start this journey. I know you are very happy, probably chuckling with eyes almost closed because my brother also participates in this hall, but his role is lecturer of Van Lang.

Since the moment I became one of the members of the Fine Arts family, I have enjoyed my wonderful student life, living with ambitious and passionate people. Through 4 years, I have been inspired by many lecturers in the faculty. All the lecturers have delivered valuable lessons in skills, attitudes, and expertise, which help us become more mature, confident, and passionate about our careers.

With admiration and love, we express our gratitude to lecturers, who are our dedicated inspirations.

Fine Arts students like us grow through each project. We will always remember the days and nights of completing the project together, and over time, the studio became our second home. Even though there is a time when we have to learn online because of COVID-19, both students and lecturers made great efforts and were happy to see high-quality projects.

I have vivid memories of a very special project of Course 25, Interior Design: the "Von Co" project. It was the first time that Course 25 had the opportunity to travel to Hue for a week to study traditional interior architecture. Standing in the dignified space of a village communal house, listening to Mr. Vinh's explanations and lectures, it was the moment that ignite my fire for the career

In the field of arts and design, we always need such inspiration to fuel our passion and motivate ourselves, because, in the cycle of creativity, we easily fall into discouragement and doubt. The source of inspiration can come by chance, but most of the time, we have to find it ourselves.

I have also experienced being discouraged. To regain inspiration, I started interning and volunteering in remote areas. Finally, I chose to follow the direction of community service to complete my student journey. My graduation project is a community project: redesigning a social welfare center in Kon Tum. It was a challenging decision at first because it required extensive research on a special subject and numerous fieldwork. A wrong decision could lead to the collapse of my project.

I went to Kon Tum two times to do surveys, measurements and collect opinions to enhance this project. I still remember the day before my first trip to Kon Tum, I was very anxious that I lacked the experience to continue the project and the workload may be out of my control. However, when I met the orphans there, from the newborns to the high school students, their smiles and tears inspired and motivated me to complete my project.

My Graduation project was successful. I would like to thank Ms. Nhan, my supervisor, for her trust and for guiding me in the right direction. One of my happiness is the result of my graduation project exceeding expectations, but the bigger reason is a valuable lesson: Designers must have fieldwork experience and create with whole their heart for the community.

Dear Fine Arts family, 

One last thing I want to thank is the spiritual inspiration from the colour of the flag and shirt, nurturing my unconditional love for the faculty. When Fine Arts students wear the red shirt, it is a signal that we are embarking together on the biggest group project: the Hoa Sac project.

Hoa Sac is not only a festival, but also a home, a memory, sweat and tears, a fire that is preserved  by each generation of students. The coming of Hoa Sac is the time to ignite the Red spirit of the Fine Arts Faculty lecturers and students. It is a reunion, the homecoming of many generations of alumni. 

I am ecstatic to be a part of "Hoa Sac". I give my sincere thanks to all the alumni, friends, and juniors who contributed. 15 seasons of Hoa Sac have passed, and now, there is nothing more exciting than the comeback of the 16th Hoa Sac from our juniors. Parting today, but every year we will return "home" to welcome Hoa Sac together.

Dear new Bachelors of Piano Performance, Vocal Performance, and Finance and Banking,

I hope the happiness of my sharing about inspiration in the Faculty of Fine Arts can spread positivity to all of you. I believe each of you here has been fortunate to meet some special individuals at Van Lang University: the lecturers who ignited your passion for the career, the friends who accompanied you through challenges, and many other meaningful things that have illuminated your path.

And the last words will be for the most important people!

Thanks to my parents, who have to try all their best to provide me with the best conditions through the years. I'm grateful to my parents for always being by my side, encouraging and supporting my decisions. I know many people doubt why you let me study at Van Lang University. Now with this result, I hope to make you proud of me. 

With all our love, thank you to our parents.

We have had a truly fulfilling and meaningful time as students at Van Lang. I wish all of you to be determined, stride confidently, keep your passion, and build your own brand. Van Lang will always be proud of you. 

Thanks to our lecturers for your love and care! Thank you, Van Lang, for everything.

Tran Quoc Bao
Course 25 Valedictorian in Interior Design

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INSPIRATIONS appear all around us. They might be our parents, siblings, a lecturer, a friend, a celebrity, or even a person we came across outside, but left a strong impression on us. For those at Van Lang University, becoming an inspiration is a mission for every generation. Brothers studying in the same university is not just the story of valedictorian Tran Quoc Bao. Van Lang University is proud to become the second home to many families: parent-child pairs, younger siblings following their older sibling, sisters under the same roof, or even two generations of a family are part of Van Lang, all of that is no longer a strange story. We believe that Van Lang University tradition will continue in many other small families, and those studying here will confidently and proudly take on the role of a Van Lang ambassador, spreading inspiration to their close relations and the future community.

Valedictorian Nhu Ngoc Minh Anh, course 25 in Finance and Banking of Honors Program

• Cumulative GPA: 3.36
• Degree Classification: Very Good
• Achieved a scholarship for many consecutive semesters
• Second Place in University-level Scientific Research in 2021
• Third Place in Ministry-level Science and Technology Awards in 2021
• Consolation Prize in "The 6th Quantitative Economics and Applications Olympics " in 2021
• Outstanding student representing to visit the Hung Temple in 2021
• Student with 5 Good Criteria at the faculty level, school year 2020-2021

“I want to express my gratitude to my parents, and lecturers who have supported me through 4 years at Van Lang University. Especially, I thank Mr. Tran Dinh Dung - my inspiration, and the students in the Honors Program. Without the textbooks, assignments, or grade pressure, your lectures are deeply implanted in our minds because of the relatable stories and experiences from the smallest aspects of life. Thank you for teaching me that if life is 95% negative, always focus on the remaining 5% to keep moving forward.”

Valedictorian Ho Ngoc Gia Han, Course 25 in Biotechnology

• Cumulative GPA: 3.38
• Degree Classification: Very Good
• Achieved scholarships for many consecutive semesters

"As a person who loves natural health care products and environment treatment applications, enrolling in Biotechnology at Van Lang University was an absolutely suitable decision. Van Lang is not only just a place for learning; we are also a family. We often joke: 'If there's something difficult, we have Ms. Quyen.' You're a mother to us. Despite our stubbornness, which makes you worry, you never leave us. Thank you, Dr. Vo Thi Xuyen, for your advice that helps me stably follow my path. I want to express my gratitude to the lab management staff, the lecturers at the faculty, for supporting and accompanying Course 25 to the end of the program."

Valedictorian Tran Minh Long, Course 24 in Civil Engineering

• Cumulative GPA: 2.96
• Degree Classification: Good
• Achieved a scholarship for 4 consecutive semesters
• Vice President - Deputy Secretary of the Faculty of Civil Engineering 2023
• Member of the Executive Committee of the Youth Union - Faculty of Civil Engineering, school year 2019-2020
• Excellent Union - Association officials, school year 2019-2020
• Outstanding student at Faculty level, school year 2020-2021
• Excellent Leaders of Spring Volunteer Campaign, school year 2019-2020
• Student with 5 Good Criteria at the school level, school year 2019-2020
• Excellent Vice - Leader for the Provincial Front of Green Summer campaign for the school year 2020-2021

“A journey that seemed endless has finally reached its final. Looking back at the first days of entering Van Lang University, everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. Thanks to the support and care of the seniors, lecturers, and staff at the faculty, Van Lang became more familiar and turned into a second home. It provided not only a large knowledge and valuable experience in the construction field, but also essential soft skills for future careers. In the future, I want to apply the knowledge into practice, establish a construction company, and mentor the next generations, upholding the reputation of Van Lang students in the job market.”

Valedictorian Nguyen Hanh Anh Minh, Course 25 in Business Administration

• Cumulative GPA: 3.53
• Degree Classification: Very Good
• Achieved scholarships for many consecutive semesters
• Student with 5 Good Criteria at the school level, school year 2021-2022
• Outstanding Student at school level, school year 2021-2022

“Looking back on those days at Van Lang University, I'm proud to be a student of the Faculty of Business Administration, studying with a team of experienced lecturers who have achieved significant accomplishments in teaching and research. The lecturers not only taught essential foundational knowledge; they also shared practical experiences that they’ve experienced, helping us understand how to handle challenging situations. The friendly and dynamic environment at Van Lang University has honed many skills for me to better and become the best version of myself.”

Valedictorian Nguyen Thanh Nhu, Course 25 in Economic Law

• Cumulative GPA: 3.56
• Degree Classification: Very Good
• Achieved scholarships for many consecutive semesters
• Outstanding student at faculty level, school year 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 
• Good Soldier of Spring Volunteer Campaign 2022
• "Talented Students" Business scholarship of the Faculty of Law, school year 2021-2022
• Ranking Very Good 4 consecutive semesters
• Ranking Excellent 3 consecutive semesters
• Teacher Assistant in many semesters

“Being a student of Economic Law at Van Lang University, I am always proud of the values that the university and lecturers impart to me and the students before the journey to build a career. Thank you Van Lang University for providing me with a high-quality learning environment, dedicated lecturers, specialized training programs, clear directions, and various valuable experiences for students.”