Astronaut Amanda Nguyen inspires new Fulbright Vietnam graduates

On June 7, Fulbright University Vietnam held a graduation ceremony for the 2025 undergraduate class of 180 new graduates. Amanda Nguyen, the first female astronaut of Vietnamese descent to fly into space, was the honorary speaker at this year's graduation ceremony.

As an honorary speaker, Amanda Nguyen brought 169 lotus seeds from Vietnam into space as a symbol of Vietnamese life, intelligence and spirit.

Amanda Nguyen also presented some lotus seeds that she brought with her on her space trip to the new graduates of Fulbright University Vietnam.

This action demonstrates the desire that Amanda Nguyen has mentioned many times before, which is to inspire, empower and steadfastly give the young generation of Vietnam the courage to pursue their big dreams.

In her commencement speech, Amanda Nguyen shared profound lessons about empathy, courage, and love, emphasizing that the liberal arts education that Fulbright students receive will be a solid foundation for them to create positive changes. These are also the values that have shaped Amanda Nguyen’s extraordinary journey.

Amanda Nguyen also advised new graduates to cherish their "roots" as well as their starting points.

New graduates at the graduation ceremony of the 2025 undergraduate class

At the same time, have the courage to pursue your own journey, because with love and courage, even dreams that seem far-fetched like flying into space can become reality.

With the message “Staying Rooted, Reaching Far”, this year’s graduation ceremony honors each student’s journey built on the values of liberal education and Vietnamese identity.

Of the 180 new graduates, 36 graduated with honors and 48 had excellent graduation projects.

In addition, there are many individuals with impressive contributions and results in social projects, startups, job applications and academia.

In his message to the new graduates, Professor Scott Fritzen, President of Fulbright University Vietnam, reminded the new graduates to always stay true to their roots, live a meaningful life, and connect with the community and humanity.

CAO TAN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nu-phi-hanh-gia-amanda-nguyen-truyen-cam-hung-cho-tan-cu-nhan-fulbright-viet-nam-post885285.html