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 | The Chancellor of USP, His Excellency, Sir Frank Ofagioro Kabui, Governor General of the Solomon Islands, presents an award to a graduating student at the Graduation Ceremony. |
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The University of the South Pacific successfully held one of its largest Graduation Ceremonies with about 1447 students from 19 different nationalities receiving certificates, diplomas and degrees today.
This auspicious occasion held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, was well attended by members of the USP Council and Senate, USP staff, dignitaries from the public and private sector, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of international and regional organisations, graduands and their families and friends, and invited guests.
The Ceremony was aired live around the region on Fiji One and Sky Pacific channels.
Among those present at the Ceremony was the Prime Minister of Fiji, Honourable Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra told the graduates that they are the hope of the Pacific.
“Many of you will become leaders in politics, commerce and in the community. I am confident that all of you will make very worthwhile contributions to your families, countries and the world.”
“Make the University proud by being hard-working, innovative and committed. Be ethical in your future work, lead a life of meaning and impact, and be willing to make a difference. These should be the inspiring elements of the USP brand of which you will all be ambassadors,” he added.
While reminding graduates that they must continue to learn, Professor Chandra emphasised that success is a journey, not a destination.
“Receiving your certificates, diplomas, or degrees today does not signal an end but rather the beginning of a long journey. It is what you do, and how you do it after graduation that will determine your success in life,” he explained.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the graduands to continue their interest in the University. He urged them to actively participate in alumni activities and stay connected and contribute towards the development of their countries and the Pacific region.
Professor Chandra highlighted the significant achievements of the University. Some of these included:
· Increase in student enrolment numbers for this year by 16 percent;
· Opening of the state-of-the-art Multi Purpose Lecture Theatre - second phase of the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre;
· Improved financial performance of the University with better than budget performance in 2011;
· Commencement of work on the next USP Strategic Plan covering 2013-2018.
· Significant progress of the Strategic Total Academic Review (STAR) project with a new undergraduate degree structure and the implementation of the Credit Points System to start in 2013;
· Implementation of two new undergraduate programmes in 2012 - Bachelor in Engineering (Mechanical) and Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical & Electronics);
· Improvement in senior staff recruitments; and
· Proposals to be considered by the Finance and Investments Committee for the development of the Lautoka campus and the development of additional student accommodation.
The conferring of the awards was done by the USP Chancellor, His Excellency Sir Frank Ofagioro Kabui. Sir Kabui who is the Governor-General of the Solomon Islands is the 18th Chancellor of the University.
The Graduation Ceremony was Sir Kabui’s last official engagement as Chancellor as his term comes to an end on 30th June later this year.
Professor Chandra thanked the Chancellor for his interest and wholehearted support for the University.
Sir Kabui was supportive of the decision by the Government of Solomon Islands in allocating land for the development of a new USP campus in Honiara.
“Even though your term will end, we will continue to seek your wise counsel in moving this unique and valuable institution forward,” said Professor Chandra.
He also thanked all USP stakeholders for their faith in the work that the University is undertaking and wished the graduates well in their future.
After the presentation of awards, Mr Tevita Tuiloa gave the graduand speech. He was also the gold medal recipient for the Vice-Chancellor’s All-Rounder Prize.
Mr Tuiloa acknowledged the efforts made by the USP staff, parents, sponsors, and family and friends that helped students to achieve their awards.
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