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 | The new USP Chancellor, Ulo-o-Tokelau, His Excellency Aliki Faipule Kerisiano Kalolo presents the award to a graduating student. |
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A total of 802 students graduated from the University of the South Pacific during its second graduation ceremony of the year which was held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on 7 September.
This special occasion for students and their families, was attended by members of the USP Council and Senate, USP staff, dignitaries from the private and public sector, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of regional and international organizations, University community at large and other invited guests.
Students from 18 different nationalities received their awards with some being from non-member states of the University, coming from as far as Bangladesh, Germany, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Forty three percent of the graduates received postgraduate level qualifications, and there were also three PhD graduates - two from the Faculty of Business and Economics and one from the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education.
In congratulating the graduands on their milestone achievement, the Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra said that the University was proud of their achievements.
“Today, we have come together to celebrate your achievements. Even though the road may not have been easy, you have stuck through thick and thin and with sacrifice and determination reached your goals,” the graduates were told.
Professor Chandra reminded graduates that in order to be successful in life, they must utilize the knowledge acquired to make a positive contribution and have beneficial impact on their respective societies.
“That should be a mark of a USP graduate,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that in a world characterized by globalization and rapid change, employers are looking for graduates with certain high-level skills in problem solving, team work, critical thinking and with a strong sense of work ethics.
"I have no doubt that your USP training has equipped you well to make your mark and that you will continue to promote the USP brand," he added.
Professor Chandra also briefly highlighted some on the University’s recent developments and plans for the future.
This included the positive feedback from the University Grants Committee, the development of the new Strategic Plan 2013-2018 which will be submitted to the Council in November, the continued improvements in the University’s financial performance, as well as the successful implementation of the Strategic Total Academic Review (STAR) project.
To further strengthen the learning experience, Professor Chandra said that USP continues to work to upgrade accommodation for on campus staff and students and recruit highly qualified and renowned academic professionals.
He added that much improvement has been made with provision of ICTs and new technologies throughout most of the USP campuses.
He thanked all the stakeholders for their continued support towards USP.
Professor Chandra concluded by emphasising to graduates that, “the future is what you make of it and much is expected of you. Make USP proud by your strong, innovative and ethical contributions.”
The newly-installed USP Chancellor, Ulo-o-Tokelau, His Excellency Aliki Faipule Kerisiano Kalolo conferred certificates, diplomas and degrees to the graduates.
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