The University of the South Pacific (USP) celebrated the achievements of hundreds of students from across the Pacific at its Laucala graduation ceremonies in Suva, Fiji today.
The first of two graduation sessions was a vibrant celebration of academic achievement and cultural heritage.
A total of 625 students from the School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP), the School of Business and Management (SBM), Pacific Technical and Further Education (PTAFE), and the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Oceans and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS) were conferred their qualifications.
USP also celebrated a historic moment, as His Majesty King Tupou VI, King of Tonga was formally installed as the University’s 32nd Chancellor.
The ceremony, which saw students receive their degrees, diplomas, and certificates, marked a powerful return to USP’s foundational vision, as articulated by the King’s late father and the University’s first Chancellor, His Majesty King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV of Tonga.
In his address, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu, spoke on the significance of the occasion.
“What a full circle we have come, from the dreams of a founding monarch and now a direct line to our new Chancellor, at the very moment in our history when we need to recalibrate and reset our direction,” he said.
“The presence of royalty and senior Pacific leadership reminds us that this University was not born of policy papers or strategy documents alone. It was born of Pacific vision and far-reaching foresight, of noble legacy, and of deep belief in what education can achieve for our region.
“It was born of a covenant to share responsibilities and the returns of regional higher education.”
“You are stepping into a Pacific region of extraordinary complexity – the climate crises, fragile economies, the challenges of health and education, and rapid social and cultural change. But you are stepping into a time of extraordinary possibility and opportunity.”
“Your generation will shape how the Pacific survives and thrives in the decades ahead. You will make meaning of your learning.”
The University also celebrated the accomplishments of its graduates, including Sulieti Tongotea, who delivered a moving graduate speech.
“We share a common story—the story of sacrifice, resilience, and determination. Life at USP has meant, long hours in the library, crowded buses, waiting for Moodle to load at midnight, sharing a meal with friends, and finding strength in community, when the challenges felt too heavy,” she said.
“These are the experiences, that have shaped us, and they are, what make this graduation day even more meaningful.”
“Despite these different journeys, today we stand together as one community of graduates, united by the experiences and opportunities USP have given us.”
From a humble background, Bachelor of Arts in Environment Management graduate, Dimataisuva Tuivanuaso, credited her achievements to her family.
“Without my parents and siblings, I wouldn’t be here today,” Tuivanuaso added.
“I am fulfilling my parents wishes, it was their support and encouragement that helped me persevere through my studies. Now, I am working hard to give back to them. One thing they’ve always told me is to not give up on my dreams.”
The graduation ceremonies will conclude tomorrow, with the second and final session for graduates from the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics (SAFE), the School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS), the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE) and the Centre of Sustainable Futures (CSF).
A total 1,115 graduates will receive their certificates during the two-day graduation ceremonies. Of the graduates, 767 are females.
