The University of the South Pacific (USP) Samoa Campus celebrated 101 students who graduated with degrees, diplomas, and certificates, on Friday.
USP Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Regional Campuses and Global Engagement) Dr Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga said, “To the 100 graduates receiving their degrees, diplomas, and certificates, we extend great congratulations to the students from nine different countries such as Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tokelau and of course Samoa.”
“Of the total number of students graduating, 65 of the students are female; 25 students graduated from the School of Business and Management (SBM), three students from the School of Information Technology, Engineering and Physics (STEMP), five students graduated from the School of Accounting and Finance (SAFE), the School of Law and Social Sciences (SOLASS) sees 13 students graduated while 41 students from Pacific Technical and Further Education (Pacific TAFE),” he added.
“This achievement is for the students to celebrate, but it is an achievement that was made possible through the support and sacrifice of each of your families.”
Dr Paunga shared that each student graduating also contributes to the legacy left by predecessors who have paved the way for this regional university.
“You will have a chance to shape your own destiny and reshape the region and the world around us. I encourage you today to carry this legacy forward and praise this moment with humility and joy. As you move forward, you will face many challenges, but you will also have many opportunities. You will have the chance to learn to grow and connect with others who will have the chance to shape your destinies,” he said.
He highlighted that USP has been and continues to be a bedrock for regionalism, a resource owned by the region; for the region and a precious institution that needs to be protected in line with the vision of our forbearers.
Dr Paunga said the staff and students are just as proud of the many alumni who are currently leaders in the international and private sectors and continue to make an immensely invaluable contribution to the development of these countries and the region.
“Our graduates have filled critical roles, and many have become leaders across all sectors in their respective countries. We are proud of our alumni who have become Prime Ministers, Presidents, Ministers of the cabinet, leaders of the public and private sector in our member countries,” he added.
