The University of the South Pacific Solomon Islands Campus and Alumni Office hosted a networking event for its alumni in Honiara.
The Kolosap Ivining event on Monday, 25 September 2023, aimed to gather USP alumni together, re-engage the network and celebrate alumni achievements in the Solomon Islands.
Over 60 USP alumni from all walks of life, including government officials, business leaders, academic lecturers and artists, attended the event.
In his address, USP Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Regional Campuses and Global Engagements, Dr Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga, congratulated the alumni for their contributions to the Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.
Dr Paunga said that USP alumni in the Solomon Islands are a force for good in their country. They are making significant contributions to all sectors of society, including government, business, education, academia, and the arts.
He also highlighted the importance of alumni engagement for USP. He said that USP and its alumni can make a difference in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific region by working together.
USP Alumni Affairs Coordinator, Ms Sala Toganivalu Lesuma, introduced the newly launched Alumni Relationship Management System (ARMS), which serves as a platform for alumni to register and keep in touch with the university and other alumni. Link: https://www.usp.ac.fj/alumni/arms/
Mrs Lesuma said, “The event is an opportunity for USP alumni in the Solomon Islands to unite, network, and celebrate their shared achievements. It was also an opportunity for the alumni to learn more about USP’s plans for the future and to discuss how they can continue to support their university in light of the new USP Campus that will be opened later this year.”
“USP has over 60,000 graduates globally since 1968. Of that, 8850 are from the Solomon Islands. Since USP started, we have had 3 USP Chancellors from the Solomon Islands,” she added.
Mrs Lesuma highlighted that USP alumni hold senior leadership positions in government ministries and departments. They are also elected members of Parliament and the Provincial Assemblies.
She says in business, USP alumni are entrepreneurs and executives. They are also creating jobs and contributing to the economic development of the Solomon Islands, while in education, USP alumni are teachers, lecturers, and administrators at schools and universities across the country. They are also vital in educating the next generation of Solomon Islands leaders and professionals.
“Solomon Island alumni contribute to academia in individuals such as Dr Tarcisius Kabutaulaka of the University of Hawaii and Dr Gordon Nanau of USP and there are many more. In the arts, USP alumni are musicians, artists, writers, and filmmakers. They are also promoting the culture and heritage of the Solomon Islands through their work,” she added.
The USP Solomon Islands Alumni have elected executives to lead the USP Alumni Association in the Solomons. They are – Ms Leonora Houma, Senior Lecturer at the Solomon Islands National University; Ms Shenthel Soaki, Programs Manager, Australian Embassy; Dr Wilson Maeaba, Assistant Lecturer USP; Mr John Konofilia, Manager HR at Solomon Post and Ms Katrina Nhapps—Bank Officer at BSP.
