By RYAN IROGA
THE University of the South Pacific’s (USP) 56th annual graduation for the Laucala campus recognised the institution’s contribution to women’s empowerment, with 61 per cent of the overall graduates being female.
USP Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia stated that an average of 60 per cent of graduates over the past six years have been women.
“I think that’s a remarkable commitment by the university, given that our institution has produced more female graduates for successive years, and this year is no different,” said Professor Ahluwalia.
He praised the growing number of female graduates and emphasised the need for more women to take on leadership roles.
The graduation ceremony, held over two days, saw a total of 1,147 graduates from 18 countries receive their certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
“Eight hundred and seven students are graduating at the undergraduate level, and 340 are graduating at the postgraduate level,” noted Professor Ahluwalia.
In his address to the graduates, he highlighted the significance of the event and posed a challenge to the newly graduated students.
“Today we gather to celebrate a milestone in your journey of learning and personal growth. This commencement marks the start of a new chapter, a continuation of the story each of you is writing with diligence, passion, and perseverance. I challenge you all to be the change-makers we so desperately need, to embody our Pacific spirit of working together for the benefit of all, and to shape a better future for the Pacific,” he said.
He also urged graduates to uphold the values of USP as they move forward.
“As you venture forward, hold on to the values that our university cherishes—integrity, inclusivity, and curiosity. Embrace opportunities to learn from those who are different from you, for it is in diversity that the most profound understandings and advancements emerge,” he advised.
Professor Ahluwalia further called for graduates to be innovative thinkers and compassionate leaders.
“The education you have received has prepared you to be contributors and catalysts for positive transformation in our Blue Pacific,” he said.
During his speech, Professor Ahluwalia also announced that USP ranked among the top universities worldwide in the 2024 Higher Education and Impact Rankings.
The rankings evaluated 2154 universities from 125 countries, with USP placing in the 601–800 range out of 1963 institutions.
Additionally, USP was ranked among the top 300 global universities for innovation through the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).
Professor Ahluwalia acknowledged the commendable work of the university staff, saying, “These international rankings are a testament to the hard work, determination, and teamwork of our staff and students. I am very proud of this fact and acknowledge everyone who has contributed to our global recognition.”
The first session of the graduation, held on Thursday, September 5, saw 387 students from the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Oceans, and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS), the School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics (STEMP), and the School of Business and Management (SBM) receive their qualifications.
In the afternoon session, 256 students from Pacific Technical and Further Education (Pacific TAFE) were awarded their certificates. The event also celebrated the achievements of 41 students who received their master’s degrees from SBM, SAGEONS, and STEMP.
On Friday, 6 September, 85 students from the School of Pacific Arts, Communication, and Education (SPACE), the School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLASS), the School of Accounting, Finance, and Economics (SAFE), and the Pacific Centre for Environment & Sustainable Development (PaCE-SD) were recognized for their achievements.
Ryan Iroga is a USP Journalism student and part of the Wansolwara editorial team.
