1321 students graduate from regional university

USP graduates during the second Laucala graduation ceremony for 2018. As many as 1321 students graduated with their certificates, diplomas and degrees at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva on September 20-21. Picture: USP Communications Office

By CHRIS HA’ARABE

It was a day of celebration for The University of the South Pacific community this week as 1321 students graduated with their certificates, diplomas and degrees at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva.

The two-day graduation event saw 806 students graduate in a two-part ceremony on September 20. Of the 806 graduates, 568 were from the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) and Pacific Technical and Further Education (Pacific TAFE) while 238 students were from the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education.

Today, 515 students from the Faculty of Business and Economics received their certificates of achievement.

This round of graduation, according to outgoing USP vice-chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra, was the highest number for September graduations in Laucala and an 11 per cent increase from last year.

“The graduate experience and qualifications that you will go away with today will help you increase the chance of lifelong success anywhere in the world. As you celebrate your hard work, sacrifice and perseverance, remember to thank those who have supported you in your journey, your parents and families, sponsors, lecturers and tutors without whose support you would not have reached this far,” he said while congratulating the graduates.

USP’s 25^th chancellor, Kiribati President Taneti Maamau, attended the ceremony and reflected on the manifestation of success at the University over the past five decades.

Master of Education graduate Pati Eka Angelu from Tuvalu says hard work paid off when he received his certificate at the USP graduation ceremony yesterday. Picture: CHRIS HA’ARABE

“I know for all of you, your dreams have come true, and I know that you have been working hard to achieve your goals,” Mr Maamau said.

Speaking at the ceremony, USP Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the USP Council, Winston Thompson, encouraged graduates to keep their dreams alive.

“All of you have come from a diversity of cultures and traditions, and you have strived and worked hard to get your qualifications,” said Mr Thompson.

He said students who received certificates were the backbone of countries in the Pacific region.

Master of Education graduate Pati Eka Angelu from Tuvalu said he was lucky to be a student at USP and reflected on his time as an undergraduate.

“Coming to USP made me feel like all the Pacific Islanders are connected to each other,” Mr Angelu said.

He said USP provided the opportunity for him to expand his network and contacts with his fellow Pacific countrymen.

“It was also a sad moment for me because I will miss my best friends and families I have made connections with, but I know we will see each other along the way,” the excited graduate said.

USP’s September graduation was also significant in that 64 per cent of the total number of graduates were women, 28 per cent were from Pacific TAFE with sub-degree and pathways qualifications, 42 per cent were from undergraduate programmes comprising certificate, diploma and degree levels, 20 per cent received postgraduate certificates and diplomas, 9 per cent graduated with Master’s degrees while six students graduated with PhD qualifications.

According to the University, students from 18 countries (including 10 non-member countries) graduated this week. This achievement, the University says, was testament of the growing international profile and attraction of USP.

* Chris Ha’arabe (Solomon Islands) is a final-year journalism student at The University of the South Pacific in Suva.

The 25th Chancellor of USP, Kiribati President Taneti Maamau, confers an award to a graduate at the Laucala campus graduation ceremony yesterday. Picture: CHRIS HA’ARABE