THE University of the South Pacific (USP) Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahwalia has urged the 229 USP Solomon Islands Campus students who graduated on Friday to be catalysts for the positive transformation of the Pacific region.
Speaking at the graduation held at the Friendship Hall in East Honiara last Friday, Professor Ahwalia said, “This commencement ceremony, which in many countries it is called the commencement ceremony rather than a graduation marks the start of a new chapter, continuation of the story that each of you is writing with diligence, passion and perseverance.
“As you sit here today, wearing the cap and gown which symbolize the years of effort you have invested, I urge you to reflect on the incredible development that brought you to this very moment. Your hard work, late nights and unwavering commitment have all paid off, equipping you not only with knowledge but with the resilience to face tomorrow’s challenges.
“We live in a time of rapid change, in a world that calls for innovative thinking and thinkers and compassionate leaders. The education you have received has prepared you to be contributors and catalysts for the positive transformation of our Blue Pacific continent.”
Professor Ahwalia told the graduands to remember that the greatest advancements were born from the bold ideas and unyielding spirits of those who dared to dream and urged them that as they venture forward, they must hold on to the values of integrity, inclusivity and curiosity which USP cherishes.
He also told the graduands to also remember that they are part of the USP family, which spans generations and knows no boundaries and urged them to maintain this bond.
“Carry this bond with you as you venture into the world with courage, with resilience and a heart full of dreams ready to be realized
“I urge all of you to continuously embody our values of excellence and creativity, ethics and accountability, respect and inclusivity and really supporting our Pacific people.
“Through our Alumni Office, USP will strive to maintain and strengthen our connections with all of you and I look forward to hearing and witnessing the impact of leadership and innovation portrayed by our graduates.
“I challenge you all to be the change makers we all need to be, to embody our Pacific spirit of working together for the benefit of all and to shape a better future for the Pacific.”
The 229 graduates received certificates, diplomas and degrees and VC Ahwalia dubbed these as amazing achievements in addition to the opening of the state-of-the-art USP Solomon Islands campus the previous day (Thursday).
Professor Ahwalia dedicated time during his speech for the graduands to show appreciation to their families, friends and supporters who graced the occasion with their presence.
“Now before we proceed any further, I now invite our graduands to stand please. I want you to look towards your families and friends and supporters in the crowd and let’s show them your appreciation for their contributions with a warm round of applause.
“These are the people who have helped you get here. We must celebrate them as well today and words may never be enough to convey the feeling of thanksgiving our graduands have for their loved ones.
“To the families and friends here today, thank you for believing in these students, for believing in their dreams and for believing that USP was the best choice for them.”
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
