A total of 120 graduates received their certificates, diplomas and degrees during the graduation ceremony at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Emalus Campus in Vanuatu on 18 December 2015.
Fifty per cent of the total graduates were females. 106 students graduated with undergraduate qualifications while 14 graduated at the postgraduate-level.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching & Student Services), Professor Richard Coll described graduation as the most significant and meaningful occasion in the University’s calendar for graduates.
He extended his congratulations to the graduates for persevering and completing their studies.
“You can be justly proud of your achievements. A number of people have made sacrifices for you – your family, your sponsors and your community and country, and I am sure you will recognise their efforts and celebrate with them today,” he further said.
He advised graduates that as they leave the University and step into the world, they must rise out of the challenges with a clear sense of direction.
Professor Coll encouraged graduates to be excellent ambassadors of USP and their communities.
“With your knowledge and skills we trust you will make efforts to change many things for the better. Someone said we should be the change that we want to see in the world. This is correct! Be the first to change. Live to make a difference in the lives of others and yourselves," he added.
Professor Coll highlighted some achievements of the USP Emalus campus that were important to the University’s transformation to excellence including academic achievements, improvements in wireless services and the opening of a fully equipped gym, among others.
He said that USP is happy to be associated with Vanuatu and has maintained good relationships with the Government of Vanuatu.
Since 1994, Vanuatu has hosted the School of Law and offers the USP Bachelor of Laws degree which is recognised as a qualification substantially equivalent to an Australian law degree by the Law Admissions Consultative Committee of the Law Council of Australia (LACC).
Professor Coll stated that the benefits that Vanuatu has derived from being a member of USP are considerable, amongst which the first and foremost has been USP’s contribution to human resource development.
He briefly highlighted some significant achievements of the University including:
Growth in enrolment numbers to more than 29,000 students; Opening of the new Kiribati Campus by the President of Kiribati, His Excellency Anote Tong on 3 November 2015. The construction of the new three-storey building commenced in late 2014, and was funded through an Asian Development Bank (ADB) soft loan of US$3.6m; Successful USP – Development Partners Forum which was aimed at briefing development partners on the progress towards implementation of the USP Strategic Plan (2013-2018), leading up to the University’s 50th anniversary in 2018 and to enhance their understanding of the University’s diverse role in the region; Invention of a mobility aid for blind and visually impaired individuals by USP engineering students; Over 100 University staff and students were recognised for having their high-quality research published in international high-ranked publications during 2014; and Granting of accreditation eligibility by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This is a US-based whole of institution accrediting authority. The granting of the eligibility status to USP means that the University is now eligible to apply for full accreditation.
Professor Coll assured those present that USP will continue to improve its quality and services to ensure steady progress towards transforming from a good to an excellent University, and that USP graduates remain the best.
He acknowledged the support for USP from member countries including Vanuatu and development partners.
He wished the graduates well in their future endeavours and encouraged them to make the University proud.