The University of Technology in Lae now has a new Vice Chancellor.
Dr Albert Schram, formerly of the Maastrict University in the Netherlands, this week officially took over control of Unitech from Professor Misty Baloiloi, who had held the post for the last 17 years.
A special hand-over and take- over ceremony was held at the university during which Dr Baloiloi officially handed over the official gown and keys to the Office of the Vice Chancellor to Dr Schram.
Unitech Chancellor Phillip Stagg said Dr Scharm brings to Unitech a wealth of experience especially in academic, research and research funding, policy advice on business and environment as well as management.
Mr Stagg described Professor Baloiloi as ‘Captain of the ship the MV Unitech for the last 17 years sailing through many stormy seas and still continues to ply the waters with perseverance.”
Mr Stagg paid tribute to Professor Baloiloi for his leadership of the university.
He said together with the senior management of Unitech the Baloiloi team had contributed immensely to the successes of thousands of young Papua New Guineans who had graduated from the university with professional qualifications over those past 17 years.
Professor Baloiloi in his parting address described his 17 years at the helm of the university as challenging.
He thanked Mr Stagg and the university council, senior staff and many others who supported him throughout his life as chief executive officer of the university.
Dr Albert Schram, formerly of the Maastrict University in the Netherlands is now the Vice-Chancellor at Unitech.
In my life as a chief executive officer I have found that the most critical of all the virtues needed, by any leader, from his subordinates is the attribute of loyalty. To the senior management, deputy vice chancellor, pro-vice chancellors, registrar, bursar, planning officer, my brothers I thank you for standing with me in times of rain, storm and even hurricanes, as well as in times of sunshine and fair weather
Professor Baloiloi said in an address filled with nostalgia and emotion.
He told the gathering at the Duncanson Hall: “ I will not dwell on the experiences of the past nor the vision for the future of Unitech. I will leave that to history to celebrate where celebrations is due.”
In welcoming his successor Dr Schram, Professor Baloiloi described Unitech as a good university with short term difficulties but with immense future potential and possibilities.
The future potential and possibility, we must believe in and work towards. We must learn from the past but we must not live in the past. We must move to the future, and I am very confident that you will lead this great institution towards the future possibility
Professor Baloiloi told his successor.