The University of the South Pacific‘s (USP) Laucala Campus Graduation celebrated over 1,000 students as they were conferred their degrees, diplomas and certificates on the first day of graduation sessions.
The first graduation session saw 596 students graduate in various disciplines from the School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP), School of Business and Management (SBM) and School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Oceans and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS).
Addressing the graduates, USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, commended the students for their remarkable achievements.
“Today marks a milestone in your journey of learning and personal growth. This commencement is not an end, but a continuation of the story you are writing with diligence, passion, and perseverance,” he said.
Professor Ahluwalia encouraged the graduates saying, “You can lead conversations about sustainable development, climate resilience, and indigenous rights, not as outsiders, but as insiders. As those who live, breathe, and understand the Pacific way.”
“As you venture forward, hold onto 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 our most profound understandings and advancements emerge,” Professor Ahluwalia added.
Among the graduating class was Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science graduate Jessie Mule Siga, who shared a moving reflection on her journey.
“I’m feeling so many emotions. It’s a bittersweet moment, since I lost my dad when I started my studies. But I’m happy that all the hard work from the three years of study has paid off. And I have my mum and siblings to thank for that,” she shared.
Siga also encouraged current and future students, emphasising the importance of time management, supportive peers and faith. “Keep working hard, and put your trust in the Lord,” she advised.
The second session on Day 1 had a total of 476 graduates from the Pacific Technical and Further Education (PTAFE).
The final graduation session tomorrow will feature graduates from the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics (SAFE), School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS), School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE) and the Pacific Centre for Environmental and Sustainable Development (PACE-SD).
Of the total of 1880 students graduating during the three sessions, 1202 are females. The newest members of the USP Alumni who graduated from Laucala represent a total of 18 countries in the region and beyond.