A total of eighty students have this year graduated from the University of Seychelles (UniSey). 
The proud graduates received their degrees yesterday morning at the Anse Royale campus, during UniSey’s second degree graduation ceremony.

Present were the Chancellor of the University, President James Michel, former President James Mancham, Vice-President Danny Faure, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Herminie, Pro-Chancellor Rolph Payet, government ministers, Vice-Chancellor Marina Confait, representatives of the universities of London and La Réunion, deans, lecturers and parents.

All the students were recipient of a Bachelor’s Degree or the French equivalent Licence de Français in different courses offered by the following schools: Sciences and Informatics, Education and Language Studies, Social Sciences and Law and Business Management.

Addressing the students and guests, Pro-Chancellor Payet referred to the university’s crest which depicts the mountain we have to climb. He told the students that now that they have reached the mountain’s summit, the moment represents only the beginning of their mission.

“You have today reached that summit, but then comes the arduous task of learning to fly. Flying like those two wide-tailed tropic birds on our crest takes mastery, patience and perseverance. Mastery encompasses skill, understanding and confidence.
Mastering your arts does not end today. It is part of a life long process of learning, adapting and in some cases taking a step backward,” Professor Payet said.

The professor also told the graduates that much will be needed of them in a continuously changing world and asked them to become thinkers, innovators and hard workers:

“In the coming future much will be expected from you dear graduates. As the world becomes more and more integrated and dynamic, you will be more and more required to think outside the box, to put on your thinking hat, to think global and act local. Instead of waiting to be told, just do it. Act now and think later. Innovate, do more with less [...]. But, be aware that it will take longer than expected. Always keep in mind that genius is one percent inspiration, and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

On her part, the Vice-Chancellor of the University Marina Confait described the ceremony as a momentous occasion and a proud moment for our nation. She said that the graduation is testimony of both the successful fulfilment of study requirements and the ability of our country to continue to deliver degree programmes. While she wished the students joyful celebrations, she reminded the importance of UniSey in the development of the country.

“A university can transform a nation. UniSey can transform our country into a new Seychelles, the knowledge based society. Let us work towards realising this objective and celebrate achievements,” Mrs Confait said.

During her speech, Mrs Confait announced that she will be herself undertaking further studies and will be taking on a doctorate in philosophy course as of February next year. She took the opportunity to thank President Michel for having made her Seychelles’ first woman university Vice-Chancellor.

At the end of the ceremony, the graduates pledged to be loyal ambassadors of the University of Seychelles and promised to remain an example to society.

On behalf of her fellow graduates Edith Wong described their success as a single piece of paper and a single line on their CV which they had however taken a long time to gain.

She thanked everyone – what she called the whole village - who had helped them realise their dream. 

She was also thankful to her campus colleagues, who “in a true atmosphere of friendship have refused to break down in face of adversity and have sought to succeed, and who are now ready to go out and change the world”.

Among the eighty students who graduated yesterday, nine received the Best Academic Performer Award, which is given to the best performer in each programme.

The award also qualifies them for a government sponsored scholarship to pursue a Master’s Degree. The nine students and their respective fields are as follows: Roseline Lepathy (Business Administration), Kimberly Taieb (Law), Emma Valentin (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), Rondy Monnaie (Computing and Information Systems), Ginnie Laurencine (Geography and Environment), Thyra Faure (French), Brigitte Joubert (Education), Gitane Joubert (Education) and Shirley Pool (Education).

Forrás: www.nation.sc