March 10, 2010

DWU graduates in business studies taking in the words of advice from Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare during their convocation at the Madang campus on Sunday 7th March, 2010.

Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare has told recent graduates of Divine Word University to be proud that they have received qualifications from a university that is setting the standards in the region.

“As a graduate of DWU you should be proud of your university.

“It is a leader in tertiary education, internationally recognized for its effective vision, innovation progressiveness and commitment to advancing the prospects of PNG and its people,” Sir Michael told more than 960 students that graduated at the Madang campus on Sunday, 7th of March, 2010.

“The preparation you have had at DWU gives you a competitive edge in both professional and civic endeavours.

Sir Michael whose daughter and press secretary, Betha passed out of DWU in 2002 with a degree in Communication Arts (journalism) said the university has earned wide acclaim for its nurturing and values-based education.

“Wherever you go in the future your award from DWU will give you distinct advantages in both your professional and community involvements.

“You graduate from a University which has built strong relationships in the international world of scholarship.

“This gives your award special distinction and reputation therefore, in your professional life, therefore in your professional life you need to perform up to this reputation,” Sir Michael said.

DWU President, Fr Jan Czuba likened the DWU qualifications as the necessary components the graduates can use to “to build a door of opportunity” for their futures. 

Fr Czuba said in keeping with its theme for 2010 “DWU commits to work with sister universities and research institutions to strengthen the quality of higher education, especially those with whom we have relations in Australia and Europe. 

He also stated that 2010 also marks the full implementation of DWU’s paperless policy and it will challenge itself by making maximum use of Information Technology for quality of research, teaching and learning.

“I am also happy that DWU has responded positively to the request form the National Department of Health to establish a Faculty of Medicine at the University to provide the needed services to the rural areas of PNG.

The graduation was well-attended by parents, sponsors and dignitaries that include the Prime Ministers and Lady Veronica Somare, government ministers, diplomats, department heads,  business executives, provincial and community leaders and visiting professors and executives from national and international universities.