Dear Students, Staff, Partners and Benefactors,

On behalf of Divine Word University (DWU) communities across all campuses in Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul, Wewak and Tabubil, I wish to introduce DWU's theme for 2023. "The end of all knowledge should be service to others." This theme comes originally from Cesar Chavez, a Mexican American labour leader and activist inspired by Catholic Social Teaching.   He himself ended formal education in Grade 8, but his down-to-earth non-violent approach has inspired people from all walks of life to be agents of change for the common good.  This is surely what Divine Word University promotes in its vision: "To be the leading university, in the Catholic tradition, committed to integral human development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Region."

DWU offers a chance to those interested in improving themselves spiritually and intellectually so that they may become responsible citizens and contribute positively to the development of society.  The university aims to turn out graduates with the knowledge and skills required for national development as well as professionals who will provide Christian leadership for the nation. Through education we can empower people with the right education and life-skills that provide them with the opportunity to earn an honest living.

It is a privilege to have access to university education and with that privilege comes responsibilities. While knowledge and skills can increase our capacity for gaining employment or for building our reputation, they cannot stop there.  Our cultural and religious traditions summon us to share in ways that benefit others and strengthen our community. I sincerely hope that attitude and approach to life will be learned as part of the way we live and learn at DWU.

I renew the invitation to our partners, benefactors, donors, alumni, parents, and our partner the Government of Papua New Guinea, to join us in our mission to create a just, peaceful and progressive society for Papua New Guinea and our neighbours.

I wish you a blessed and successful journey in 2023!

Professor Philip Gibbs SVD, STD, OBE

President