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Linking Young Minds Together
  Volume 3 | Issue 07 | February 20, 2011 |


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Convocation

Entering a New World

Tahmina Bintey Ahmed

Courtesy : BRAC

“So why would you care, to get out of this place, you and me and all our friends, such a happy human race ... As we all go our separate ways” - Dave Mathews Band.

Graduation is the time to look fondly upon memories made over the past four years. All of us have our own memories which we hold close to our hearts; some make us grin whenever reflected upon. Graduation is also the time to look ahead with anticipation at what the future may have in store for us. It is also a time to stop and think about the next destination. Once the hats and gowns are taken off, one is thrust into a world that is largely unfamiliar to a graduating student.

The sixth convocation of BRAC University, held on February 7, 2011 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre was the culmination of many heartfelt dreams. Minister, Education, Nurul Islam Nahid, was present as the chief guest while Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and an environmental activist, was the convocation speaker. Sir Fazle Hasan Abed was present as special guest. BRAC University Vice Chancellor, Prof Ainun Nishat inaugurated the event whereas BRAC University Pro-VC Prof Md Golam Samdani Fakir delivered the welcome address. Students along with their proud parents, faculty members and guests also attended the convocation ceremony. The programme began with the national anthem and the BRAC University anthem.

Nurul Islam Nahid, in his speech, fore grounded the magnitude of tertiary education. “The top priority for universities, along with giving a quality education, is that of 'creating values' and this is where I am very impressed with BRAC University's stated goal of 'creating ethical leaders'. Excellence in education means conducting research in all the fields,” he said. He highlighted several steps taken by the present government, admitting the endorsement of the Private University Act 2010, which aimed to improve the quality of education in the country.

Mary Robinson focused on climate justice while delivering her speech. Addressing to the graduates she said, “As you have been studying in a country regarded as highly vulnerable to climate change, you are of the generation which will need to grapple with this huge 21st century challenge in a way that my generation and generations before me have failed to do.” She added, “I would hope that BRAC University will be seen over time as one of the leading universities in the world on climate justice.”

The chairperson, Board of Trustees, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed said, “Our vision behind setting up BRAC University was to provide broad-based learning that leads to critical thinking and the ability to accommodate a diversity of perspectives. Over the course of the last decade, the university has made remarkable progress in fulfilling that vision.”

A total of 497 students including 309 in undergraduate and 188 in postgraduate were given certificates at the 6th convocation. Shammur Absar Chowdhury from Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Electrical Engineering and Morsheda Chowdhury from Master of Public Health obtained the Award of Chancellor's Gold Medal. By permission of the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor then commanded over the second session, where the highest CGPA holders from each department were presented with the Vice Chancellor's gold medal, and individual students were handed their degree certificates. A few graduates gushed about the immense joy they were feeling and simultaneously said how much they were going to miss their campus where they had spent four cherished years and had made countless memories and numerous close friends. For the parents, it was a proud moment to see their children walk up to the stage, amidst loud cheers from their peers and much adulation from their mentors, to receive their degrees from the honourable Vice Chancellor.

 

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