The University of Guyana, last weekend (February 4 and 5), kicked off its first two virtual graduation ceremonies with powerful and uplifting speeches from two well respected and influential leaders in the fields of business and science – prominent businessman Stanley Ming and leading Guyana-born Pfizer scientist Mr. Vidia Roopchand, respectively.

UG, the nation’s apex state University is currently hosting a series of online graduation ceremonies which will see close to 2,600 graduands walking the virtual graduation stage. The ceremonies are being held in clusters. At the first ceremony, a total of 635 students graduated – 367 from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, 218 from the School of Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation, and 50 from the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. This ceremony saw the Faculty of Engineering and Technology graduating its first batch of students with the Associate of Science in Petroleum Engineering.

Mr. Stanley Ming

At that ceremony, renowned businessman, former politician, philanthropist and champion racer, Mr. Stanley Ming delivered a stirring address in which he urged the graduates to remain in Guyana and, “engage in activities and careers that will be fulfilling to you and be beneficial to your families as well as our national development.”

Mr. Ming left three main pieces of advice with the graduates: “Firstly, my advice to you is to establish partnerships with your fellow graduates and with Guyanese of all races, I repeat all races both from within and from abroad. Secondly, surround yourselves with friends and colleagues who know much more than you do; and collectively you will do significantly more than just as individuals. And thirdly, give back, make it a habit. Make it part of your philosophical view of life. Make it part of your daily life.”

The accomplished businessman then added: “If and when you start a company. Make sure your employees are happy. Make sure you give back to them through good salaries, benefits, and most importantly, give back by respecting them. Dignity is a critical element in how you give back. Respect everyone from the domestic assistant and security guard to the CEO.”

Mr. Ming further admonished the graduates to become servant leaders. “I hope some of you will seek the sacred job of becoming servant leaders…the hand that serves is holier than the lips that pray. This is the sign of a servant leader,” he expressed passionately.

You Are Now Members of a Unique Community

Meanwhile, the second ceremony which was held on Saturday, February 5, saw a total of 552 students graduating – 274 from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, 223 from the College of Medical Sciences and 55 from the College of Behavioural Sciences and Research.

This ceremony also saw the College of Behavioural Sciences and Research graduating its first batch with the Diploma in General Psychology. 

Mr. Vidia Roopchand

At that ceremony, another powerful and uplifting address was delivered by Guyana-born scientist at Pfizer; Mr. Vidia Roopchand. Mr. Roopchand rose to international fame for his role in the development of the Pfizer vaccine which is currently being rolled out in countries, including Guyana, to help fight the dreaded Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.  

Mr. Roopchand, who is originally from the Island of Wakenaam congratulated the graduating class for persevering to the end in challenging and difficult circumstances, “You are now members of a unique community, the community has never more desperately needed the benefits of science and technology, newly discovered knowledge and pursuit of truth.” 

“We live in a world that is rapidly changing and one that is being defined more and more by technology, I would venture to say that we are in the fourth industrial revolution. And like all other industrial revolutions, adaptability will be key in societies at large in the future,” he noted.

“This is an opportune time in history to start establishing the foundation for the technologies which will define the fourth industrial revolution in Guyana. Guyana has the potential to be a major player in renewable energy and biotechnology,” the scientist said.

Mr. Roopchand, who is also an alumnus of UG’s Faculty of Natural Sciences encouraged the graduates to be open-minded and teachable throughout their lives as science is ever-evolving. He emphasised this: "Your friends will correct you when you engage in self-destructive behaviour. Do not limit your conversations only to people who agree with you, diametrically opposed views should be heard and debated. Avoid the cancel culture, it is counterproductive…. admit when you're wrong, learn from your mistakes, accept your failures, and embrace them as learning opportunities and move on.”

The top scientist admonished the graduates to ensure they have a balanced life, “Seek to find balance between your personal life and your professional life. You will find fulfilment when both of these aspects of your life flourish. And most of all, lead with potential, integrity, compassion, a sense of duty, and a sense of purpose, it will define you in the years ahead.”  

Members of the public can view the ceremonies via the University of Guyana’s Facebook page @uniofguyana.

The dates for the remaining ceremonies are as follows:

Friday, February 11, 2022

• Faculty of Social Sciences
 

Saturday, February 12, 2022

• Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences

• Faculty of Education and Humanities

• Institute of Distance and Continuing Education – Degree and Diploma Programmes Only

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UG IN BRIEF

The University of Guyana is the 58^th-year State University of Guyana. It offers 136 programmes in over 60 disciplines online and face-to-face in 8 campuses across Guyana. With a student population of now 10,000, UG has provided education, learning, and research for over 50,000 alumni. The mission of the University is to discover, generate, disseminate and apply knowledge of the highest standard for the service of the community, the nation, and of all mankind within an atmosphere of academic freedom that allows for free and critical inquiry. UG's forward-thinking Blueprint 2040 is currently setting the course for the University's future design and institutional response to the changing needs of Guyana.

Contact:      

Ms. Krest Cummings

Public Relations Officer

Department of Events Conferences and Communications (DECC)

592-623-5104