Asian University News: Commencement Day 2009

Wednesday 23 September 2009 was a very special day for the graduating students at Asian university; Lord Ronald Oxburgh was on hand, as he has been for the past nine years, to confer degree certificates.

The University President, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya welcomed Lord Oxburgh and the assembled graduands, parents, students, friends and faculty members to the tenth Commencement or Graduation Day. He spoke about the founding of the university and how the alumni from previous years are moving upwards in their careers in Thailand and elsewhere. He wished this year’s graduates success with their lives, and hoped that they would remember their time at Asian University as something special.

Lord Oxburgh then gave each graduand their certificate, along with a few words of congratulation and good wishes. As the university has progressed, new programmes have been added, and this year saw the first graduates from the Master of Science (Management), Master of Education (TESOL) and Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia programmes.

After the formality of the certificate presentation, Lord Oxburgh addressed the audience, especially the new graduates, and spoke of some of the challenges that they will have to face as they start their careers; changing climates, diminishing worldwide resources, and other major issues. He concluded by asking the graduates to thank their families, friends and employers for the support they have received during their time at Asian University. Many of the graduands were not able to be at the ceremony as they are now pursuing their studies overseas, or working in other countries.

Dr. Viphandh also bid a formal farewell and thanked Robert Shrubsall for all his hard work; Robert is retiring after eight years at the University and as the first Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts.