DAVID WAPAR
ONE could feel the warmth of love and oneness as families, friends and sponsors of Divine Word University’s final year students gathered for the Sixth Missioning Ceremony last Friday.
As with other major university events, the Madang campus came to life as hugs were exchanged, hands shaken and the campus soil soaked up tears of joy shed by family members and guardians.
For many people it was a joyous moment to reunite with and witness sons, daughters and loved ones commissioned as students about to leave undergraduate study and move on to careers or higher academic pursuits.
DWU’s Missioning Ceremony takes place on the Friday of the last week of lectures before the end-of-year examinations.
It provides an opportunity for parents, guardians and sponsors to congratulate the students and wish them best wishes in their exams.
DWU President Fr Jan Czuba described the ceremony as “the ending process of transition from youth to adulthood.
“Transition happens every time a person undergoes a major life change,” Fr Czuba said, “and if your son or daughter was a teenager a few years ago, an important life transition has been accomplished.
“This is the transition from being a youth to adulthood – from university into the world,” he told parents and guardians.
He said the process of transition is a very challenging one and parents and guardians must deal with the many issues it brings forth.
When students are enrolled at DWU, they become members of the university community and the institution has a responsibility to rise to meet those challenges.
Students on the other hand were commended for making it to their final year of study at DWU.
“You have made yourself what you are and, if it is good, it is better than your youth,” Fr Czuba said.
The US Ambassador to PNG, Walter North, who officiated at the ceremony, reminded students of their standing in society as agents of change.
“I have been amazed at the tremendous spirit of innovation, generosity and grit that makes lives of dignity possible in the land of the unexpected,” Mr North said.
“I am inspired by the efforts of those who work on the side of the angels to help make life better for all Papua New Guineans. But there is more to do.”
He said more than educational qualifications are pillars to PNG’s development.
“Critical thinking and strong values are the bedrock of being educated,” he said.
DWU Vice President Student Affairs, Ted Alau, hailed the ceremony as a success.
“It was well-organised,” he said. “To all who assisted in making the 2014 missioning and thanksgiving a success, a big thank you.”
Parents’ representative and managing director of Eda Ranu Ltd, Henry Mokono, in congratulating final year students, praised DWU for providing exceptional education services and facilities that parents can choose for their children.
Mr Mokono said parents like him were proud to send their children to DWU because of the environment it provided.
He congratulated Fr Czuba and his management for their efforts and also applauded the Catholic Church administration for their foresight in building an alternate university that parents can choose from.
A total of 336 students were commissioned and the ceremony was witnessed by more than 600 parents, guardians, sponsors and members of the public.
We wish them all the best as they go forth as adults and serve with love.
As the motto of the University says, Sic currite ut comprehendatis! Run a good a race to win in the true spirit of fairness and justice.