Saint Monica University Holds Second Commencement Ceremony

June 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Buea, Cameroon – Saturday, May 3, 2014: Saint Monica University (SMU): The American International University today announced that it has graduated 30 students in various disciplines with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The ceremony, which held at the University Auditorium, was witnessed by a huge crowd comprising of members of the SMU community and invited guests. Of the 30 graduating students, 23 earned a bachelor’s degree, while seven were for the master’s degree. The students represented the following schools – The School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP); the School of Health and Human Services (SHHS); and the School of Science, Technology, and Engineering (SSET).

In his welcome address, Prof. Januarius J. Asongu, President of SMU, reminded those graduating that although they had come to the end of this phase of their academic journey, they were just beginning a new chapter in their lives; hence, the preference for the term “Commencement” over “Graduation.” He said “although you have been well-equipped with a sound liberal education solidified by professional skills, you should expect daunting challenges. Such challenges should become stepping stones for your success; not an excuse for giving up. I have faced such challenges myself, but I will never give-up! Not giving up doesn’t mean sticking to the same failed concepts and hoping for a better results – that’s madness! Not giving-up means learning from your failure and looking for innovative solutions. The most successful students are sometimes not the most successful people in life… When faced with each trial, you should remember the core values you have learned here at SMU – Honesty, Integrity, Respect, and Endurance (HIRE).  Never forget that it is always good to be good; and good must be done, evil avoided.”

“Our graduates are expected to improve the common good by utilizing their skills and knowledge to promote tolerance, compassion, and social justice,” said Prof. Stephen Denis Fomin, Registrar and Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs at SMU. “Our curriculum is designed to engage students with important social concerns, both domestic and international, and prepare them to lead as informed citizens, socially responsive professionals, and active members of the community. It is because of this that our motto is Servire Sine Fine, the Latin for ‘Service Without Limit,’ and our slogan is ‘Transforming Lives; Transforming Society’.”

In his speech, Mr. David Stephen, the valedictorian who was graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Cum Laude) told his colleagues: “Today, we see the future. Today, we behold tomorrow. Today like eaglets, we begin taking our first flights. Today we take on courage, dropping fear; we become immersed in knowledge, parting with ignorance. Today we become gifts to the world; solution to challenges – even those as hard as a rock.

“We, during our time in SMU, had education, consisting of values and academics. We learned subjects under our major, others in general education and, values – in how to behave, in class or officially; we learned to take deadlines seriously – after several assignments and projects never prorogued; we learned to communicate effectively – sending, receiving or pooling information for the purpose of sharing.

“We learned critical thinking, we learned to ask probing questions, we learned not just to accept a thing for the sake of it, but for accompanying evidence. We learned to be punctual, knowing the come-late, rather-not, principle of some teachers. We learned to listen, seeing how spoken word in class could help in answering exam questions; and we learned also, to think fast.

“We are being unveiled today, not just to this immediate audience – right here, but the ultimate audience of the global workforce. Everyone will be watching, those of us who from now become proletarians, or those returning to the academe – if really we would make any difference. We go forth, with the nudge of this great university, then with individual resolutions, to excel in some of the right things we lay ahead for ourselves.”

About Saint Monica University: The American International University

Saint Monica University (SMU) is an American-style private Christian institution, offering programs that are at the intersection of the liberal arts, science and technology. It is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, entrepreneurial and professional development of a diverse student population. SMU is focused on the student experience and helping our students achieve their educational and career goals, and contributing to a more sustainable society.  We offer various bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees through the School of Arts & Education (SAE), School of Business & Public Policy (SBPP), School of Health & Human Services (SHHS), and School of Science, Engineering & Technology (SSET). SMU is accredited in the United Kingdom by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and University (ASIC) with Accreditation No: AS22357/0614. SMU is also fully accredited in Cameroon by the National Commission on Private Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education with the Ordinance of Creation No: E14/0028/MINESUP/SG/DDES and the Ministerial Letter No: 14/01319/L/MINESUP/SG/DDES/ESUP/SDA/OAGS authorizing its operation. For more information about SMU, visit our website: www.smuedu.org or write to us at admissions@stmonicauniversity.com.