As many as 665 students graduated in various disciplines from Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) on Saturday.
There were a total of 577 Baccalaureate and 88 masters and MPhil graduates. The graduate valedictory speech was given by Hijab Javed, who scored a CGPA of 3.97. Amina Qadir, a MPhil graduate, gave the postgraduate valedictory address and Monim Khan Niazi gave the salutatory address.
In addition, 21 medals were awarded to students for achievements in their respective disciplines in the Baccalaureate program and 13 Certificates of Distinction were awarded to top postgraduate students. Ten students were awarded Roll of Honour for outstanding performance in co-curricular activities.
In his concluding address, the FCC Rector Dr James A Tebbe announced that this commencement marked the culmination of Forman Christian College’s year-long 150th anniversary celebrations. He told graduating students that they were now alumni of one of the oldest educational institutions not just in Pakistan, but the subcontinent. Tens of thousands of students had graduated before them.
“While faculty and staff try to keep this legacy alive, it is you the alumni who take it forward,” he said
HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, the chief guest, congratulated the graduating students and their parents. He said he believed that the youth of Pakistan would improve the current situation of the country and help turn it into a prosperous nation. He said that in addition to expertise in their respective fields, education was needed on being good human beings. “This is what a university should also be teaching,” he said, “and this is what Pakistan needs.”
In addition to the HEC Chairman, Dr Tebbe was joined on stage by the Guest of Honour Dr (Honorary) Chaudhry Ahmad Saeed, President of the Formanite Alumni Association. Chaudhry Ahmad Saeed recalled what he had learned both as a student and during his working life. He urged the graduates to always live by the two principles of integrity and courage. He reminded them, “You have completed one journey in your life, a more challenging one is ahead.”