Today’s era is of a knowledge-based economy and students must strive to serve the community and nation, Punjab Governor Latif Khosa said on Saturday.
He was addressing the Forman Christian College University (FCCU) Convocation. Khosa also acknowledged the progress made by FCCU since its denationalisation. He commended the strong co-curricular programmes, which he felt contributed to later success of students. The governor recounted his own successes in debates and declamation contests when he was a student. Khosa received great applause for his remarks on acknowledging the contribution of women in society and the importance of gender equity. The governor also stressed on importance of research and discussed the significance of research in science and technology, humanities, fine arts and social sciences.
The convocation was the 9th since FCC became a chartered university in 2004. Degrees were conferred on 174 students, including 51 in BA Hons, 72 BSc Hons, 8 BSc Hons Business, 10 BSc Hons Computer Science,9 MA Economics, 10 MPhil Biotechnology, 4 MPhil Chemistry and 10 Post-Graduate Advanced Diploma in English Language Teaching.
Rector Dr Peter H Armacost summarised the progress the varsity had made since its denationalisation. Student enrollment had increased by 94 percent, faculty by 86 percent and 50 percent of the university faculty had PhDs while the average for Pakistani universities was 22 percent. In addition to new degree programmes, renovation of existing buildings and construction of two new buildings, the university had developed a new approach to the freshman experience. This helped new students adjust to liberal arts education.
Awards were given to Intermediate students who had given outstanding performances in board exams. The Syed Farzand Ali Medal for securing the highest marks in Humanities was awarded to Safi Aslam, The Inayatullah Al-Mashriqi Medal for first position in General Science went to Abrar Aslam, Rafay Khan Niazi won the Dr KC Chaterjee Medal for the highest score in Pre-Medical Group and Mian Waqas received the Dr MID Chugtai Medal for first position in Pre-Engineering. Dr Lubna Amir from the Department of Chemistry received the Outstanding College Teacher Award.
An honorary doctorate was conferred on Sir Anwar Pervez. Anwar migrated to the UK in 1952 and from humble origins built up Bestway, one of the largest food wholesalers in the UK. Despite this success, he has not forgotten his roots and worked tirelessly to improve conditions in Pakistan through philanthropy and business development. In 1992 he was awarded the UK’s highest national honour, the OBE, and made Knight Bachelor in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 1999 for services to business and charity. In 2000, the federal government awarded him the Hilal-e-Pakistan for his services to the country.
