Graduation ceremony 2011 ends with pomp and grace

We have come to know the graduation ceremony at the University of Gondar to be one filled with excitement and class and this year’s commencement did not disappoint. The University of Gondar has been in existence for over six decades and has been an institution, which has been pumping out competent and transformative leaders into the modern day work force. Recently, with over 8 thousand UoG student graduates, the day saw an event, which celebrated their hard work and dedication.

Invited guests of the ceremony included the president of the Afar State government Mr. Awol Arba, Gondar City Mayor Dr. Muluken Adane, Afar State government Education office Director Mr. Ahmed Kaloyta, Afar State government Youth and Sport office Head Mr. Ali Hussen and UoG Former President and Ohio State University’s Global One Health Regional Associate Director Dr. Desalegn Mengesha.

University of Gondar President Dr. Asrat Atsedeweyn opened the event with an inaugural address to the graduating class of 2019.

In his remarks, the president of the University focused on a number of topics that included the three main pillars of the University: community service, research and the teaching learning process. Dr. Asrat spoke in length about the numerous community service initiatives that the University constantly embarks on throughout the year. These community service works are the reason for the existence of UoG and it will continue to become the aims of the University stated Dr. Asrat.

“The University of Gondar has been at the forefront in helping and assisting displaced individuals in the past year,” stated Dr. Asrat. In doing so, the University assisted in conflicts by comforting and aiding displaced individuals by catering to their needs. For instance, the president of the University brought up the fact that UoG assisted in providing financial assistance, clothing, food and materials for housing to those who were hard hit by numerous conflicts.

In addition to these initiatives, Dr. Asrat also mentioned the numerous other assignments, which UoG undertook, which included service in the fields of natural resource conservation, education assistance, improving the culture of reading, agriculture, health and law.

This year alone, in its regular, extension and summer programs, the University of Gondar had 30,501 males and 17,222 females, which amounts to a total student population of 47,723.Moreover, pertaining to the 2019 graduation there were 5,138 males and 3,227 females with a total of 8,365 student graduates.

The President of the Afar State Government and guest of honor Mr. Awol Arba spoke in length about Ethiopia’s current state of affairs and stressed to the graduates that unity is better than division. “I am proud to say that our state of Afar region has been a positive example for the rest of Ethiopia regarding peace and unity,” said Mr. Awol. The state of Afar, stated Mr. Awol, has been one of a kind and special in Ethiopia when it comes to respecting those of different beliefs, genders, and identities. He stressed the student graduates as well should be tolerant and accepting of all people.

The Afar president also expressed to the graduates that a positive mentality should be adopted so that they could be leaders of their communities.

Just to say a couple of things about UoG it should mentioned that UoG has been growing at a rapid pace and progressing in many avenues making the institution one of the best educational institutions in the country.
The University of Gondar is a proud institution, which has been ranked number one in quality for three consecutive years and has been ranked one of the Top University’s for the past 5 years.

UoG’s achievements when it comes to international partnerships which include the MasterCard Foundation, the Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Montana and numerous other partners is definitely fast tracking UoG’s plans of internationalization as well. Therefore, it is clear that the graduates will shortly become alumni of this vast network of success.

After the ceremony, the invited guests, the president of the University, higher officials, the guest of honor and his distinguished colleagues all took time to plant trees for the conservation and development of Ethiopia’s Natural resources. They all planted trees honoring the university and the country and their names could be found near their plants.

By Samuel Malede| Public & International Relations Directorate