UniSey graduation ceremony |30 November 2019
The graduates in a souvenir photograph with President Faure and other guests (Photo: Jude Morel)
97 degree graduates, 3 honorary doctorate recipients
Ninety-seven students who have successfully completed their undergraduate and post-graduate study programmes with the University of Seychelles officially graduated yesterday afternoon.
The graduation ceremony, held at the University of Seychelles (UniSey) auditorium, Anse Royale, was attended by President Danny Faure as well as other high-ranking officials, parents and invitees.
Vice-chancellor of UniSey, Dr Justin Valentin, presented the students with their degree and master certificates in their respective study programmes, congratulating them on their hard work and determination, during his address.
“Dear graduands, your new qualification and experience will definitely expand your professional options. We are giving you a world recognised award which will evidently take you to greater steps. I wish to convey my good wishes to you in your future career and in any other ventures you will attempt as a direct or indirect result of your time with us at UniSey,” Dr Valentin said.
Dr Valentin went on to note the numerous achievements of UniSey over the past decade, noting that over 500 young Seychellois have successfully graduated with degrees over the period since its establishment.
Outlining the institution’s objectives, Dr Valentin stated that UniSey aspires to take a leading role in the socio-economic development of the country and region, by leading research and consultancy and to further collaborate with partner organisations with similar objectives.
Prizes for best performers were then presented by the executive director of The Guy Morel Institute Shella Mohideen, alongside Dr Valentin and sponsors from respective organisations.
The best performers at undergraduate level are as follows: Christopher Anacoura (Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Systems), Rania Matombe (Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Business Administration specialising in Human Resource Management), Sandra Sinon (Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science), Annie Antat (License de Français), Kwantema Simara (Bachelor of Laws) and Kurt Adeline (Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Accounting).
The two best performers in the postgraduate category were Wendy Freminot (Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice) and Ronny Antat (Master in Business Administration). Emmanuella Simeon was awarded best performer in ACCA Affiliate programme.
As is customary with UniSey graduation ceremonies, one graduate was also selected for the Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S) Colleen Morel Environmental Science Achievement award. This year, the award went to Sandra Sinon, a pro-active environmentalist with over 20 years of work experience in the agricultural sector.
Three years ago, UniSey introduced the Dean’s Award to recognise students who have performed outstandingly well, who have shown dedication and commitment towards their studies, and who have taken part actively in university life. Kelly Saminadin was awarded the Dean’s Award for the Faculty of Arts and Social Development while Kwantema Simara received the award for the Faculty of Business and Sustainable Development.
Asides from the graduates who were recognised for their outstanding achievements over the past years of study, three notable Seychellois personalities, namely, Marie-Thérèse Choppy, Julien Durup and Victorin Laboudallon were recognised and presented with Honorary Doctorate Awards for their outstanding contributions towards the country.
Mrs Choppy is considered a pioneer in the promotion of the Creole language, culture and heritage and has had an extensive career in education and cultural development.
Mr Durup is a well-known historian, author and avid researcher who has and is still dedicated towards research, while Mr Laboudallon is a conservationist, and one of the few people who have visited all 115 of the Seychelles islands, during his career.
Laura Pillay