University of Seychelles’ graduation ceremony 110 receive undergraduate, post graduate certificates By Christophe Zialor |25 June 2021

Marty Fanny delivering the vote of thanks (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

The accomplishments of 110 students who were following the undergraduate and post graduate courses at the University of Seychelles were celebrated yesterday afternoon in the school’s first ever virtual graduation ceremony.

In order to minimise the risk of Covid-19, the school decided to opt out of the normal in person ceremony and instead broadcast it live on University of Seychelles’ (UniSey) YouTube page.

In her opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor Joëlle Perreau expressed her sadness over the fact that the students cannot attend their ceremony in person, nonetheless she stated that they should all be proud of their achievements.

“110 students are graduating in areas that are critical in the development of our country, these include law, business administration, finance, economics and tourism,” said VC Perreau.

The courses undertaken by the graduates included programmes offered by UniSey along with University of London, University of West Scotland and The Guy Morel Institute.

These include Bachelor in computing and information system (University of London), Bachelor of social sciences (UniSey), Bachelor of Social Science in youth and community work (UniSey), Bachelor of honours in environmental science (UniSey), Bachelor of Law (University of London), Bachelor in Banking and Finance (University of London), Bachelor in Business Administration and General Pathway (University of London), Bachelor in Business Administration with Specialisation in Human Resource Management (University of London), Bachelor in Business Administration with Specialisation in International Business (University of London), Bachelor in Business Administration with specialisation in Marketing (University of London), Bachelor in Economics and Finance (University of London) and Bachelor in Applied Accounting ACCA (TGMI).

For the Masters programme it included Masters in Business Administration (University of West Scotland), Masters in Tourism and Sustainable Management (University of West Scotland), and ACCA affiliate (TGMI).

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 Harini Naidu, a young Seychellois who has a passion and interest in the environment, particularly the sustainable use of our natural resources. Harini studied for a BSc in Environmental Science at UniSey and obtained a first-class honour while being the top performer in her cohort.

During the certificate presentation those who graduated with first class honour were also announced, they were Marty Fanny (BSc Computing and Information Systems), Natasha Lucas and Harini Naidu (BSc Honours Environmental Science), Veronica Soupramanien (BSc Banking and Finance), Anikah Moustache (BSc Business Administration General pathway), Manon Fejard and Sinha Levkovic (Master of Tourism and Sustainable Development).

The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks given by Marty Fanny, the only student who attended the ceremony in person.

Mr Fanny noted that looking back at his five-year journey at UniSey it was definitely not as smooth as he had hoped for but in the end it was worth it.

“I am sure that I am not the only one who felt that way. There were tiring days, sleepless nights, times when anger took over and even a moment when I asked myself what did I get myself into,” said Mr Fanny.

Having chosen to join this undergraduate course on a work experience entry route, meant that he had to balance full time work with studying.

He also advised those who are still following their studies not to completely give up. Even if for now the circumstances may not allow them to continue what they have started, “I urge you all not to give up. Get up and embrace the challenge. Push the boundaries and move forward.

Like the saying goes: “Success is sweet: the sweeter if achieved through manifold struggles and defeats. It is the struggles and defeats throughout this journey that have made us who we are in our careers. It is the struggles and defeats that have made us stand tall and proud today.”

He also seized the opportunity to thank his lecturers who have guided him and his colleagues for the past five years.

Even though the graduation ceremony was done virtually this did not stop graduates from putting on their gowns and celebrating their accomplishments.

As for the university, it described its first virtual graduation as a success.

Christophe Zialor