GRADUATİON SPEECH 2016

Graduates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to the 30th Graduation Ceremony of the Girne American University!

Today marks a very special moment –not only because you are graduating, but also because today marks the 30th wave of graduates. 30 years have passed since the first class of GAU students walked on this stage to receive their diplomas. Today as our students you become a member of the great GAU Global Alumni Community. You join a network of approximately 20,000 graduates, among which are government ministers, parliamentarians, CEOs, and non-profit sector leaders from all over the world. By providing an education that is competitive at the European, Global level, GAU gives talented students an opportunity to consider the world as their home.

This year, we are celebrating the graduation of one of the most diverse and populous classes we have ever had. They come from different walks of life, from all corners of the world. Accordingly, we decided to split our Ceremony into two separate days to accommodate all of you and to give you plenty of time to walk the stage to receive your diploma as you cherish this significant moment in your life to the fullest.

The growth of the university- in terms of reputation as well as physically has been continuing before your eyes. We are ranked among the 150 Top Masters programs in the Middle East and EuroAsia region, our accreditations have been reaffirmed and we are headed towards an exciting period as of next academic year: We are launching dual degree programs with the University of London, as well as the Richmond American University in London. We are finalizing new innovative partnership with a number of reputable US Universities from the New England Region. On ground, we are finalizing the infrastructure for our Colombo campus, and we are completing the construction of our high-tech hospital near our University campus. Our staff is hard at work to ensure your GAU home stays a source of pride for you in the years to come. I am sure you will play your part and continue being our Ambassadors and our Diplomats to all new and prospective students from around the world. Wherever you go, I hope you continue to stay in touch with your faculty and your friends. Remember GAU as your teacher and your mentor; as the place where your intellect grew and you grew as a person. In return, we will continue to work hard to ensure that your GAU Degree is a source of distinction and pride.

As we part our ways, I would like to share a last few words about what lies ahead, and share some parting advice for the road ahead of you: The diploma you are about to receive will not make your life easier. I know there is a façade that the society has lead you to believe that you are somehow going to be immune to the problems of life with this diploma. On the contrary this diploma will make your life so much harder. Because what you are about to receive is a documentation of a world-class education.

Ignorance or indifference will no longer be an option. You no longer have the luxury of saying “I do not know” or “I do not care,” when confronted with a pressing question or a societal problem. Good news is that the knowledge that you acquired will make your life so much more interesting, and will provide you with ample opportunities to make a difference in your and others’ lives.

I congratulate you wholeheartedly on your graduation, and wish you all the best on your new journey!