The graduating class with guests and faculty
President of Academy City University College, Prof. Fred McBagonluri, has advised graduates to move with empathy to build beautiful connections, foster collaborations, support one another to create an inclusive and a compassionate world.
He said this during the graduation of the Academy City University College Class of 2024 students from the faculty of Engineering, Business and Communication Arts and Computational Science.
Emphasising on the theme, “Empathy, Grit, Patience, Relevance, Skills And Self-Awareness”, Prof. McBagonluri said it encompasses a powerful combination of personal qualities, skills, capabilities, determination, dedication and mindset that will help the cohorts achieve success and well-being in their various aspects of their lives.
He intimated that, the skills of the graduates will get them a job, their ability to work with others will keep them in a job, but to progress, they need to guide themselves with the traits and values to build strong relationships with others, overcome obstacle and achieve goals, develop growth mindset, communicate effectively and cultivate a sense of purpose and direction.
“Be patient with yourselves and your journeys when pursuing your dreams, commit to continuous learning and adapt new things, stay curious and embrace new ideas and technologies, ensure your contributions remain impactful,” he advised.
Prof. McBagonluri also advised them to take the first step of being an intern, disclosing that, sometimes a good paying job begins with internship and volunteerism, in that case, their focus should not always be about the money, because, they will be paid on the skills they will push enough to acquire.
CEO of Telecel Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai congratulated the graduating students. She said their transition from the University to the world of work is actually the beginning of a life-long journey and a learning journey, thus, they should make a difference out there, be dedicated and determined and acquire new ideas.
According to her, it is concerning to see people rising quickly to the top in their field of work but they lack the depth and breadth of practical knowledge and the experience to keep them there, thus she urged the graduating Class of 2024 to accept corrections, learn from others and add experience to their academic credentials to keep them going.
“I believe that there is no substitute to education, it is important that the youth acquire education and after that they need to gain experience, they need to take what they have studied here out there and put it into practice to make an impressive success,” she said
Boateng Kwabena Afari, the Valedictorian of the 2024 Class, said the celebration of the end of their four-year journey is a reflection, an end of one chapter and the exciting start of another.
He emphasised that overcoming imposter syndrome and focusing on their journey and capacity to succeed out there in making a difference is a vital key they should empower themselves with.
He encouraged his colleagues to take risks and build up their knowledge, ideas and skills in the betterment of their future.
Mr. Afari appreciated the University for its incredible work, especially the staff and faculty for their daily advice, encouragement and their contributions during their years in the institution.
By Janet Odei Amponsah & Najat Ibrahim Abdullah