Euphoria and joy filled every corner of the Graduation Hall in Samoa as family, friends, and
relatives gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of 99 students who received their
qualifications at The University of the South Pacific (USP) graduation on Friday, May 31.
This graduation marks a significant milestone in the lives of these students, symbolising the
culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Despite numerous
challenges, they pursued their studies with unwavering determination, all in the hope of a
better tomorrow.
Victoria Petelo, who graduated with her Master of Business Administration, reflected on
her journey, saying she initially questioned herself and her abilities when she began her
MBA studies. However, she expressed deep gratitude to her family for their continuous
support, which pushed her to excel and chase her dream.
“The MBA program at USP went far beyond enhancing my skills. It demanded a
comprehensive understanding of various business disciplines, and now I am better
equipped to address current challenges and seek new opportunities,” she shared.
She added, “The support of a diverse and exceptional group of professors from Australia,
Fiji and Samoa was invaluable, coupled with a cohort that valued sharing opinions and
knowledge”.
The 2024 Samoa graduation also highlighted the remarkable achievements of Pacific
women, who comprised 66 per cent of the graduates. The university is confident that many
of these women will play key leadership roles in their country, both now and in the future.
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, addressed the graduates,
saying, “This is a celebration of your efforts and also a time for us to thank the academic
and professional staff who have lectured you, tutored you, encouraged and supported you,
and given you the building blocks to face the world beyond the university campus.”
He continued, “Today, you join the ranks of our alumni. As much as our students are the
heart of the University, our alumni are equally our pride and joy, as they are our best
ambassadors in various leadership positions in this country, the region, and the world.”
Professor Ahluwalia also emphasised the importance of USP graduates as advocates and
innovators. Their contributions are vital in addressing significant issues, such as the
region’s climate change crisis.
The graduation ceremony also celebrated the hard work of 22 students who earned their
Master’s degrees, 16 who received their Postgraduate Diplomas, 27 who were awarded
Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees, and 31 who achieved their Pacific TAFE qualifications.
Additionally, 15 students were recognised for their outstanding performance and received
special awards during the ceremony.
One such student, Jeff Aru Revo, a ni-Vanuatu studying in Samoa, was emotional when he
received the USP Gold Medal for the most outstanding student in Agriculture.
The proud 25-year-old’s hard work was further acknowledged as he also received the
Telefoni Retzlaff Memorial Prize for the Top Animal Husbandry Student.
“I am happy that I graduated today, but at the same time, I am sad because my family isn’t
here to share the joy with me,” he said.
Despite not having his family present during graduation, Revo is excited to return home
and help his family and community using the knowledge and skills gained from his years of
study in Samoa.
In closing, the USP Vice-Chancellor encouraged graduates to pursue purpose-driven goals,
equipped with new knowledge and skills to seize opportunities and find solutions to
positively impact the world.