Spicer Adventist University’s Second Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2021 was held on 28th March, 2021. A total of 543 students across both levels – undergraduate and post graduate and comprising six Divisions of study successfully graduated with much fanfare and a lasting sense of accomplishment.
Owing to the prevailing pandemic situation the Ceremony was conducted online virtually – an unprecedented feat in its own right! The University Administration complied with all government mandated regulations and norms with regard to the efficient organisation and orderly conduct of an event of this scale. In tandem with government mandated regulations, the Convocation Ceremony was held in two separate sessions – the first from 10 AM to 12 Noon in which students from the Divisions of Arts & Social Sciences, Education and Religious Studies were conferred their degrees. The second session was held from 4 PM to 6 PM which saw students from the Divisions of Business & Commerce, Performing Arts and Sciences being conferred their degrees. Gatherings during the Convocation Ceremony were limited to a total number of 50 people in each session respectively. While online participation of the students was the most preferred and suitable way to attend this ceremony, meritorious students who were awarded with Gold Medals and other students who were desirous of attending the Convocation Ceremony in – person were required to produce a negative RTPCR report for their own safety and the safety of those residing on campus.
Despite COVID related constraints, the Convocation Ceremony was graced by a galaxy of guests, dignitaries and eminent personalities. Dr Sanjeevan Arsud, Vice Chancellor, SAU welcomed everyone and declared the Convocation open. The Aim of the Graduating Class of 2021 was To Excel…With Thee and the Motto, In Thy Strength.
Dr Nitin Karmalkar, Vice Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University was the Chief Guest and advised the graduates to attain heights of perfection in every sphere of life in his address. He also released Spicer Adventist University’s annual pictorial, Oreodoxa; aptly themed – Virtually Together – Connected Forever.
His Excellency Dr Demeke Atnafu Ambulo, Consul General, Consulate General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mumbai was the Guest of Honour. He spoke about the role of education and highlighted the significance of higher education and professional courses of study in today’s world.
Dr S.W. Gosavi, HoD, Physics and Environmental Science, SPPU was the Special Guest during this session. Dr R. N. Prabhudas, Director, Department of Education, SUD was also a Guest of Honour and offered the Prayer of Consecration for the young graduates.
The Second Session of the Convocation Ceremony was graced by Dr Eknath B Khedkar, Vice President, Ajeenkya D Y Patil University, Pune as the Chief Guest. Guests of Honour on the dais were Mr Jacob Verghese, Vice President of HR, SKF Pvt. Ltd., Pune, Dr Amrarendra Sahoo, Former Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Lucknow & Kolkata and Dr Samidas Johnson, Founder & Director, Hope TV India.
The degrees were conferred virtually by Dr Sanjeevan Arsud and he was assisted by Dr Simon Yesu, Registrar, SAU and Shri A S Varekan, Controller of Examinations, SAU.
Dr. Sanjeevan Arsud in his Charge to the Graduates stressed on being rooted to core values of having faith in God and pursuing excellence in all aspects. He heartily congratulated them and wished them success in all their endeavours. The Convocation Ceremony was brought to a close with the singing of the National Anthem and Benediction offered by Dr Samidas Johnson.
The Graduation ceremony is one of the most awaited, and exciting programs of the year. Due to the pandemic, we were not sure about the dates. But finally, it was time for the much-anticipated event. The enthusiasm and excitement could be felt in the campus. Seeing everyone busy and preparing for the ceremony made me even more eager for it. The whole campus was decorated elegantly, conveying a celebration.
The Consecration and Baccalaureate services went on gracefully. For the Convocation ceremony on Sunday, there were two separate services held. Though there were very few graduates present, happiness was in the air. I was thrilled to wear my gown and cap. The House of Prayer was decorated so beautifully. I enjoyed every bit of the service, from preparing to march in, the inspiring sermon, watching the others take their certificates, and taking mine, and marching out, as a graduate.
In the past, I have never really imagined how my graduation would be like, but looking back, I can happily say that I am grateful and blessed to have been a part of Convocation 2021. I appreciate the administration, staff and faculty, for their efforts in making this possible. Being a part of this reminded me to be grateful for all those who have helped me come this far, and to give all glory to God for His graciousness.
Delight Kollabathula, B.A. Religious Studies
The first ever Convocation Ceremony was held on July 14th, 2019 in a packed Spicer House Prayer with distinguished guests; staff and faculty of the University, parents, students and most importantly the graduating class.
The outgoing class consisted of 465 graduates and postgraduates from six divisions. The Convocation Exercise comprising of guests, faculty, members of the governing body and the outgoing class was led by Shri. A. S. Verakkan, Controller of Examinations.
Dr. Sanjeevan Arsud, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed everyone in his opening remarks. The convocation attire was carefully designed and each department was given a different coloured gown, sash, cap and a medal. Shri. M. D. John Moses, CFO was instrumental in making these arrangements within a short notice.
Shri. Ezras Lakra, President of the University declared the convocation open. The occasion was graced by many intellectuals and educators namely – Dr. (Padma Shri) S.B. Mujumdar, founder director Symbiosis International University in the capacity of Chief Guest and among others Dr. (Prof.) Dilip Ukey, Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra Law University, Mumbai, Dr. Vincent Richard Injety, President Heidelberg College, South Africa, and Dr. Vijay Thombre, Council Member, Rahuri Krishi Vidyapeeth. Dr. M. Wilson, Executive Secretary, SUD, Shri. P. E. Selvin Moorthy, Treasurer, SUD and Dr. Jacob Daniel, renowned dental surgeon from Bangalore.
The President of the University Shri. Lakra challenged the graduating class to be Empowered to Serve as they go Onward, Forward and Upward. Dr. Mujumdar exalted the efforts of the University Administration in taking it to greater heights and also commended the graduating class.
The degree award ceremony was conducted by Dr. Yesu Simon, Registrar and the degrees were jointly conferred by the President and Vice-Chancellor respectively amidst loud applause. Dr. M. Wilson offered dedicatory prayer for the graduates with the closing prayer and benediction being offered by Shri. Selvin Moorthy.
The Convocation Ceremony came to an end by singing the National Anthem. As the graduates marched out and lined up outside the House of Prayer, elated parents, proud teachers and well-wishers congratulated each one of them.
Pleasantries were exchanged in an emotionally charged environment and thus bringing the much-anticipated Convocation Exercise to a happy end.
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