KARACHI: Habib University, conducted its third, which was first online convocation on July 18, graduating 185 students. In an event, which was streamed on YouTube and Facebook, the University leadership, faculty, parents of graduating students, alumni, staff and University supporters all logged in to recognize the achievements of the Class of 2020.
Conducting of the Convocation 2020 online was a natural extension of Habib University's proactive approach in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ever since the closure of educational institutions, Habib was the first to shift quickly and seamlessly onto an online learning and teaching platform, making the Class of 2020, a unique batch completing their final semester primarily online.
In his remarks to the graduating class, the Honourable Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail, Patron of Habib University, encouraged the graduating class to continue to believe in the promise that Pakistan holds and to come forth with new ideas to benefit the nation.
President Wasif Rizvi, in his message to the Class of 2020, spoke of how what the Class had experienced over the past five months should be an inspiration for them to imagine a different world. He asked them to, "Cure your cynicism with passion and ikhlaas; challenge the ugliness and destruction with grace and beauty. Address laziness; indifference and incompetence with ehsan, which is vigour and excellence and tackle exploitation and avarice with ehsan that is goodness and service."
Dr. Azra Raza, a renowned oncologist, researcher and author, in her commencement speech, encouraged the graduates to, "Make sure that from this day forth you will live life to the full, and make every attempt to keep learning to keep adding to your knowledge base."
Those receiving Bachelor of Science degrees from the Dhanani School of Science and Engineering included 39 in Electrical Engineering and 44 in Computer Science. The School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences awarded 45 Bachelor of Arts (Honors) degrees in Communication Studies and Design and 57 in Social Development and Policy.
In his motivational message to the graduating batch, the Chancellor, Rafiq M. Habib said, "You are embarking on a new journey today; you have shown you are ready to face the new world by your commitment and the will to adopt to these uncertain circumstances and time. I am sure you will make your mark and contribute to this country and the world."
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020