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Speaking at the Winter Graduation ceremony in the
Whitla Hall, the Chancellor of Queen's University, His Excellency
Kamalesh Sharma, emphasized the importance that the disciplines
of law and education have in today's world. The Graduation ceremony
was attended by the Principal, Professor Peter Finn and members
of academic staff from St Mary as well as College graduands in
the Masters of Education, BEd and Liberal Arts programmes.
The Chancellor said:
Law and education have never been more important than they
are today. Nor, indeed, have our universities, which produce the
lawyers and teachers of tomorrow.
Universities are the centres of research; cradles of discovery
and innovation; the birthplace of much of the invention, creativity
and knowledge; and development and growth which will continue
to transform global society. They train leaders. They create and
disseminate knowledge which enhances our understanding of ourselves
and each other.
Universities prepare their graduates – men and women
such as you in front of me today – to play leading roles
in our changing and hopefully brave, new world. This is particularly
the case at Queen’s, which offers world-class opportunities
to benefit from all that enriches student life – cultural,
social and sporting activities, as well as academic learning and
experience.
And now, more than ever, it is true that no people are an
island unto themselves. Social networking underpinned by the impact
of mobile communications, ensures that you more than any previous
generation, can sustain friendships around the world. Your time
at Queen’s will have opened many opportunities and, in turn,
you can help your University by reinforcing the excellent collaborations
between Queen’s and leading institutions in India, China,
Malaysia and North America. There is no doubt that the University’s
international links benefit the community we serve. We are operating
in a competitive, worldwide higher education environment and the
stronger the University's international connections, the greater
the contribution it can make to the economic and social development
of Northern Ireland.
As Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, I have long believed
and stated that education and learning are the keys to the three
things which we hold dearest in the Commonwealth: democracy, development
and diversity.
You who are graduating today have been privileged in the
education you have received and the learning you have enjoyed.
As you leave here today, I hope you will make the most of these
experiences. You truly are at the beginning of a fascinating and
exciting journey, full of promise and rewards: make sure you enjoy
it.
Whether through research, teaching, or professional practice,
the study of your disciplines will enable you, directly or indirectly,
to serve society.
Albert Schweitzer, once gave the following advice in like
position: “One thing I know: the only ones among you who
will be really happy are those who will have sought and found
how to serve.”
If you seek a role model for this purpose, you need look
no further than our honorary graduands this afternoon: an eminent
and influential educationalist and an international statesman.
They are exemplars for all of us.
You too can be role models. You do not have to achieve the
heights of worldly success to lead others. You can do so by your
attitudes, your actions, your integrity and your values, as you
go about your day-to-day life. All of us have it within us to
lead by example, quite simply by how we choose to live our lives
and use our unique gifts.
We can inspire others by our enthusiasm, our love of life
and humanity, our respect for diversity, our behaviour in adversity
and in triumph, our concern and sympathy for others – and
in the way in which we use our strengths and handle our weaknesses.
So I ask you to use your gifts, your education, your being
an ambassador of a great university, wisely and well. I urge you
to aim high and give of yourselves and your abilities to their
limits, both for your own and for the greater good. Be an inspiration.
Make Queen’s even more proud of you.
Our warm felicitations, good luck, and our best wishes for
the future go with you.
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