Accra, July 21, GNA – New graduates of the Valley View University have been urged not to cut corners as they journey through life but deliver selfless services and sacrifices that are grounded on integrity.
Mr Thomas Svanikier, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SVANI Group, who called the graduates to exhibit excellence, integrity and selfless service at all times, said as they go through the complexities of life, they ought to guide themselves against greed.
He said this at the 3rd Special Congregation and the 31st Graduation Ceremony of the Valley View University (VVU) on the theme: “Embracing Excellence, Integrity and Selfless Service in times of Uncertainty.”
The CEO said excellence, service and integrity were embodiments of time and there was no need to rush in fulfilling their dreams, adding that success would come their way through hard work and God’s Grace.
“As you enter into the private and government sectors, go into your profession with a clear mind, open heart with integrity, service to your job, service to the community and above all humility,” he said.
Mr Svanikier said excellence was not an act but a habit that required continuous efforts in their personal lives and fields of endeavours with uncompromising integrity of being honest, ethical and truthful to their principles.
He urged them to use technology to make a difference in their communities, adding that “life is what you negotiate for, you don’t have to just say yes or no to everything, negotiate for everything because nobody can fight your battles for you than yourselves.”
Prof William Kofi Koomson, Vice Chancellor, VVU, advised the graduates to go the extra mile to take initiative and anticipatory action as making things happen in their endeavours was a requirement.
He said they would be rewarded for being proactive, going the extra mile, anticipating the need and performing beyond expectations.
“You must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and selfless service to surpass the standard and exceed the requirements. Going beyond the call of duty is our wish for you,” the Vice Chancellor said.
A total of 839 students graduated with 81 students receiving post graduate degrees in Master of Philosophy, Master of Education, Master of Business Administration and Postgraduate Diploma in Education whilst six students also received PhD academic degrees in Business Administration, Accounting and Management.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, who was the Special Guest of Honour, Mr Thomas Svanikier and Mr Kwame Osei-Prempeh, CEO, GOIL PLC were awarded honorary degrees being: Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa; Doctor of Business Administration, Honoris Causa and Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa respectively.
GNA