Closing of a chapter
More than 300 guests attended Commencement Dinner 2015
The Class of 2015 was given a fitting send-off on 24 July at the University's annual Commencement Dinner, marking the close of Commencement 2015. Held at the College of Alice & Peter Tan at University Town, the occasion was graced by more than 300 guests including NUS Pro-Chancellors Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, Mr Po'ad Mattar and Mr Chan Sek Keong; NUS Chairman Mr Wong Ngit Liong; Board of Trustee members; senior administrators, as well as faculty, staff, students and alumni.
As guests were entertained with performances by student groups KR Acappella, Guitarpella and Elevated Pitch featuring popular local singer Faridzuan Faris, the general sentiment of the evening was one of innovation, enterprise and triumph.
"We strengthen ourselves and sometimes we bruise ourselves. But every experience, good or bad, brings us forward, one step closer…to achieving our aims, said Lim Kok Seng, outgoing NUS Students' Union President and Representative of the Class of 2015.
The theme of excellence and achievement also ran through the customary Commencement Dinner speech delivered by NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan. "NUS is not just a leading global university; we are not just a research powerhouse; we are not just a major engine of innovation and enterprise; we are also a dynamic community pursuing diverse and interesting things that enrich our campus and bring benefit to the wider society. Our work is marked by imagination, passion, a strong instinct for excellence and a commitment to making a difference, he said.
Prof Tan highlighted some of the many accomplishments by NUS students. One inspirational example was that of recent School of Computing graduate Ang Jin Hui who entered NUS via the GCE Normal (Technical), Institute of Technical Education and polytechnic route, clinching several scholarships and a place in the University Scholars Programme and NUS Overseas College programme respectively along the way. Others included the success of the Faculty of Engineering students at the Formula SAE competition in May, the Faculty of Law trio who reigned supreme at the Herbert Smith Freehills Competition Law Moot in June and the strong medal tally garnered by students and alumni at the recent 28th SEA Games held in Singapore.
"It is always such a delight to see our students deeply involved in a myriad of initiatives, excelling often, failing sometimes, but always trying their best, said Prof Tan.
As they joined in the heartwarming toast to the Class of 2015, the graduates bade adieu to their undergraduate days, moving on to a new chapter in their lives while being warmly welcomed into the NUS alumni family.
Prof Tan raising a toast to the Class of 2015
