St. Mary’s University graduates postgraduate students
St. Mary’s University (SMU) graduated a total of 636 postgraduate students on July 31, 2021 at Oromo Cultural Center, Addis Ababa. Female graduates account for 49.1%. The graduates did their Master’s studies in 11 local and five international programs. While almost all of the graduates completed their studies in the local programs, 11 graduates did their Master’s at SMU-IGNOU programs. The SMU-IGNOU programs have been offered at SMU since 2006.
The ceremony started with congratulatory remarks made by Wondwosen Tamrat (PhD, Associate Professor), Founder and President of the University, who urged the graduates to translate the knowledge, skills and experiences they have acquired during their stay at the University into practice and contribute their share to Ethiopia’s development. In his remarks, Wondwosen Tamrat (PhD) reiterated that St. Mary’s University has been offering demand-driven programs, which align with Ethiopia’s needs in skilled human capital at various levels. He also mentioned that St. Mary’s University works closely with renowned international institutions to deliver programs relevant to Ethiopia’s needs and demands. The IGNOU’s programs, which SMU has been for the last 16 years, is one good example and SMU has continued strengthening its linkages with other international higher education institutions that help contribute to the attainment of the national goals of producing skilled professionals, he pointed out. Wondwosen Tamrat (PhD) underscored female’s participation, which surpasses the national ratio encourages SMU to strengthen its efforts to make the environment conducive to them.
H.E. Mr. Robert Shetkintong, Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, who graced the event, made a closing speech in which he reiterated the strong link between Ethiopia and India. Mr Shetkintong appreciated SMU’s efforts toward contributing its share to spread education, which, he underlined, plays a very important role in peoples’ lives. He also expressed his pleasure to be part of this important event which allowed him to witness graduates’ confidence in their achievements.
The ceremony came to a close with group photo where the graduates took pictures with the Guest of Honor and the University’s Senate members.
