June 23, 2018
Commencement ceremonies not only usher out the graduating class, but most importantly, they embody the opening of new chapters in their lives. Ashesi’s 14th Commencement was that and more, not only for the graduates but also, for the entire Ashesi community!
In what was a historic event, filled with loud cheers, stirring speeches and well-earned accolades, the University was officially awarded its Presidential Charter by His Excellency, the President of Ghana, Nana Akuffo-Addo, who congratulated Ashesi for its journey over the years.
“It has been rewarding for all of us to see Ashesi grow into a world-class institution that is confident in its identity,” said President Akuffo-Addo, who was the guest speaker at the event. “I am happy to have the honour of presenting to the President of Ashesi University, this exemplary Ghanaian, Patrick Awuah, the Presidential Charter. This qualifies Ashesi University to be a fully independent University that can now award its own degrees. Congratulations to the Class of 2018 for being the first group to receive your certificates from your now, full-fledged university, under the authority granted by the Presidential Charter.”
Held on Ashesi’s Archer Cornfield Courtyard, nearly 1,500 families, friends and guests were present to celebrate the 137 members of the Class of 2018 who were awarded degrees in Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science and Management Information Systems.
Other guests of honor included the Chief of Berekuso, Nana Oteng Korankye II, Professor Jerry Samuel Kuma, Vice Chancellor, University of Mines and Technology, Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, Vice Chancellor, University of Cape Coast, Robert P. Jackson, American Ambassador to Ghana.
Channel Ashesi in all you do
With the award of the Presidential Charter, Ashesi has now become an independent degree-granting institution, and members of the Class of 2018 were the first to receive Ashesi certificates. Speaking to the graduating class, President Akuffo-Addo urged them to hold on to Ashesi values and represent the Ashesi story in all they do.
“Ashesi does not cut corners, does not settle for mediocrity and insists on long-term good conscience,” he said. “All students that bear the Ashesi name and carry its degree must show the full weight of the investment made by Patrick Awuah, and do justice to the Ashesi story in all they do. I’m glad that his efforts are being recognized and praised around the world and I’m proud to share in his glory as a Ghanaian. And I urge you, the Ashesi class of 2018 always to keep in mind the high standards set by your university.”
A time for everything
Quoting from the Book of Ecclesiastics in her opening reading, Provost, Suzanne Buchele called on the class to take stock of moments in their lives, particularly as they and the institution transition from a time of being mentored to being on their own.
“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens,” she read. “What do workers gain from their toil? I know there is nothing better for people than to be happy and do good while they so live.”
Challenge the impossible
In a colorful speech highlighting the highs, lows and lessons learned, Class speaker Bryan Achiampong ‘18, shared the class’ story with the gathering. His message to the class was one of pushing through impossibilities and challenging the status quo.
“We limit ourselves because we falsely believe in the impossible,” he said. “But this thinking is wrong, and detrimental to all our futures. It is not impossible for us to have tarred roads leading to our university, it is not impossible for us to respect women and give them equal opportunities as men in our societies, it is not impossible build an Africa free of corruption, and it is certainly not impossible for us to change the single story of Africa in the world. All we need to do, is to believe we can, and choose to make a difference.”
Inspire the energies of others
In his address to the Class, Ashesi President, Dr. Patrick Awuah, shared the story of the role his parents, friends and family have played in the Ashesi journey, and the lessons he has picked up along the way.
“Keep dreaming, Class of 2018, because success always starts with imagination,” he said. “But remember that as bold and brilliant as you may be, your success will depend on your ability to inspire the energies and contributions of others to your cause. Recognize the immense contributions of all the people who have helped you get to where you are; recognize those who will help you get to the next stage of your life and career, and the next, and the next. Where ever you go, whatever you do, build a team around you that you can depend on.”
See all the Updates from Commencement 2018
Watch a replay of the Commencement Ceremony livestream on our Facebook page, or see all the updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtags, #AshesiGrad or #Ashesi2018.
Congratulations Class of 2018!
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