USP graduates during the Laucala graduation ceremony this morning.
PRIDE and joy filled the air at the Vodafone Arena in Laucala Bay, Suva as family and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of over 800 students who received their qualifications during The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) graduation session this morning.
The air buzzed with excitement as parents, siblings, and friends waved and cheered from the stands as graduates embraced one another in celebration. Laughter and occasional beat of traditional drumming echoed throughout the arena, blending into a beautiful chorus of cultures that captured the spirit of the Pacific.
The final graduation session saw 808 students graduate from the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics (SAFE), School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLASS), School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE) and the Pacific Centre for Environmental and Sustainable Development (PACE-SD)
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia commended the graduates and reminded them of their role in society.
“Graduates – what an exceptional day this is! You have reached your destination and today marks the day when we celebrate your remarkable achievements and boundless potential,” he said.
“We live in a time of rapid change, in a world that calls for innovative thinkers and compassionate leaders. The education you have received has prepared you to be contributors and catalysts for positive transformation for our Blue Pacific.”
He also reminded the graduates that they are a part of a diverse family at USP.
“As you leave here today, remember that you are part of the USP family – a family that spans generations and knows no boundaries. Carry this bond with you as you venture into the world, with courage, resilience, and a heart full of dreams ready to be realised. I urge you all to continuously embody our values of excellence and creativity, ethics and accountability, respect and inclusivity, and supporting our Pacific people.”
Among the graduating class was Bachelor of Law graduate, Savannah Waqalevu who hails from Kabara in Lau with maternal links to Rotuma.
“The first semester was filled with excitement, especially as I was very eager to understand what law really was. But then COVID hit, and everything changed. With the support of my family and friends, I was able to navigate through those uncertain times,” she shared.
Now enrolled in the Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP), Waqalevu is preparing for the next chapter of her legal career.
“This graduation is a stepping stone. I know there’s still a long way to go, especially with PDLP and eventually entering the workforce, but I’m ready for it.”
“University teaches you how to manage your time, endure challenges, and prepare for the real world—and if I can do this, I know I can handle what’s next,” says Waqalevu.
A total of 1880 graduates were conferred with their degrees, diplomas and certificates during the three-day graduation event in Suva.
146 students received their Masters degrees and seven students attained their PhD during the 2025 April Laucala graduation in the fields of applied linguistics, computing science, engineering and climate change.
Of the total graduates, 57 received two awards during the sessions.
USP PRESS
