On August 10th, we proudly commemorated the academic achievements of our graduates from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam in our first-ever Virtual Graduation Ceremony for Asia. The event was an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who took part in an evening filled with heartfelt emotions and cherished moments.
At this remarkable gathering, our honored guest, Mr. Joshua Nester, Managing Director at SEEK Investments, delivered a compelling message about the power of perseverance and dedication. He emphasized that each educational achievement brings us one step closer to fulfilling our aspirations and shaping a brighter future.
Mr. Joshua Nester’s Speech
‘‘It’s such a huge honor for me to be here today with all of you to celebrate and share this significant life milestone. One of the highlights of my career in global education has been my long association with Utel University. As mentioned, I’ve served on its board for eight years. Utel’s purpose and my own align perfectly to help more people around the world access quality higher education. Why? Because I believe in its transformative power.
Higher education changed my life. I was the first in my family to go to university, and my degree in international business formed the backbone of my career and my life. But you already understand this, because today we’re here to celebrate each and every one of you for finding your way to receive your Utel University postgraduate degree. Behind every award is an inspirational story. Take, for instance, Maryanne Bermoy and Kathy Joy Manzo from the Philippines both are qualified teachers who love what they do, and today they graduate with a Master of Science in Education to take their teaching, as well as their careers, to the next level. Roy and Jaz Superagui in Indonesia earn the same degree, but with a very different objective in mind. Roy is a professional corporate trainer and coach who aspires to build his own edtech company. Risky Olea Rese Afendi, a bank worker from Indonesia, received his Master of Business Administration to round out his professional skills and knowledge, especially in the field of HR, and also to become part of a global community. Rosa Jose Martins completed her Master’s in Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting to sharpen her professional coaching skills and share her knowledge with women in her team to inspire and motivate them to pursue their own higher education studies.
These are just a few of the incredible stories in this room today. Indeed, each and every person graduating here made a choice to pursue a quality international postgraduate degree. Many of you are able to work and learn because of the flexibility that Utel University uniquely offers. Make no mistake, though flexibility does not mean easy. Postgraduate degrees are challenging. Indeed, earning your degree by studying online is an even bigger accomplishment in many ways. If it were easy to achieve, then everyone would have one.
Somehow, though, each and every one of you dug deep and found your way to be here today. There is so much wrapped up in these three simple words: years of determination, resilience, skill, self-belief, and sacrifice. That is why these words mean so much to me and ought to mean so much to you too. These are precisely the attributes that will set you up for success in whatever you choose to do next.
That choice is entirely yours, and whatever you may choose to do, may you continue to find your way. ¡Thank you!’’
With those words, Mr. Joshua Nester concluded his speech at the Virtual Graduation Ceremony, inspiring the graduates as they step into a future full of opportunities.
