Next to tying the knot and the arrival of a newborn, the day a person graduates probably ranks as one of the most memorable highlights in a person's life. That overwhelming sense of achievement and pride was very much in evidence during Nilai University College-Oxford Brookes University (Nilai UC / OBU) graduation ceremony recently. Close to 500 students were conferred their degrees, diplomas and certificates at the President Hall at Nilai UC's 105-acre award-winning campus. Parents and students could not conceal their pride at having reached this momentous milestone together.
And none could be prouder than Valedictorian for the Class of 2008, Chan Pui Yeng from Selangor, who graduated with First Class Honours in the B.A. in Accounting and Finance. In her speech, Chan took the time to thank the Nilai UC lecturers for their patience and guidance by quoting author William Arthur Ward, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. But the good teacher inspires."
"Nilai UC is frequently perceived as a quiet peaceful area without distractions making it a perfect environment for pursuing their studies. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Nilai UC for making it possible for me to be part of this graduating class. I would not be standing here if it were not for the scholarships offered by the college," she added.
Besides the entire academic staff from Nilai UC, a number of lecturers from OBU were also on hand to witness the convocation. OBU Vice-Chancellor Janet Beer said, "Oxford Brookes enjoys a very special relationship with Nilai UC and I can assure you that we have only become involved in validating courses here because we know that it is an institution that achieves national and international recognition for its programmes of study." The fact that OBU has been named been named the leading new university by the Times (UK) Higher Education Guide is reflective of the institution’s commitment to excellence and quality assurance.
Besides handing over the scrolls to the graduates, a select few were also given special awards for their academic achievements. First up was Budiyanto Harliwong, an Indonesian student who graduated with First Class Honours in B.Sc. in Computing, who was the recipient of the Graham Upton Achievement Award for 2008. The Graham Upton Achievement Award is an annual award honouring Professor Graham Upton who served as Vice–Chancellor of OBU from 1997-2007. It consists of a book prize, certificate award and a plaque, which is awarded each year to the outstanding graduate of the 3+0 OBU degree programmes at Nilai UC.
Next up was local lass Zebine Nissa Sarfaz who was awarded the BDO Binder prize. This award is granted to a student graduating with a B.A. (Hons) Accounting and Finance (OBU) degree who scores the highest mark in the Financial Accounting Theory paper.
In closing, Nilai UC President Tengku Shamsul Bahrin wished the students well by saying; "We know that the knowledge and personal growth you experienced here will serve you well in coming years. Do remember that learning is an on-going process and that life is an exciting adventure. Carpe Diem! Seize every opportunity that comes your way to learn, grow and improve yourselves."
