The 17th Congregation marked a new chapter in the lives of this year's 6,864 graduates. Upon their shoulders rests the future, and CityU's President Professor H K Chang reminded them in his address, "You cannot plot out your life's story and anything is possible." He said, "With hard work and determination you can succeed in anything you do and go anywhere you

choose. The future is yours." (Please turn to page 8 for the full text of the President's address.)

Of the 6,864 graduates conferred academic awards from 12 to 16 November, 67 were awarded PhDs; 1,182 Master's Degrees; 52 Postgraduate Diplomas; 155 Postgraduate Certificates; 2,262 Bachelor's Degrees; 1,144 Associate Degrees; and 1,602 Higher Diplomas and Diplomas. Three prominent figures-Mr William Mong Man-wai, Professor Qu Geping and Dr Myles Brand were conferred honorary degrees at the fourth session. The five winners of the Teaching Excellence Awards 2002 also received their awards at the Congregation.

 

The first batch of Associate Degree graduates from the College of Higher Vocational Studies to receive their awards was one of the highlights of the Congregation. A total of 1,100 Associate Degree students graduated from the College's 15 programmes, which included: architectural studies, engineering, surveying, accountancy, business administration, Chinese studies, Japanese studies, translation, community services management, public administration and social work.

Ten student representatives thanked the University on behalf of the graduates. Ms Jacqueline Tong, a graduate in Public and Social Administration who has embarked on her career as a journalist, thanked CityU for giving her the opportunities to realize her full potential, through an exchange programme and other student activities. She concluded with the pledge: "May we act as good and loyal ambassadors of City University, and work together for the prosperity of Hong Kong."