On September 20, in attendance of parents and guarantors, the September 2024 Graduation and Degree Conferral Ceremony was held. For those graduates, parents, and guarantors who were unable to attend, the ceremony was simultaneously streamed on YouTube.
The ceremony was conducted entirely in English, offering a rich international atmosphere with many foreign language natives, having students from the English Studies Society (ESS) serving as the moderators. The ceremony opened with a blessing by Father Antonius Firmansyah (Catholic Jesuit Center), followed by the reading of Mark 9:30, verses 33-37.
In his address, President Yoshiaki Terumichi encouraged the graduates, “When you think back on your goals and motivations for learning at the time of enrollment have you been able to fully meet those aspirations? I do not expect a perfect score. I am always reminded that the goals of great leader are merely numbers to be achieved, but also a vision of themself and society based on their principles, and that the vision they pursue constantly evolves into something new and noble. Please always keep in mind the presence of others and those of the socially vulnerable as you fulfill your respective roles.”
Degree recipients included 13 doctoral students (including two doctoral students by special exception), 73 master’s students, and 200 undergraduate students. Doctoral degrees were conferred by President Terumichi in person to all attending students, as well as to representatives from each of the master’s programs and undergraduate schools.
Following congratulatory speeches by Chancellor Sali Augustine and Masao Torii, President of Sophia Alumni Association, and Hana Kasai (Green Science, Faculty of Science and Technology) took the podium on behalf of the graduating students to give her acknowledgement speech.
To close, the alma mater was performed with the Mixed Choir Amadeus Chorus and the Glee Club.
Click here for the full text of President Terumichi ceremonial address.
Click here for the full text of Chancellor Augustine congratulatory address.