Students who have studied with the Center for English Studies had their moment in the spotlight on Saturday, June 9th, when they attended the 13th CES graduation ceremony. The ceremony was attended and presided over by H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of the University of Cambodia. Other distinguished guests present for the occasion included Dr. Y Ratana, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Mr. An Sopheak, Director of the Office of Administration, Ms. Samantha Smith, Deputy Director of the Office of the President, and of course Mr. Pay Chheng How, Director of CES and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.
The ceremony ran smoothly with the help of a group of talented UCSS students, led by Ms. Soun Khanra. UCSS also provided the event’s talented MC, Ms. Heng Savadey, who led the proceedings dressed in an elegant black suit.
After observing the national anthem, Mr. Pay Chheng How initiated the ceremony with a brief report on CES’ history and progress. He informed the assembled guests that 568 students would be
awarded certificates this graduation, bringing the total number of CES graduates over the last seven years to 3,374. Around 291 of the proud graduates were there to receive their certificates in person. Mr.
Pay’s speech also highlighted what was to become a recurring theme of the ceremony: the importance of lifelong learning. Even though these students were graduating, Mr. Pay pointed out, they should nevertheless nurture a love for learning and take full advantage of the possibilities of an academic life.
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn was very happy to expand on this message in his impressive congratulatory speech to the graduates. Dr. Kao’s speech was comprehensive and personalized, using examples from his own life to give the students advice for their future studies and lives. He began by emphasizing the fundamental importance of good health, and then went on to advise students to read more, to not take their parents for granted and to have the highest respect for their elders, to make good use of their time, to start networking and making connections while they are still in university, and to never stop learning.
It was an apt message for the CES graduates, who have achieved the English skills they need to succeed and travel in the modern, globalized world. They have completed the first step, but the rest of their journey is just beginning.
As they set off on their new adventure, either continuing their studies at University of Cambodia or applying their English skills to jobs and careers, we hope that these graduates will remember to stay in touch with the Center for English Studies. CES alumni are the ones who can help us to look to the future, teach us what skills we should be teaching, and help us impart those skills through student seminars and other alumni activities. The future looks bright for graduates and instructors alike, and we are excited to discover what new learning opportunities await us all.
